30.1.2012 (and 7-11-2011) Edward Elgar

[Nick Armstrong]

Sad to hear that the 'bleeding chunks' have now invaded CotW. The Elgar Violin Sonata with Hugh Bean and David Parkhouse was magical - for the first two movements, but that's all we got. The expected finale was omitted. Surely there should have been room for a nine minute movement when the programme was constructed?

I thought the same, Don. Particularly when we had that final movement of Elgar 2 as well... all very valedictory, but a pretty underwhelming performance... The last movement of the Hugh Bean sonata would have been far preferable

[Atticus]

I think Jack's death destroyed Kipling which is fully understandable since in many ways he made the boy his proxy: even unto death.

[Norfolk Born]

That's certainly the line taken in the TV film I referred to.

[Serial_Apologist]

The Elgar Violin Sonata with Hugh Bean and David Parkhouse was magical - for the first two movements, but that's all we got. The expected finale was omitted. Surely there should have been room for a nine minute movement when the programme was constructed?

Completely agree - never before having heard this sonata; in the delicacy of what we heard I was almost reminded of the Debussy violin sonata. I too couldn't see the poiint of going all the way back to 1911 to play the Second Symphony finale at the end; less still replaying the original version of "Land of Hope and Glory". Maybe something to do with coinciding with Armistice Day!

[Don Petter]

Completely agree - never before having heard this sonata

I do urge you to seek it out again (in its entirety!), together with the other two works composed while Elgar was at Brinkwells - the quartet and the piano quintet. They really have a character all of their own, both within his compositions and in the wider musical world.

[EdgeleyRob]

I've been catching up with these programmes this morning, nice to hear some rare Elgar.I agree wtih DP re the three magnificent chamber works, desert island music for me.

[Norfolk Born]

I'm going to a concert tomorrow afternoon. On the programme: Elgar's String Quartet and Piano Quintet, plus readings from his diaries/notebooks' diaries.

[Nick Armstrong]

I'm going to a concert tomorrow afternoon. On the programme: Elgar's String Quartet and Piano Quintet, plus readings from his diaries/notebooks' diaries.

What a treat, Norfs!! I agree with everything that's been said here about EE's chamber works, and I can't imagine a better concert for a mid November Sunday than the one you are off to!! Where is it?

[Norfolk Born]

St Andrew's Church, Felixstowe. www.felixstowemusic.com

[Op. XXXIX]

The Spirit of England is a quite stunning work of the war years. Nothing patriotic about it and right up there with Britten's War Requiem.

Sometimes I see it as the link between Brahms and Britten.

[rauschwerk]

The Spirit of England is a quite stunning work of the war years. Nothing patriotic about it and right up there with Britten's War Requiem.

Went to hear it last night in a very good performance by Hadleigh Choral Society conducted by Chris Phelps with Fiona Hammacott (soprano). A well filled and really warm church! I was glad to hear this fine piece (previously unknown to me) having recently read Jerrold Northrop Moore's book on EE.

[Op. XXXIX]

An utter affirmation of life and everything that makes it so beautiful. I love this piece so dearly.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Thanks for that, Op. XXXIX. Britten's Decca recording of this work has long been my favourite.

[Serial_Apologist]

An utter affirmation of life and everything that makes it so beautiful. I love this piece so dearly.

[french frank]

Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

1/5. Donald Macleod focuses on Elgar's work during the Edwardian Golden Summer in 1914
2/5. The year 1915, when Elgar wrote music for The Starlight Express.
3/5. How Elgar was moved by the war dead arriving at Charing Cross Station.
4/5. Elgar's song cycle The Fringes of the Fleet.
5/5. The effect of the Armistice in Great Britain in 1918.

Not sure what's happening here, but this does seem to be the programme which will be on next week. Two and a half months does seem a rather short time to have to wait for a repeat ...