Immerse yourself in the rich, romantic soundscapes of Edward Elgar with this comprehensive collection, released on Warner Classics. Spanning over five hours, this album is a treasure trove of Elgar's most celebrated works, performed by the esteemed Sir John Barbirolli and various artists.
The album opens with Elgar's deeply moving Cello Concerto in E Minor, showcasing the instrument's expressive range. It continues with the enchanting Sea Pictures, a song cycle that evokes the mysteries and beauty of the sea. The renowned Enigma Variations follow, each variation a musical portrait of Elgar's friends and acquaintances, culminating in the famous "Nimrod" variation.
Elgar's two symphonies, his first in A-Flat Major and his second in E-Flat Major, are also included, demonstrating his mastery of large-scale orchestral writing. The album also features the dramatic Pomp and Circumstance Marches, with the famous "Land of Hope and Glory" prominently featured.
Other highlights include the orchestral showpieces Froissart and Falstaff, the atmospheric Sospiri, and the profound Elegy. The album concludes with the monumental choral work The Dream of Gerontius, a profound exploration of life, death, and the afterlife.
This collection is a testament to Elgar's enduring appeal and his significant contribution to the romantic repertoire. Whether you're a longtime fan of Elgar or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
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
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 1, Slumber SongEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 2, In HavenEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 3, Sabbath Morning at SeaEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 4, Where Corals LieEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 5, The SwimmerEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47: I. ModeratoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Allegri String Quartet, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47: II. AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Allegri String Quartet, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47: III. Fugue. AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Allegri String Quartet, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: I. Allegro piacevoleEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: II. LarghettoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: III. Allegretto - Come primaEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": ThemeEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Introduction - Variation I. L'istesso tempo "C.A.E."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. Allegro "H.D.S-P."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. Allegretto "R.B.T."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. Allegro di molto "W.M.B."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. Moderato "R.P.A."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. Andantino "Ysobel"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. Presto "Troyte"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. Allegretto "W.N."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. Adagio "Nimrod"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation X. Intermezzo. Allegretto "Dorabella"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XI. Allegro di molto "G.R.S."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XII. Andante "B.G.N."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIII. Romanza. Moderato. "* * *"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIV. Finale. Allegro "E.D.U."Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 "In London Town"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: I. Andante nobilmente e semplice - AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: II. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: IV. IV. Lento - AllegroEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 1 in D MajorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 2 in A MinorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 3 in C MinorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 4 in G MajorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 5 in C MajorEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: I. Allegro vivace e nobilmenteEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: II. LarghettoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: III. Rondo. PrestoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 63: IV. Moderato e maestosoEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Froissart, Op. 19Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Sospiri, Op. 70Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Elegy, Op. 58Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Elgar: Falstaff, Op. 68: I. Falstaff and Prince HenryEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Falstaff, Op. 68: II. Eastcheap - Gadshill - The Boar's Head. Revelry and SleepEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Falstaff, Op. 68: Dream InterludeEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Edward Elgar, a titan of English music, stands as one of the most celebrated composers of the late Romantic era. Born in the heart of the English West Midlands, Elgar's compositions have become staples of the British and international classical repertoire. His orchestral works, such as the enigmatic "Enigma Variations" and the triumphant "Pomp and Circumstance Marches," are instantly recognizable and beloved by audiences worldwide. Elgar's mastery extends beyond orchestral pieces to choral works like "The Dream of Gerontius," concertos for violin and cello, and even chamber music and songs. Appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924, Elgar's influence and legacy continue to resonate, making him a quintessential figure in the annals of classical music. His music often reflects the grandeur and sentimentality of the Victorian era, yet it transcends time, offering a rich tapestry of emotion and sophistication that captivates listeners to this day.