Solti in Elgar

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Solti's self-confessed attempt to follow the composer's own recording as closely as possible does result in a sudden unmarked tempo change in the finale, just at the point where a new 78 side began.

I remember reading about this in Gramophone or a Penguin Guide many years ago - do you know where this is, Alpie? Comparing Solti and Elgar's recordings, I couldn't find any corresponding tempo changes in the Finale that matched a side turn (and none that were "unmarked", by the way).

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I remember reading about this in Gramophone or a Penguin Guide many years ago - do you know where this is, Alpie? Comparing Solti and Elgar's recordings, I couldn't find any corresponding tempo changes in the Finale that matched a side turn (and none that were "unmarked", by the way).

Ferney, now you really are challenging me. It's at figure 141 (Symphony no. 1).

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Ferney, now you really are challenging me. It's at figure 141 (Symphony no. 1).

[akiralx]

I'm thrilled to have recently discovered Sinopoli's Elgar collection (on DG, amazingly cheap). Controversial in their day I know but I found the two symphonies incredibly fresh and vital, In The South a delight and the two Pomp and Circumstance marches a revelation in detail, sounding fresh off the paper. The sound is superb and the Philharmonia in top form. The live Boult no.1 is probably still my favourite but after this thread I will have to explore Solti's verions too.

The Second symphony is the only disappointment for me in this otherwise excellent DG twofer - rather laboured in tempo and there is an editing error which gives us an extra harp 'chime'. But the First symphony is wonderful, and the playing superb as you say. His account of the Adagio must be the most beautiful ever!

My favourite Elgar 2 is Jeffrey Tate conducting the LSO on EMI.

[akiralx]

Has anyone mentioned the VPO/Solti Enigma Variations. There are only two recordings of this incredible orchestra playing Elgar, the other being an all-Elgar disc with JEG.

Yes - me, a few posts earlier. It is wonderful, indeed. The JEG CD on DG I used to have, not too distinctive IMHO. I also had James Levine conducting the BPO in Enigma on Sony, c/w Debussy - can't remember too much about it.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Yes - me, a few posts earlier. It is wonderful, indeed. The JEG CD on DG I used to have, not too distinctive IMHO. I also had James Levine conducting the BPO in Enigma on Sony, c/w Debussy - can't remember too much about it.

Ah, yes. You did indeed. Re the JEG, his interpretation of In the South is right out of the top drawer in my opinion.

[visualnickmos]

Ah, yes. You did indeed. Re the JEG, his interpretation of In the South is right out of the top drawer in my opinion.

Certainly is. A great little DG gem, that CD. As for sound/technical quality etc - first class.

But back to topic: I rather like Solti's Elgar recordings. At first I did find the symphonies a little hard-going, but given a few listens, they are in fact splendid renditions. Decca at their engineering best as well. Again, first class 'sound'

I also enjoy both his Enigma recordings - Vienna and Chicago. Can't say I prefer one over the other. Maybe I should do a back-to-back listen?

[Conchis]

Solti's version of Pomp and Circumstance 1 is far and away my favourite. It accurately conveys his own mixed feelings about Britain (gratitude for democratic tradition, frustration with the 'cult of amateurism').

[Lordgeous]

Has anyone heard the new Barenboim Elgar 2 which got a stunning review recently?

[Pianoman]

I found it less convincing than the Guardian's rave, but not quite as bad as Hurwitz's - somewhere between the two, which is seemingly what Rob Cowan thinks in Gramophone ( haven't read it ). Either way, not as good as Solti imo, or the Oramo among recent versions.

[Barbirollians]

Another very fine Solti Elgar recording is the violin concerto with Kyung Wha Chung .

Oops I see I am repeating myself but it is still excellent.

[Petrushka]

Another very fine Solti Elgar recording is the violin concerto with Kyung Wha Chung .

Oops I see I am repeating myself but it is still excellent.

A much under-rated version and agree on its excellence.

[cloughie]

I found it less convincing than the Guardian's rave, but not quite as bad as Hurwitz's - somewhere between the two, which is seemingly what Rob Cowan thinks in Gramophone ( haven't read it ). Either way, not as good as Solti imo, or the Oramo among recent versions.

I was disappointed with the Oramo - I'll give it another listen but it didn't match my favourites of Barbirolli and Thomson on first hearing!

[richardfinegold]

I am not as committed to Elgar as many of you Brits, but for many years my only recording of the 2nd Symphony was Solti. I finally added a Barbirolli and I always prefer the Solti, but that is probably because it was imprinted on me.

[Pianoman]

I was disappointed with the Oramo - I'll give it another listen but it didn't match my favourites of Barbirolli and Thomson on first hearing!

I quite agree it won't be everyone's cuppa, perhaps it was the mood I was in as I liked the 'lean' approach, which could equally be seen as bloodless or lacking passion in another mood. Solti's scherzo is hell for leather ( perhaps a bit too much) but I respond to that. I found the Thomson recording quality too 'swimmy' for my liking, though a good performance, and the Barenboim might well appeal to many listeners here, as it's extremely well played and recorded - I just find his tempo fluctuation a bit irritating, especially the first movement development.