Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Edward Elgar's masterful compositions with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2013, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label. This collection showcases two of Elgar's most celebrated works: the Enigma Variations and the Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85.
The Enigma Variations, Op. 36, is a symphonic masterpiece that has enchanted audiences for over a century. Each variation is a musical portrait of friends close to Elgar, with the central theme remaining a delightful enigma. The variations range from the playful and lively to the deeply introspective, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and moods. The Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85, is a profound and deeply expressive work, often regarded as one of the greatest cello concertos in the classical repertoire. Composed during a period of personal turmoil for Elgar, the concerto resonates with a profound sense of longing and melancholy, yet it also contains moments of great beauty and consolation.
This album features stellar performances by renowned orchestras and conductors, including The Cleveland Orchestra under Lorin Maazel, the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Zubin Mehta, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein. The Cello Concerto is performed by the esteemed cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber, whose deeply felt and expressive interpretation brings out the full emotional depth of Elgar's composition.
With a total duration of 58 minutes, this album is a testament to Elgar's genius and his enduring influence on classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a profound and enriching listening experience.