"Elgar from America" is a captivating journey through the works of the eminent British composer Edward Elgar, offering a unique transatlantic perspective on his enduring musical legacy. Released on May 17, 2019, under the SOMM Recordings label, this album spans a comprehensive 1 hour and 18 minutes, featuring 25 tracks that showcase Elgar's mastery of classical and orchestral compositions.
The album opens with Elgar's renowned "Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma', Op. 36," a multi-faceted work that includes 14 variations each dedicated to a different individual, culminating in a grand finale. Following this, the album presents the "Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85," a deeply expressive piece divided into four movements, each revealing the depth and range of Elgar's compositional prowess. The album concludes with "Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68," a five-part symphonic study inspired by Shakespeare's Falstaff, showcasing Elgar's ability to translate literary themes into rich, orchestral soundscapes.
Conducted by notable figures such as Arturo Toscanini, John Barbirolli, and Artur Rodzinski, this collection offers a fascinating glimpse into how Elgar's works were interpreted and performed in America. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Elgar or a newcomer to his music, "Elgar from America" provides an enriching exploration of the composer's timeless contributions to classical music.
2019 SOMM Recordings2019 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Variations on an Original Theme "Enigma", Op. 36: ThemeEdward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation I (C.A.E.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation II (H.D.S-P.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation III (R.B.T.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation IV (W.M.B.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation V (R.P.A.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation VI (Ysobel)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation VII (Troyte)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation VIII (W.N.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation IX (Nimrod)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation X Intermezzo (Dorabella)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation XI (G.R.S.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation XII (B.G.N.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation XIII Romanza ()Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Variation XIV Finale (e.D.U.)Edward Elgar, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: I: Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: II: Lento - Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III: AdagioEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: IV: Allegro – Moderato – Allegro, ma non-troppo – Poco più lento – AdagioEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68: I Falstaff and Prince HenryEdward Elgar, New York Philharmonic, Artur Rodjinsky
Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68: II Eastcheap - Gadshll - The Boar's Head, revelry and sleepEdward Elgar, New York Philharmonic, Artur Rodjinsky
Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68: Dream InterludeEdward Elgar, New York Philharmonic, Artur Rodjinsky
Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68: III Falstaff's march - The return through GloucestershireEdward Elgar, New York Philharmonic, Artur Rodjinsky
Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68: Interlude. Gloucestershire. Shallow's orchardEdward Elgar, New York Philharmonic, Artur Rodjinsky
Falstaff, Symphonic Study in C Minor, Op. 68: IV King Henry's progress - The repudiation of Flastaff, and his deathEdward Elgar, New York Philharmonic, Artur Rodjinsky
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