Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's latest album, "British Composers: Elgar, Holst, Bax, Delius...". This exquisite collection, set to release on August 21, 2025, under Warner Classics, is a celebration of some of the most influential and beloved composers in British history. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 13 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through the symphonic landscape of the early 20th century.
The album opens with Edward Elgar's monumental "Enigma Variations," a work that showcases the orchestra's mastery of Elgar's intricate and evocative compositions. Following this, Frederick Delius's "A Dance Rhapsody No. 1" brings a sense of rhythmic vitality and lyrical beauty, demonstrating the orchestra's versatility and precision.
Sir Thomas Beecham's arrangements of Handel's suites, titled "The Gods Go a'Begging," offer a unique blend of Baroque elegance and Romantic sensibility. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra navigates these arrangements with grace and panache, highlighting the timeless appeal of Handel's music.
William Walton's "5 Bagatelles for Guitar and Orchestra" provide a delightful contrast, showcasing the orchestra's ability to accompany solo instruments with sensitivity and finesse. Gustav Holst's "The Perfect Fool" ballet music offers a whimsical and enchanting interlude, while Arthur Sullivan's "Pineapple Poll" brings the album to a lively and joyous conclusion.
This album is not just a collection of pieces; it's a testament to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's enduring excellence and their commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of British classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": ThemeEdward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation I. C.A.E.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. H.D.S-P.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. R.B.T.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. W.M.B.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. R.P.A.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. YsobelEdward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. TroyteEdward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. W.N.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. NimrodEdward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation X. DorabellaEdward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XI. G.R.S.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XII. B.G.N.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIII. Romanza. ***Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIV. Finale. E.D.U.Edward Elgar, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Delius: A Dance Rhapsody No. 1: I. Lento -Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delius: A Dance Rhapsody No. 1: II. Comodo -Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delius: A Dance Rhapsody No. 1: III. Vivo -Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delius: A Dance Rhapsody No. 1: IV. Più lento tranquillo -Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delius: A Dance Rhapsody No. 1: V. Molto adagioFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: I. Introduction (After Admeto, HWV 22)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: II. First Dance (After Teseo, HWV 9)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: III. Minuet (After Alcina, HWV 34)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: IV. Hornpipe (After Concerto grosso, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: V. Musette (After Il pastor fido, HWV 8)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: VI. Second Dance (After Organ Concerto, Op. 4 No. 4, HWV 292)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: VII. Larghetto (After Alcina, HWV 34)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: VIII. Tambourine (After Alcina, HWV 34)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: IX. Gavotte (After Alcina, HWV 34 & Il pastor fido, HWV 8)George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Walton: 5 Bagatelles for Guitar and Orchestra: No. 1, Allegro assaiWilliam Walton, Christopher Parkening, Andrew Litton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Walton: 5 Bagatelles for Guitar and Orchestra: No. 2, Lento sognandoWilliam Walton, Christopher Parkening, Andrew Litton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Walton: 5 Bagatelles for Guitar and Orchestra: No. 3, Alla cubanaWilliam Walton, Christopher Parkening, Andrew Litton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Walton: 5 Bagatelles for Guitar and Orchestra: No. 4, LentoWilliam Walton, Christopher Parkening, Andrew Litton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Walton: 5 Bagatelles for Guitar and Orchestra: No. 5, Presto con slancioWilliam Walton, Christopher Parkening, Andrew Litton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Holst: The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, Ballet Music: I. AndanteGustav Holst, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Holst: The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, Ballet Music: II. Dance of Spirits of Earth. Moderato - AndanteGustav Holst, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Holst: The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, Ballet Music: III. Dance of Spirits of Water. AllegrettoGustav Holst, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Holst: The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, Ballet Music: IV. Dance of Spirits of Fire. Allegro moderatoGustav Holst, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 1: Opening DanceArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 1: Poll's Solo & Pas de deuxArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 1: Belaye's SoloArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 1: Pas de troisArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 1: FinaleArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 2: Poll's SoloArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 2: Jasper's SoloArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 3: Belaye's Solo & Sailors' DrillArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 3: Poll's SoloArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 3: Entry of Belaye with Blanche as BrideArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 3: ReconciliationArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan & Mackerras: Pineapple Poll, Scene 3: Grand FinaleArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra