Elgar: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 2; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 3; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 5; In the South

COMPOSERS: Elgar
LABELS: Teldec Ultima
WORKS: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 2; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 3; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4; Pomp and Circumstance March No. 5; In the South
PERFORMER: BBC SO/Andrew Davis
CATALOGUE NO: 0630-18951-2 Reissue (1991, 1992)

When Andrew Davis vacates the post of chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra next year to go to the Chicago Lyric Opera, it will be for lucid performances of difficult 20th-century scores that his tenure is chiefly remembered. That and for deeply felt readings of Elgar - a particular enthusiasm of Davis's memorialised on these reissues. A slightly neutered digital sound blunts the edge of these performances here and there, but nonetheless profound understanding and commitment from both orchestra and conductor are givens. A rousing and reflective In the South and a feisty trio of marches are a welcome supplement to the main diet of symphonies. A finely judged second symphony may have the edge in drive and communicative purpose, but both symphonies should please seasoned Elgarians and novices alike. For a benchmark try Barbirolli, who had a magical way with these pieces that still makes for riveting listening. Christopher Wood