Title : Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op39; Enigma Variations Op36
Author : Elgar, Edward
Release Date : 19951017
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $3.98
Amazon.com Price : $3.62
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Buyer Reviews : I knew I was getting a bargain [price] when I purchased this CD, but I'm happy to say both musically and technically, it's knocked my socks off! The warmth and vigor with which the London Symphony Orchestra (no slouchy establishment, needless to say) interprets and delivers Elgar's lush compositions is remarkable. What impressed me most, however, is the quality of the recording itself. The stereo separation of the instruments simulates sitting on the front row of an orchestra hall nearly perfectly, and the sound is crisp and clear. Priced under [small amt], this was a welcome suprise and bonus!
If you have yet to experience Sir Edward Elgar's works and you enjoy orchestral music, please do yourself a favor and purchase this album. You'll be rewarded with Elgar's charming, passionate creations. His variations are at times both robust and delicate, powerful and tender, witty and affectionate, as each variation is crafted after and named for one of Elgar's acquaintences, including his wife.
The liner notes sum up this album's work nicely by quoting critic Neville Cardus: 'I feel that Elgar's music is usually either opening something or closing something institutional... we have in Elgar the laureate rather than the poet.' And you couldn't have a better introduction to 'the laureate' than through this collection.
P.S. Did I mention the Pomp & Circumstance Marches? Truly impressive. The 'one' we all know is but a small portion of March #1. It is one of the most recognizable themes in the world of music. I couldn't help but hear in the back of my mind, 'But wait! There's more!' And they're all worth hearing!
