Elgar (1857-1934)

[Barbirollians]

I just get annoyed by the constant use of Nimrod as a bleeding chunk. It needs to be heard in context.

Also its use as a funereal piece - according to Michael Kennedy it was meant to be about discussing Beethoven sonatas on a summer evening with his best friend and publisher Jaeger !

[gradus]

I think the most moving performance of Nimrod I can recall was by the Israel PO under Barenboim at the Proms some years ago, as an encore and tribute to the recently deceased Jacqueline du Pre.

[Pabmusic]

Also its use as a funereal piece - according to Michael Kennedy it was meant to be about discussing Beethoven sonatas on a summer evening with his best friend and publisher Jaeger !

Indeed. Elgar wrote to Jaeger, "I have only seen the good, honest, loveable soul in the middle of you - and the music's not good enough - but nevertheless it was an attempt".

As for the Beethoven, the first nine notes of the slow movement of the Pathetique appear cyphered into the melody. They're quite obvious, actually, once you are aware.

[LMcD]

I think the most moving performance of Nimrod I can recall was by the Israel PO under Barenboim at the Proms some years ago, as an encore and tribute to the recently deceased Jacqueline du Pre.

I used to have an LP of the 'Enigma Variations' and the Brahms 'St Antony' Variations with Pierre Monteux and the LSO. I seem to remember the very fine rendition of 'Nimrod'.

[LMcD]

My favourite version of the cello concerto. But although recorded in stereo and appeared as such on LP, I believe the CD versions are mono, because of deterioration of the stereo master tapes.

I've just got round to listening to this (the Navarra/Barbarolli Cello Concerto), and must say I'm VERY impressed with both the performance and the recording.

[BBMmk2]

I’m having a purge of the music of Elgar, these past few days.

[Pabmusic]

I’m having a purge of the music of Elgar, these past few days.

A binge, surely? A purge might suggest you're throwing it out... :)

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

A binge, surely? A purge might suggest you're throwing it out... :)

- or, perhaps, a "splurge" might have been meant?

[Pabmusic]

- or, perhaps, a "splurge" might have been meant?

An improvement on 'binge'. A splurge of Elgar. (I'd certainly say that about Richard Strauss.)

[BBMmk2]

A binge, surely? A purge might suggest you're throwing it out... :)

Yes, I knew it was the wrong word to use as soon as I pressed the button!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

An improvement on 'binge'. A splurge of Elgar. (I'd certainly say that about Richard Strauss.)

A binge of Ronald?

[Pabmusic]

A binge of Ronald?

One could, indeed. As long as he didn't play the accordion...

[BBMmk2]

Just been told of an transcription for organ of the Enigma Variations, by Keith John,on Hyperion, c/w Elgar’s Organ Sonata.

[LMcD]

I've just bought a recording of the 'Starlight Express' and 'King Arthur' Suites, partly because the tune from the latter used by Anthony Payne in the 4th movement of the '3rd Symphony' lodged itself in my head and I thought I'd like to hear it in context, so to speak. Both really delightful works - I hope that doesn't sound condescending, as it isn't meant to be. Will I listen to them again - yes!
There's one memorable rhyme in the number 'O Stars Shine Brightly': 'T'other side of the garden fence …….. At the gift of sevenpence'
… and it was also comforting in these troublesome times to make the acquaintance of The Laugher who is 'the universal solvent of despair'.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Arthur is due to be published for the first time in 2021, as part of a volume of the Elgar Complete Edition. The most recent addition to the project was published in August: the wartime recitations plus Fringes of the Fleet.