Great Elgar recordings

[BBMmk2]

I agree with almost all the recordings nominated. Just two I'd like to add: The Mackerras/LPO Enigma (stunning organ in the finale) and the Ledger Coronation Ode (demonstration audio quality on my old LP, though I now have it coupled with Boult's Kingdom on CD).

And I know it's a minority opinion, but I enjoy Bernstein's Enigma when I'm in the right mood. (Perhaps because I recall the television version of the performance, which I found very moving.)

That LPO/Mackerras recording sounds tempting! What's the overall opinion? There's no reviews on amazon?

[VodkaDilc]

That LPO/Mackerras recording sounds tempting! What's the overall opinion? There's no reviews on amazon?

It's also got a good version of Falstaff on 'the other side'.

Just for reference (and to show the cover design), it's this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Elgar-Enigma-Variations-Falstaff-Symphonic/dp/B000QUZ4KA

Interestingly, the spine caption says Boult is conducting! Some mix-up at the printing stage?

[BBMmk2]

As long as the rest is right, no matter eh?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Have you tried the Hallé/Elder recording, Alpie?

I haven't but I'll be guided by your recommendation.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I haven't but I'll be guided by your recommendation.

Not really a recommendation, Alpie (I don't know the recording): knowing your admiration for Elder's Apostles, I thought you might want to explore a recording you hadn't mentioned.

[Pabmusic]

Not really a recommendation, Alpie (I don't know the recording): knowing your admiration for Elder's Apostles, I thought you might want to explore a recording you hadn't mentioned.

Well I'll recommend it, then.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

That'll do.

[LaurieWatt]

The Bernstein Enigma Vars is a real challenge. But in the right mood it hits the spot!

I remember hearing Bernstein conducting the BBCSO in the Enigma Variations at the Royal Festival Hall, presumably just before recording it. I remember absolutely hating it. I saw the late Peter Stadlen, the Daily Telegraph reviewer sitting in the stalls in the interval and asked him what he thought of it. He said 'vat did yOu think of it?'. I said that I thought Elgar had dedicated his variations affectionately to his friends depicted therein, not in memory of them!'. He said 'may I quote you?'. He didn't, of course!

[BBMmk2]

Interesting anacedote there LW! I do rather like the way LB conducted Nimrod, in 6. What dfo other people think? Should this be in 6 or in 3?

[Pabmusic]

Interesting anacedote there LW! I do rather like the way LB conducted Nimrod, in 6. What dfo other people think? Should this be in 6 or in 3?

Definitely in 3. You have to remember the original metronome mark was crotchet = 63. Elgar changed it to 54 only after the first performance, when Jaeger badgered him. In his 1920s electric recording he takes it quite quick.

[Cheapskater]

That Sinfonia of London/Barbirolli record is very,very special.

Also -

Cello Concerto - Du Pre,LSO,Barbirolli.
Violin Concerto - Kennedy,LPO,Handley.
Sea Pictures - Janet Baker,LSO,Barbirolli.
Cockaigne - Philharmonia/Barbirolli
Falstaff - Halle,Barbirolli.
Enigma Variations - Philharmonia/Barbirolli.
Piano Quintet - Schiller,Coull Quartet.
String Quartet - Brodsky Quartet.
Violin Sonata - Menuhin.
Symphony no 1 - LSO,Mackerras.
Symphony no 2 - RPO,Mackerras.
I think I'm the only person in the world who rates the Mackerras Symphonies.

You're not the only one to rate Mackerras for the Symphonies! I have most of the other version but it's Charlie that gets the plays. I also rate his interpretations highly for other composers works. I also have Mackerras/MSO for the Enigma Variations, another favourite play of mine.

It's a shame that we have no way of voting for a proposed best recording on the forum? This could give us a clearer view of the majority opinion.

[akiralx]

Symphony no. 1 - Philh/Sinopoli
Symphony no. 2 - Philh/Haitink
Violin Concerto - Kennedy/Handley
Cello Concerto - Wispelwey/van Steen
Enigma Variations - VPO/Solti or LSO/Jochum
Cockaigne - RSNO/Gibson
In the South - Halle/Elder
Introduction & Allegro - Sinfonia of London/Barbirolli
Serenade for Strings - Sinfonia of London/Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius - Halle/Elder
Piano Quintet - Sorrel Qtt/Brown

[BBMmk2]

Symphony no. 1 - Philh/Sinopoli
Symphony no. 2 - Philh/Haitink
Violin Concerto - Kennedy/Handley
Cello Concerto - Wispelwey/van Steen
Enigma Variations - VPO/Solti or LSO/Jochum
Cockaigne - RSNO/Gibson
In the South - Halle/Elder
Introduction & Allegro - Sinfonia of London/Barbirolli
Serenade for Strings - Sinfonia of London/Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius - Halle/Elder
Piano Quintet - Sorrel Qtt/Brown

Unuisual reccomendations for the symphonies there.I didnt know that Sinnopoli recorded no.1?

[Pabmusic]

Unuisual reccomendations for the symphonies there.I didnt know that Sinnopoli recorded no.1?

He recorded them both. No. 2 is a dreadful (so slow) as No. 1 is wonderful.

[salymap]

I can't face going through all my Elgar recordings, cassettes, LPs and CDs, going back to the 1950s but must put in a word for the Tortelier/Sargent Cello Concerto, the Sargent Gerontius, either 1945 {Heddle Nash] or 1954 [Richard Lewis].

Also Sea Pictures,Gladys Ripley with LSO,George Weldon, Violin Concerto, Campoli/LPO/Boult and the Violin Sonata and String Quartet with Hugh Bean,David Parkhouse and the Music Group of London Quartet.

With apologies for'layout' Itwas meant to be one or two items