Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with the London Symphony Orchestra's forthcoming album, "London Symphony Orchestra - British Composers. Holst, Elgar, Delius..." Set for release on September 30, 2025, via Warner Classics, this expansive collection showcases the orchestra's virtuosity and the depth of British musical heritage.
Spanning over four hours, the album is a comprehensive journey through the works of some of the most celebrated composers in British history. The London Symphony Orchestra, renowned for its precision and expressive power, brings a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces.
The album opens with a serene rendition of Rutter's "Magnificat: IV. Et misericordia," setting the stage for a diverse exploration of musical styles and emotions. Elgar's "Enigma Variations" takes center stage, with each variation offering a unique glimpse into the composer's world. The orchestra's interpretation of these variations is particularly noteworthy, capturing the essence of each character study with remarkable clarity.
Vaughan Williams' "Oboe Concerto in A Minor" and "English Folk Song Suite" highlight the orchestra's versatility, blending traditional folk melodies with sophisticated orchestration. The inclusion of Britten's "Four Sea Interludes" from "Peter Grimes" adds a dramatic flair, showcasing the orchestra's ability to convey the raw power and subtlety of the sea.
Holst's "The Planets" is a standout feature, with each movement offering a distinct atmosphere and character. The London Symphony Orchestra's performance of this suite is nothing short of breathtaking, from the martial intensity of "Mars" to the ethereal beauty of "Neptune."
The album also includes lesser-known gems, such as Sullivan's "Cello Concerto in D Major" and Lambert's "The Rio Grande," providing a well-rounded perspective on British classical music. The inclusion of Handel's "Music for the Royal Fireworks" adds a touch of historical grandeur, completing the journey through the ages.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of British musical tradition. The London Symphony Orchestra's masterful performances bring these compositions to life, making this album a essential addition to any classical music collection.
Rutter: Magnificat: IV. Et misericordiaJohn Rutter, Natasha Marsh, London Voices, Craig Leon, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": ThemeEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation I. C.A.E.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. H.D.S-P.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. R.B.T.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. W.M.B.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. R.P.A.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. YsobelEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. TroyteEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. W.N.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. NimrodEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation X. DorabellaEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XI. G.R.S.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XII. B.G.N.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIII. Romanza. ***Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIV. Finale. E.D.U.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Coates: By the Sleepy LagoonEric Coates, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: I. Rondo pastorale. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: II. Minuet and Musette. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: III. Finale. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Butterworth: The Banks of Green WillowGeorge Butterworth, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 1, DawnBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 2, Sunday MorningBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 3, MoonlightBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 4, StormBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite: I. March. Seventeen Come Sunday (Orch. Jacob)Ralph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite: II. Intermezzo. My Bonny Boy (Orch. Jacob)Ralph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite: III. March. Folk Songs from Somerset (Orch. Jacob)Ralph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Ireland: A London OvertureJohn Ireland, Sir John Barbirolli, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: I. Mars, the Bringer of WarGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: II. Venus, the Bringer of PeaceGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: III. Mercury, the Winged MessengerGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old AgeGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: VI. Uranus, the MagicianGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: VII. Neptune, the MysticGustav Holst, André Previn, Ambrosian Singers, London Symphony Orchestra
Sullivan: Cello Concerto in D Major: I. Allegro moderato (Orch. Mackie & Mackerras)Arthur Sullivan, Julian Lloyd Webber, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Sullivan: Cello Concerto in D Major: II. Andante espressivo (Orch. Mackie & Mackerras)Arthur Sullivan, Julian Lloyd Webber, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Sullivan: Cello Concerto in D Major: III. Molto vivace (Orch. Mackie & Mackerras)Arthur Sullivan, Julian Lloyd Webber, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: I. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: II. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: III. La paixGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: IV. La réjouissanceGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: V. Menuet IGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: VI. Menuet IIGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Lambert: The Rio GrandeConstant Lambert, André Previn, Cristina Ortiz, London Madrigal Singers, London Symphony 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