Elgar: Symphony #1!
Years ago, my own “repertoire” of Elgar’s music with which I was familiar consisted of his Cello Concerto, and his Violin Concerto. I enjoyed both of these, because I also loved the musicians who performed each of these works. A bit later I fell in love with the Enigma Variations. And later yet, I enjoyed Elgar’s shorter orchestral works, much of which came from his younger days. All great music…
This recording has served as my introduction to Edward Elgar’s Symphony #1. The opening “Nobilmente” theme is very haunting, memorable and sentimental. Colin Davis and the LSO give a wonderful performance, full of the right amount of feeling, phrasing, and texture. There are many moments of true beauty, not only in the lovely slow movement, but also in the finale. This CD has sound quality is simply amazing, and it makes one feel as though one is sitting right in the concert hall.
Here is an audio extract of the 1st movement of Elgar’s Symphony #1, with Andre Previn, conducting the London Symphony Orchestra.