Elgar Falstaff

[Barbirollians]

I always found this piece a bit heavy handed and dated ( sorry Vernon H whose recording I had ) until I came across the composer's recording which is very clever and beautifully played - any other favourites. I am about to play the Barbirolli .

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I always found this piece a bit heavy handed and dated ( sorry Vernon H whose recording I had ) until I came across the composer's recording which is very clever and beautifully played - any other favourites. I am about to play the Barbirolli .

I don't think you'll be disappointed: JB's recording is the best I know - even better than the composer's which is saying something. Handley's CfP recording was one of his rare duds, IMO: very "bitty", sluggardly and "effortful" - 'tho' it suddenly comes to life for the last section (after the side turn on the LP release) as if it's from a different and much superior preformance. Barenboim's CBS recording was excellent, too - but Barbirolli gets any laurels I have to give.

[Barbirollians]

Thanks FHLG - sounds wonderful so far !

[Ferretfancy]

This is not a favourite work for me, but I do like Boult's 1956 recording with the LPO, recorded in Watford as part of Nixa's first stereo project with Westminster. It's available on First Hand Remasters FHR06 . There are two volumes in this series with 2 CDs apiece, engrossing performances of Walton 1, Elgar 2, the Britten / Rossini Matinees and Soirees Musicales, and many more. The very early stereo is remarkably good.

[umslopogaas]

I have two versions, both on vinyl: Solti and the LPO, on Decca, and Barbirolli and the Halle on HMV. I think I slightly prefer Solti, because I like his style, but if you dont, there's nothing wrong with Barbirolli.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Halle/Barbirolli, of course, but Montreal/Dutoit is surprisingly refreshing.

[BBMmk2]

Halle/Barbirolli, of course, but Montreal/Dutoit is surprisingly refreshing.

I do rather like the Barbirolli meself!!

[pastoralguy]

The Mackerras with the LPO on EMI coupled with the Enigma Variations was the very first cd I ever bought. What I loved was that the disc was banded in such a way that the liner notes explained so clearly exactly what was going on. As well as the sound quality it proved to me that this carrier was the future.

[Parry1912]

Lloyd-Jones on Naxos is excellent.

[makropulos]

The Mackerras with the LPO on EMI coupled with the Enigma Variations was the very first cd I ever bought. What I loved was that the disc was banded in such a way that the liner notes explained so clearly exactly what was going on. As well as the sound quality it proved to me that this carrier was the future.

Yes! A superb record. That's also my favourite "Falstaff", along with Elgar's own and Solti. I also like Boult's later (1973) recording very much.

[Alison]

Good thread. I'd almost forgotten about this piece which I used to play over and over again (LPO/Mackerras).

Has it gone out of fashion ?

[Barbirollians]

It does not seem to be programmed very often . The Halle/Barbirolli is gloriously characterful on first hearing . I have the Boult somewhere but it is coupled with the Tortelier/Boult version of the Cello Concerto which is as dry as dust so it is not a CD I get out often . I must play the Falstaff again .

[Petrushka]

And it's 100 years old this coming October!

Yes, both the Barbirolli and Mackerras are wonderful. I bought them both on the same day in 1989. Elgar's own is, naturally, a must listen. There is a good deal of the same droll sense of humour that Strauss has in Don Quixote and like that work it is vital to know what is 'going on'. Falstaff's snoring is one of the real laugh out loud moments in music.

[akiralx]

Mackerras is v good - also Andrew Davis on Teldec (probably on a cheapo Apex CD by now).

[JFLL]

... it is vital to know what is 'going on'. Falstaff's snoring is one of the real laugh out loud moments in music.

I think that's its trouble -- too episodic for many, too 'literary' and about ten minutes too long (not to an Elgarian, though).