SIR EDWARD ELGAR:
Introduction & Allegro. (1947/1956 versions),
Elegy (1947/1956 versions),
Enigma Variations,
Symphony No. 1,
Bavarian Dance No. 2; 'Lullaby'.
Hallé Orchestra Sir
John Barbirolli.
Dutton Laboratories/Barbirolli
Society CDSJB 1017 117m ADD.
This album is called 'The Barbirolli Elgar Album' and betrays the deep love
that this charismatic conductor professed for his brother in music. It is
to Barbirolli's credit that the Elgar flame continued to blaze so brightly
in the post-war years for, together with the outstanding Boult, he was eager
to programme as much music as possible and enshrined his interpretations
in a series of recordings that have remained first choices for almost fifty
years. This can certainly be said with regard to the 1956 version of the
First Symphony. This reading is more desirable than his later EMI version
with the Philharmonia, not only for its more reasonable tempi but also for
the dramatic swagger that Barbirolli could conjure from the Hallé
players. The Andante nobilmente is particularly imposing with that great
theme fairly squeezed out of the orchestra whilst the excitement of the Finale
is pure unbuttoned Elgarian pomp and circumstance. The two versions of the
Introduction and Allegro and the Elegy are not fundamentally different although
the earlier mono recordings have slightly faster tempi. However it is good
to have them both on this album as one can compare the interpretations. This
leads us to the 'Enigma'. Of late I have been listening to Sargent, Boult
and van Beinum in this timeless work and have also recently discovered a
magnificent Beecham version on a Philips 10 inch LP. Barbirolli's reading
is slightly excitable compared to these but otherwise it is a true tribute
to this marvelous idea. Comparing it with the later EMI version reveals a
slight broadening of pace in that recording but no real interpretative
differences. The charming 'Lullaby' is enchantingly done and makes a delightful
conclusion to what is obviously a self recommending issue for all Barbirolli
devotees. Extensive Michael Kennedy notes and state of the art Michael Dutton
remastering add to the allure of this magnificent reissue.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
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