Hallé Orchestra, Mark Elder - Elgar: Enigma Variations (2003)

Tracklist

01. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : Theme
02. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : I. C.A.E.
03. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : II. H.D.S-P.
04. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : III. R.B.T.
05. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : IV. W.M.B.
06. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : V. R.P.A.
07. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : VI. Ysobel
08. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : VII. Troyte
09. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : VIII. W.N.
10. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : IX. Nimrod
11. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : X. Intermezzo: Dorabella
12. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : XI. G.R.S.
13. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : XII. B.G.N.
14. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : XIII. * * *
15. Variations on an Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36 : XIV. Finale E.D.U.
16. Serenade for String Orchestra in E Minor, Op. 20 : I. Allegro piacevole
17. Serenade for String Orchestra in E Minor, Op. 20 : II. Larghetto
18. Serenade for String Orchestra in E Minor, Op. 20 : III. Allegretto - Come prima
19. Cockaigne (In London Town), Op. 40 : Cockaigne (In London Town), Op. 40
20. Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2 : Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2
21. Enigma Variations, Op. 36 : XIV. Finale E.D.U.



Elgar's Enigma Variations, Cockaigne Overture, and Serenade for Strings have been recorded extremely often, but rarely any better than they are here by Mark Elder and Hallé -- Manchester's rebranded Hallé Orchestra. They truly capture the essence of the fin de siècle English master, offering both spit and polish and élan. Elder emerges as a terrific interpreter, delivering a kaleidoscopic and emotionally ranging Variations. Almost as good is his spirited account of the Serenade with a playful opening Allegro piacevole and an affecting central Larghetto. But best of all, perhaps, is Elder's swaggering Cockaigne, with its impetuous themes, sparkling colors, and glorious climax. As a bonus, the release includes the world-premiere recording of the Variations' original Finale, which differs from the definitive version only in that it doesn't include the coda. While the published version is far more successful, the dedicated Elgarian will want to at least hear the master's first thoughts.

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