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 spans over four hours of orchestral masterpieces, showcasing the depth and breadth of the UK's musical heritage.
The album opens with a serene piece by John Rutter, followed by a comprehensive journey through Edward Elgar's iconic "Enigma Variations". Each variation, named after a friend or acquaintance of Elgar, offers a unique musical portrait, culminating in the powerful "Nimrod" and the triumphant "Finale".
The London Symphony Orchestra then takes you on a voyage through the seas with Benjamin Britten's "Four Sea Interludes" from Peter Grimes, evoking the raw power and tranquility of the ocean. Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Oboe Concerto" and "English Folk Song Suite" highlight the orchestra's versatility, blending pastoral charm with rhythmic vitality.
Gustav Holst's "The Planets" suite is a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire, and the London Symphony Orchestra's rendition promises to be a standout. From the martial intensity of "Mars" to the ethereal beauty of "Neptune", each movement is a testament to Holst's compositional genius.
The album also features Arthur Sullivan's rarely heard Cello Concerto, expertly orchestrated by Mackie and Mackerras, and George Frederick Handel's festive "Music for the Royal Fireworks". The collection culminates in Elgar's monumental Cello Concerto, a profound and deeply moving work that showcases the orchestra's technical prowess and emotional depth.
With its diverse program and stellar performances, this album is a celebration of British composers and a testament to the enduring power of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
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