Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with Edward Elgar's "British Classical Masterpieces," a stunning compilation set to release on June 10, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label. This album is a celebration of Elgar's enduring legacy, featuring a meticulously curated selection of his most iconic and beloved works.
Spanning a generous 2 hours and 42 minutes, the album offers a comprehensive journey through Elgar's diverse compositions, from the poignant and introspective to the triumphant and jubilant. The tracklist is a testament to Elgar's mastery, featuring standout pieces such as the hauntingly beautiful "Larghetto 'Van Dieman's Land'," the majestic "Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 'Enigma': Var. IX. Nimrod," and the stirring "Finale. Britannia - The Albert Memorial - God Save the Queen."
Elgar, a towering figure in British classical music, is renowned for his ability to evoke deep emotion and national pride through his compositions. This album showcases his unparalleled talent, with each piece offering a unique glimpse into his musical genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "British Classical Masterpieces" promises an enriching and rewarding listening experience.
The album is a testament to Elgar's enduring influence, with performances that capture the essence of his music. From the delicate intricacies of "Nocturne No. 2 in C Minor, H. 25" to the exuberant energy of "IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity," each track is a masterclass in orchestration and composition.
"British Classical Masterpieces" is not just an album; it's a celebration of Edward Elgar's timeless contributions to classical music. With its diverse range of compositions and impeccable performances, this album is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore the depths of British classical music.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
Lento, ma non troppoFrederick Delius, Royal Northern Sinfonia, David Lloyd-Jones
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Var. IX. NimrodEdward Elgar, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, George Hurst
No. 2, When I was one-and-twentyGeorge Butterworth, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Finale. Britannia - The Albert Memorial - God Save the QueenArthur Sullivan, RTE Sinfonietta, Andrew Penny
IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
OvertureHenry Purcell, Kym Amps, David van Asch, The Scholars Baroque Ensemble
JerusalemSir Charles Hubert Parry, Leeds Festival Chorus, English Northern Philharmonia, Paul Daniel
Christ Is Risen!John Tavener, Maria Kliegel, Ulster Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa
The Frog Galliard, P. 23John Dowland, Nigel North
No. 2, Spring Song (Version for Cello & Piano)Frank Bridge, Gerald Peregrine, Antony Ingham
No. 2, Touch Her Soft Lips and PartWilliam Walton, English Chamber Orchestra, Julian Lloyd Webber
SanctusThomas Tallis, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
II. Horkstow GrangePercy Grainger, Kongelige Norske Marines Musikkorps, Bjarte Engeset
Nocturne No. 2 in C Minor, H. 25John Field, Benjamin Frith
II. Allegro molto leggieroEthel Smyth, Villiers Quartet
KyrieWilliam Byrd, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
VIII. PassacagliaBenjamin Britten, Dale Kavanagh
Farewell to Stromness, Op. 89 No. 1Peter Maxwell Davies
No. 2, Con brioMalcolm Arnold, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Penny
Rondo for Dancing (Version for 2 Violins & Cello)Grace Williams, Madeleine Mitchell, Gordon MacKay, Joseph Spooner
No. 2, Quite Slow and ThoughtfulEdward Gregson, Murray McLachlan, Rose McLachlan
No. 4, Forlana. Allegretto graziosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
No. 3, Serenade, "Snow Shower"William Alwyn, The Bridge String Quartet
No. 3, Mill-FieldImogen Holst, Yue Yu, Anthony Hewitt
6 Songs, Op. 33: No. 4, The November PianoIan Venables, Andrew Kennedy, Iain Burnside
Dance of the Fairy PrincessLord Berners, English Northern Philharmonia, David Lloyd-Jones
II. VivaceRebecca Clarke, Matthew Jones, Michael Hampton
Approach of AutumnArthur Bliss, English Northern Philharmonia, David Lloyd-Jones
Pastime with Good CompanyHenry VIII, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
Andantino for Cello and Piano, Op. 21, No. 2aLennox Berkeley, David Berlin, Len Vorster
III. Un Sonnet d'AmourSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, RTE Concert Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
No. 2, —Cyril Scott, Clare Howick, John Paul Ekins
I. Allegro con molto spiritoJohn Abraham Fisher, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Petra Žďárská, Michael Halasz
No. 4, SleepIvor Gurney, Susan Bickley, Iain Burnside
No. 2, —Thomas Adès, Han Chen
The Westminster WaltzRobert Farnon, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
Romance. I hear It again (Maritana) - Chorus. Listen pilgrim, list [Chorus]William Vincent Wallace, Majella Cullagh, Lynda Lee, Paul Charles Clarke, Ian Caddy, Damien Smith, Quentin Hayes, RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, RTE Concert Orchestra, Proinnsias O'Duinn
In the WoodlandsAlbert Ketèlbey, Rosemary Tuck
La ChasseEthel Barns, Clare Howick, Sophia Rahman
Venus WaltzRon Goodwin, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
MagnificatOrlando Gibbons, Oxford Camerata, Laurence Cummings, Jeremy Summerly
III. Minuet. Allegretto grazioso (Version for String Orchestra)John Ireland, English Chamber Orchestra, Julian Lloyd Webber
I. Meadow-RestHerbert Howells, Matthew Schellhorn
III. Scherzo. Allegro con fuocoCharles Villiers Stanford, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
II. AdagioErnest John Moeran, Guy Johnston, Ulster Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Lay a GarlandRobert Lucas Pearsall, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
Elizabethan SerenadeRonald Binge, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Penny
VI. CarnivalHavergal Brian, New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker