Prom 61 (29.8.12): Howells & Elgar

[Nick Armstrong]

is the 'edge' a positive quality?

Yes!!

Do get to know the recording, its really something!

[amateur51]

Yes!!

Do get to know the recording, its really something!

[Northender]

If I remember correctly, the recording recommended in a (comparatively) recent edition of Building a Library was by Colin Davis with a Southern German orchestra - I haven't heard it, myself.
The 1976 BBC SO/Boult recording from the Proms, mentioned above, is certainly rather special.

[amateur51]

If I remember correctly, the recording recommended in a (comparatively) recent edition of Building a Library was by Colin Davis with a Southern German orchestra - I haven't heard it, myself.
The 1976 BBC SO/Boult recording from the Proms, mentioned above, is certainly rather special.

I agree Norths - a great achievement by all concerned but I'll certainly try to hear the Lyrita LPO/Boult too

[Pabmusic]

Interesting post, Pabs.)

I don't know this recording - is the 'edge' a positive quality? .. or have the mics picked up a Muttley-like muttering from Sir Adrian?

No mutterings. When they were first released on LP, they did attract some comment (I think the Penguin Guide gave them not quite top marks). I wonder whether this influenced Lyrita's decision to issue them in a 2-CD set.

However, the CD release saw their reputation really shoot up, partly because the sound was so good, better than the LPs. I've read one comparative review (can't recall where) that put them at the top. I prefer the later, slightly more relaxed, EMI recordings, but the Lyrita ones are very good (and, yes, they do have fire!).

While we're on the subject of Boult's Elgar symphonies, the one I've not heard for very many years is the recording of the 2nd that Boult made with the Scottish National (as it was). I once had it on an early CFP LP, but I've no idea what happened to it.

[Nick Armstrong]

If I remember correctly, the recording recommended in a (comparatively) recent edition of Building a Library was by Colin Davis with a Southern German orchestra - I haven't heard it, myself.

Quite right Northo, I've got that one too. It's good - but for some reason doesn't 'do it' for me... Can't remember why, though!

[amateur51]

Quite right Northo, I've got that one too. It's good - but for some reason doesn't 'do it' for me... Can't remember why, though!

Now that recording must have captured Sir Colin's sing-a-long (which I love )

[Nick Armstrong]

However, the CD release saw their reputation really shoot up, partly because the sound was so good, better than the LPs. I've read one comparative review (can't recall where) that put them at the top. I prefer the later, slightly more relaxed, EMI recordings, but the Lyrita ones are very good (and, yes, they do have fire!).

I think that's why I love them. I think the fire and the passion is in the music, under the 'English' exterior. It's the same reason I love Britten's blazing version of 'Gerontius'...

[Nick Armstrong]

Now that recording must have captured Sir Colin's sing-a-long (which I love )

As opposed to Gergiev's! At the 'Cinderella' the other week, it sounded like a drunk baritone was rolling around under the stage, singing along to the whole thing!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

it sounded like a drunk baritone was rolling around under the stage, singing along to the whole thing!

Look: it was a one-off; I'd had a few drinks; I've apologized - can we please move on!

[Serial_Apologist]

Look: it was a one-off; I'd had a few drinks; I've apologized - can we please move on!

or , or... maybe not!

[Nick Armstrong]

Look: it was a one-off; I'd had a few drinks; I've apologized - can we please move on!

[Northender]

I've just watched the Elgar on my PVR - I thought it was a thrilling performance. Beautiful sounds from the strings, and special plaudits for the brass section and the principal clarinettist. It would be nice to think that Anna's discovery was shared by others.

[Nick Armstrong]

Can I add that the Lyrita recordings of the Elgar symphonies are very fine indeed. For some reason, the orchestra (LSO) was set up in 'modern' fashion, with all violins on the left. Boult was incensed, yet Lyrita wouldn't alter it (I believe these were Boult's first Lyrita recordings, and they didn't understand him!) and the sessions are said to have an extra 'edge' because of it. Boult wrote to the Times, complaining about it!

Another Lyrita discovery, from the same source... I caught some of the Composer of the Week programmes on English Pastoralists, in particular a stunning performance of Bax's Tintagel. I missed hearing who was playing. I've just got round to looking it up. Guess who? Boult / LPO in Lyrita!

Just ordered

[Pabmusic]

Another Lyrita discovery, from the same source... I caught some of the Composer of the Week programmes on English Pastoralists, in particular a stunning performance of Bax's Tintagel. I missed hearing who was playing. I've just got round to looking it up. Guess who? Boult / LPO in Lyrita!

Just ordered

Oh yes! A lovely CD. Boult recorded Tintagel twice, but narry a symphony.

All of the pieces on the Bax disc were recorded in Walthamstow Assembly Hall. Most were in January 1972, except for November Woods, which is from November (appropriately) 1967. The Elgar symphonies for Lyrita were at the same venue in December 1967 (1st Symphony) and January 1968 (2nd). Between the two, he recorded the RVW 4th for EMI, and followed the 2nd with the RVW Pastoral, both at the Kingsway Hall!