Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral world of Edward Elgar with this captivating album, released on October 1, 2017, by Chandos. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this collection is a testament to Elgar's mastery of classical composition, offering a blend of his most evocative works.
The centerpiece of the album is Elgar's "Falstaff, Op. 68," a symphonic study in C minor that brings to life the charismatic and complex character of Shakespeare's Falstaff. This multi-movement work is a journey through the life and times of the jovial knight, from his escapades in Eastcheap to his ultimate repudiation and death.
Complementing "Falstaff" are a selection of Elgar's orchestral songs, including pieces from "Three Songs, Op. 59" and "Two Songs, Op. 60." These songs showcase Elgar's ability to weave poetry and music together, creating pieces that are both lyrically beautiful and emotionally resonant.
The album also features incidental music from "Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42," including the haunting "Funeral March." This suite offers a glimpse into Elgar's skill in composing music for dramatic and narrative purposes.
Roderick Williams lends his voice to several tracks, adding a human touch to the orchestral arrangements. The Halle Orchestra, conducted by Mark Elder, provides a rich and dynamic backdrop, bringing Elgar's compositions to life with precision and passion.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Elgar or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of his orchestral and vocal compositions. It's a celebration of Elgar's enduring legacy and a testament to the timeless beauty of classical music.
2017 Chandos Records2017 Chandos Records
Tracks
Falstaff, Op. 68: I. Falstaff and Prince HenryEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIa. EastcheapEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIb. GadshillEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIc. Revelry & SleepEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IId. Dream InterludeEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIIa. Falstaff's marchEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIIb. The Return Through GloucestershireEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIIc. Interlude. Gloucestershire, Shallow's orchardEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIId. The New KingEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IVa. King Henry V's ProgressEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IVb. The Repudiation of Falstaff, and His DeathEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Three Songs, Op. 59: III. O Soft Was the SongEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Three Songs, Op. 59: V. Was It Some Golden Star?Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Three Songs, Op. 59: VI. TwilightEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Two Songs, Op. 60: I. The TorchEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Two Songs, Op. 60: II. The RiverEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Incidental Music to Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42: I. ModeratoEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Incidental Music to Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42: II. Funeral MarchEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Wind at Dawn (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
The Pipes of Pan (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Pleading, Op. 48Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
The King's Way (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Smoking CantataEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
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