Elgar: Symphonies Nos 1 and 2

[BBMmk2]

These great works, as they should be, I cannot sede them very much in the concert repertoire, these days(or have i missed some?) but as for recordings, I do rather like boult, Barbirolli and Handley in these?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

They appear fairly regularly, but, for some reason, seem to be broadcast more regularly in the afternoon slot rather than in the evenings.

Handley, Barbirolli, Solti and, of course, Elgar himself are my own favourites among recordings. I didn't like Boult's last recordings when I was in my idiotic youth; I should search them out now I'm in my idiotic middle-age.

[cloughie]

They appear fairly regularly, but, for some reason, seem to be broadcast more regularly in the afternoon slot rather than in the evenings.

Handley, Barbirolli, Solti and, of course, Elgar himself are my own favourites among recordings. I didn't like Boult's last recordings when I was in my idiotic youth; I should search them out now I'm in my idiotic middle-age.

I like a broad approach - Barbirolli, Thomson and Elder - also a minority view Loughran.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I like a broad approach - Barbirolli, Thomson and Elder - also a minority view Loughran.

Elgar 1 is my favourite symphony. Without reservation. My favourites are Barbirolli (Pye) and Barbirolli(EMI). The live Barbirolli I'm less happy with. I quite like SNO/Gibson and the Previn too
Elgar 2 is not even in my top 10, though I do admire it. Here I would go for either of the EMI Barbirollis, Boult on Lyrita or Andrew Davis

[Karafan]

For me JB in #1 from the King's Lynn Music Festival shortly before his death & Colin Davis with (of all bands) the Staatskapelle Dresden.
#2 has to be his stereo 1964 Halle recording.

[Nick Armstrong]

I have most of the above candidates in each, plus some others e.g. I used to love No 1 with Haitink and the Philharmonia (haven't listened to it in years)... George Hurst and the BBC Phil in No 1 have a lot going for them too, terrific last movement I think. Handley in No 2 is wonderful, something very special in the slow movement.

But if I could only keep one of each, it would be Boult and the LPO on Lyrita, as mentioned by Eine A. (Go for it ferney! ): http://www.musicweb-international.co...lt_SRCD221.htm

[Parry1912]

For me Judd, Solti and Handley in No. 1 and Handley, Barbirolli and Haitink in No. 2.

I include Haitink's 2nd largely on account of the oboe solo (Gordon Hunt?) in the 2nd mvt.

[Mr Pee]

I love both these fantastic works, probably prefer no.2 slightly to no.1.

Mark Elder's recent recordings with the Halle are rather good.

[amateur51]

Some good shouts already but may I suggest that Boult's 'live' Symphony no 1 from the Proms is rather special and the Barbirolli Boston Symphony Orchestra for no 2 too

And then there are several no.1s and an LSO no.2 performance with a chap called Sir Colin Davis who seems to cause controversy on here

**heads down airraid shelter with tin hat**

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

a chap called Sir Colin Davis who seems to cause controversy on here

See this:


















... that's me saying nothing, that is!

[amateur51]

See this:


















... that's me saying nothing, that is!

Bit late for that, me ol' china

[pastoralguy]

For me, Previn in No.1 and Handley in No.2.

If I were rich, I'd have sponsored Handley to re. do them with the LSO at Abbey Road in modern digital sound. Alas, a dream now.

Previn is odd for me. His First is one of my Desert Island Discs but his No. 2 is very lacklustre.

[ahinton]

Not wishing to spoil the fun or change the terms of reference, but what about no. 3?

[pastoralguy]

Not wishing to spoil the fun or change the terms of reference, but what about no. 3?

Ah yes, Elgar arranged for school orchestra...

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Since its has been mentioned, Paul Daniel for no. 3, though I would not be without Andrew Davis who gave the first performance.