Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with Sir John Barbirolli's captivating album, "British Music. Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Delius, Purcell...". This extraordinary collection, released on April 21, 2024, under Warner Classics, showcases Barbirolli's unparalleled conducting prowess and his deep affinity for the works of these esteemed composers.
Spanning over four hours and twenty-eight minutes, this comprehensive album is a treasure trove of symphonic and orchestral masterpieces. It features a diverse array of compositions, including Edward Elgar's iconic "Enigma Variations," Frederick Delius's evocative "Brigg Fair," Ralph Vaughan Williams's "5 Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'," and a selection of Henry Purcell's timeless works. The album also includes Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor, performed with exquisite sensitivity and virtuosity.
Sir John Barbirolli, renowned for his interpretations of Mahler, Sibelius, and Elgar, brings his distinctive insight and passion to each piece. His collaboration with the Philharmonia Orchestra results in performances that are both technically impeccable and deeply expressive, offering a profound listening experience.
This album is not just a compilation of classical pieces but a celebration of British musical heritage. It highlights the unique voices of Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Delius, and Purcell, each contributing to the rich mosaic of British classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides a comprehensive and enriching journey through some of the most significant works in British musical history.
Experience the brilliance of Sir John Barbirolli and the Philharmonia Orchestra as they bring these timeless compositions to life, offering a truly memorable and inspiring musical journey.
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": ThemeEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Introduction - Variation I. L'istesso tempo "C.A.E."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. Allegro "H.D.S-P."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. Allegretto "R.B.T."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. Allegro di molto "W.M.B."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. Moderato "R.P.A."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. Andantino "Ysobel"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. Presto "Troyte"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. Allegretto "W.N."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. Adagio "Nimrod"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation X. Intermezzo. Allegretto "Dorabella"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XI. Allegro di molto "G.R.S."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XII. Andante "B.G.N."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIII. Romanza. Moderato. "* * *"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIV. Finale. Allegro "E.D.U."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Rubbra: Improvisations on Virginal Pieces by Giles Farnaby, Op. 50: No. 4, Loth to departEdmund Rubbra, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Introduction. Slow, PastoralFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Theme. With Easy MovementFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation IFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation IIFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation IIIFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation IVFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation VFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation VIFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Interlude I. Slow and Very QuietlyFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation VII. Rather Quicker but Not HurriedFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation VIIIFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation IX. With Easy MovementFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XI. Slow, With SolemnityFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XII. MaestosoFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Interlude IIFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XIII. GailyFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XIVFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XVFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XVIFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Interlude III. Rather QuickerFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Variation XVII. Rather Slower, Very BroadlyFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Coda. Very QuietlyFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus": Theme. AdagioRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Jean Bell, Hallé Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus": Variant IRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Jean Bell, Hallé Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus": Variant II. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Jean Bell, Hallé Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus": Variant IIIRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Jean Bell, Hallé Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus": Variant IV. L'istesso tempoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Jean Bell, Hallé Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: 5 Variants of "Dives and Lazarus": Variant V. AdagioRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Jean Bell, Hallé Orchestra
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: I. Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: II. Lento - Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro ma non troppoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Handel: Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 1, HWV 306: I. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir John Barbirolli, Eric Chadwick, Valda Aveling, Hallé Orchestra
Sir John Barbirolli, born in London to Italian and French parents, was a distinguished British conductor and cellist whose career spanned over four decades. Renowned for his warmth and generosity on the podium, Barbirolli is most celebrated for his long tenure as the conductor of the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, a position he held from 1943 until his passing in 1970. His leadership was instrumental in saving the orchestra from dissolution during World War II. Prior to this, he served as the music director of the New York Philharmonic, succeeding the legendary Arturo Toscanini. Barbirolli's extensive discography reflects his deep connection to the music, offering insights into his prolific career and his enduring legacy in the classical and opera genres. His recordings, spanning from his early days as a cellist to his later years as a conductor, continue to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide.