COMPOSERS: Elgar
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Symphony No. 2 in E flat; Sospiri; Elegy
PERFORMER: Hallé Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra/John Barbirolli
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 7 64724 2 ADD (1964/66)
A welcome transfer to CD for Barbirolli’s fine 1964 account of Elgar 2. The playing is crisp and incisive (especially from the brass), and the interpretation comes straight from the heart, not least in the shattering climaxes of the slow movement. The sumptuous performances of two short pieces for strings have ‘Barbirolli’ written all over them. Wonderfully clear and full-bodied sound. Stephen Maddock
Elgar: Symphony No. 2 in E flat; Sospiri; Elegy
A welcome transfer to CD for Barbirolli’s fine 1964 account of Elgar 2. The playing is crisp and incisive (especially from the brass), and the interpretation comes straight from the heart, not least in the shattering climaxes of the slow movement. The sumptuous performances of two short pieces for strings have ‘Barbirolli’ written all over them. Wonderfully clear and full-bodied sound. Stephen Maddock
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm