Immerse yourself in the rich, late chamber works of Sir Edward Elgar with this captivating album, featuring the sublime Piano Quintet, Op. 84, and the profound String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83. Recorded in July 2010 at the acoustically pristine Potton Hall in Dunwich, Suffolk, this collection showcases the exquisite interplay between the acclaimed Goldner String Quartet and the masterful pianist Piers Lane.
Elgar's Piano Quintet, Op. 84, is a masterpiece of elegance and depth, with its three distinct movements offering a journey through a landscape of golden sounds, as Elgar himself described it. The String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83, complements this with its own rich tapestry of emotions and intricacies. Both works are performed with exceptional skill and sensitivity, bringing out the full depth and beauty of Elgar's compositions.
The album also includes a selection of shorter pieces, such as the enchanting "Laura Valse" and the lively "March in D Major," providing a delightful contrast to the more substantial chamber works. With a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Elgar's later chamber music, highlighting his unique ability to blend profound emotion with structural sophistication.
Produced by Jeremy Hayes and engineered by Ben Connellan, the recording quality is superb, capturing every nuance of the performances. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Elgar's music or a newcomer to his works, this album is sure to enchant and inspire.