Immerse yourself in the world of Edward Elgar, one of the most celebrated composers of the late Romantic era, with this comprehensive collection released on Warner Classics. This album, spanning over five hours, is a testament to Elgar's diverse and rich musical legacy, featuring some of his most iconic works performed by the renowned Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of the esteemed conductor Sir John Barbirolli.
The collection opens with Elgar's deeply moving Cello Concerto in E Minor, a piece that showcases the composer's ability to blend profound emotion with intricate musical structure. Following this, the Enigma Variations offer a fascinating exploration of Elgar's personal relationships and musical ingenuity, with each variation dedicated to a different friend or acquaintance.
Elgar's two symphonies, No. 1 in A-Flat Major and No. 2 in E-Flat Major, stand as monumental works in the orchestral repertoire. They reveal Elgar's mastery of symphonic form and his unique ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The Sea Pictures, a song cycle for contralto and orchestra, adds a touch of lyrical beauty and poetic depth to the collection.
Also included are Elgar's Introduction and Allegro, Serenade for Strings, and the ever-popular Pomp and Circumstance Marches, which have become synonymous with British ceremonial occasions. The album concludes with the dramatic and profound The Dream of Gerontius, a large-scale choral work that showcases Elgar's ability to convey spiritual and emotional depth through music.
This collection is not just a compilation of Elgar's works but a journey through his musical evolution and a celebration of his enduring influence on classical music. Whether you are a seasoned Elgar enthusiast or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the breadth and depth of Elgar's genius.
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
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 1, Slumber SongEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 2, In HavenEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 3, Sabbath Morning at SeaEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 4, Where Corals LieEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 5, The SwimmerEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47: I. ModeratoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Allegri String Quartet, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47: II. AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Allegri String Quartet, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47: III. Fugue. AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Allegri String Quartet, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: I. Allegro piacevoleEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: II. LarghettoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: III. Allegretto - Come primaEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
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
Elgar: Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 "In London Town"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: I. Andante nobilmente e semplice - AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: II. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: IV. IV. Lento - AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 1 in D MajorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 2 in A MinorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 3 in C MinorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 4 in G MajorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 5 in C MajorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: I. Allegro vivace e nobilmenteEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: II. LarghettoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: III. Rondo. PrestoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: IV. Moderato e maestosoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Froissart, Op. 19Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Sospiri, Op. 70Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Elegy, Op. 58Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Falstaff, Op. 68: I. Falstaff and Prince HenryEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Falstaff, Op. 68: II. Eastcheap - Gadshill - The Boar's Head. Revelry and SleepEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Falstaff, Op. 68: Dream InterludeEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet, stands as one of the most celebrated English composers, renowned for his contributions to the classical music repertoire. Born in the picturesque countryside of Lower Broadheath near Worcester in 1857, Elgar's life and works are deeply rooted in the romantic traditions of the late 19th century. His compositions, which include the iconic Enigma Variations, the triumphant Pomp and Circumstance Marches, and the deeply moving The Dream of Gerontius, have earned him a place among the greats of British music. Elgar's ability to blend emotional depth with technical brilliance has made his works staples in concert halls around the world. Beyond his orchestral masterpieces, Elgar also composed choral works, chamber music, and songs, showcasing his versatility and mastery of various musical forms. Appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924, Elgar's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the history of classical music.