Elgar: Falstaff; Enigma Variations

On this CD:

1. Enigma Variations for orchestra, Op.36
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

2. Falstaff, symphonic study for orchestra in C minor, Op.68
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

Tracks:

Theme: Andante - Alexander Gibson
I. L'istesso Tempo (C.A.E.)- - Alexander Gibson
II. Allegro (H.D.S-P)- - Alexander Gibson
III. Allegretto (R.B.T.)- - Alexander Gibson
IV. Allegro Di Molto (W.M.B.)- - Alexander Gibson
V. Moderato (R.P.A.)- - Alexander Gibson
VI. Andantino (Ysobel)- - Alexander Gibson
VII. Presto (Troyte) - Alexander Gibson
VIII. Allegretto (W.N.)- - Alexander Gibson
IX. Adagio (Nimrod)- - Alexander Gibson
X. Allegretto (Dorabella)- - Alexander Gibson
XI. Allegro Di Molto (G.R.S.) - Alexander Gibson
XII. Andante (B.G.N.)- - Alexander Gibson
XIII. Romanza: Moderato (***) - Alexander Gibson
XIV. Finale: Allegro (E.D.U.) - Alexander Gibson
No.1 In D Major - Alexander Gibson
No.2 In A Minor - Alexander Gibson
No.3 In C Minor - Alexander Gibson
No.4 In G Major - Alexander Gibson
No.5 In C Major - Alexander Gibson

Tracks:

Chanson De Matin, Op.15 No.2 - Norman Del Mar
Chanson De Nuit, Op.15 No.1 - Norman Del Mar
Serenade Lyrique - Norman Del Mar
Salut D'amour, Op.12 - Norman Del Mar
1. Andante- - Norman Del Mar
2. Allegro - Norman Del Mar
Contrasts, Op.10 No.3 - Norman Del Mar
Soliloquy For Oboe And Orchestra - Leon Goossens
Woodland Interlude - Norman Del Mar
1. Jack Falstaff, Page To The Duke Of Norfolk - Norman Del Mar
2. Gloucestershire, Shallow's Orchard - Norman Del Mar
1. Allegretto Giocoso- - Norman Del Mar
2. Moderato- - Norman Del Mar
3. Allegro Vivace - Norman Del Mar
Sospiri, Op.70 - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Minuet - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Burlesco - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Adieu - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Waltz - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Sursum Corda, Op.11 - Bournemouth Sinfonietta

Average customer rating:

Barbirolli solves the Enigma

Elgar: Falstaff; Enigma Variations

Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000241DH
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': Theme
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': I. C.A.E.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': II. H.D.S.P.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': III. R.B.T.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': IV. W.M.B.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': V. R.P.A.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': VI. Ysobel
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': VII. Troyte
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': VIII. W.N.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': IX. Nimrod
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': X. Intermezzo: Dorabella
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': XI. G.R.S.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': XII. B.G.N.
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': XIII. Romanza
Vars On An Original Theme, Op.36 'Enigma': XIV. Finale: E.D.U.
Sym Study in c, Op.68 'Falstaff': I. Falstaff And Prince Henry - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Sym Study in c, Op.68 'Falstaff': II. Eastcheap - Gadshill - The Boar's Head, Revelry And Sleep - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Sym Study in c, Op.68 'Falstaff': Dream Interlude: 'Jack Falstaff, Now Sir John, A Boy, And Page... - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Sym Study in c, Op.68 'Falstaff': III. Falstaff's March - The Return Through Gloucestershire- - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Sym Study in c, Op.68 'Falstaff': Interlude: Gloucestershire. Shallow's Orchard (Allegretto) - ... - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli
Sym Study in c, Op.68 'Falstaff': IV. King Henry V's Progress - The Repudiation Of Falstaff,... - Halle Orch/Sir John Barbirolli

Customer Reviews:

Barbirolli solves the Enigma.......2001-05-12

Shortly after they were written, Elgar's "Variations on an Original Theme" became known as the "Enigma Variations," for reasons that are even more enigmatic than the music itself.

There is no mystery, however, to Barbirolli's recording of the piece with the Philharmonia Orchestra. He keeps the orchestra sharp and on task; there is none of the wallowing that is often found in recordings of Elgar's music. Rather, Barbirolli lets what I think is Elgar's true voice come through; he was a Romantic, yes, but he was also a gifted academician, and one must not forget that a set of variations such as this is as much an academic excercise as it is a vehicle for personal expression.

Though "Falstaff" is what might be called a "tone poem," there is nothing particularly Straussian about it. Barbirolli, this time leading the Halle Orchestra, again demonstrates his keen understanding of the distinctive style of Elgar.

For a disc that captures the best of both composer and conductor, do not hesitate to get this one.

Elgar: Enigma Variations / Falstaff
Average customer rating:
Elgar: Enigma Variations / Falstaff
Elgar , Sir George Solti , London Philharmonic Orchestra , and Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00000E42G
Release Date: 1989-09-13

Average customer rating:

A Superb ENIGMA VARIATIONS!

Elgar: Enigma Variations / Falstaff / Grania & Diarmid

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elgar: 'enigma' Variations, Pomp & Circumstance Marches, etc.

ASIN: B000002RTS
Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: Theme
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: I. C.A.E.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: II. H.D.S.-P.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: III. R.B.T.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: IV. W.M.B.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: V. R.P.A.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: VI. Ysobel
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: VII. Troyte
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: VIII. W.N.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: IX. Nimrod
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: X. Intermezzo: Dorabella
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: XI. G.R.S.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: XII. B.G.N.
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: XIII. Romanza
Var on an Orig Theme ('Enigma') Op. 36: XIV. Finale: E.D.U.
Grania and Diarmid - Incidental Music Op.42: I. Incidental Music
Grania and Diarmid - Incidental Music Op.42: II. Funeral March
Falstaff - Symphonic Study in c Op.68: I. Falstaff and Prince Henry
Falstaff - Symphonic Study in c Op.68: II. Eastcheap - Gadshill - The Boar's Head, revelry and sleep
Falstaff - Symphonic Study in c Op.68: Dream Interlude
Falstaff - Symphonic Study in c Op.68: III. Falstaff's march
Falstaff - Symphonic Study in c Op.68: Interlude
Falstaff - Symphonic Study in c Op.68: IV. King Henry V's Progress

Customer Reviews:

A Superb ENIGMA VARIATIONS!.......2005-04-20

Sir Simon Rattle knows Elgar inside out and this all-Elgar disc is ample proof. At the helm of his own City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra he pulls out some of the most elegant and passionate playing of the Variations on CD. And as deeply felt as the famous 'Nimrod variation' is (and this is surely the most heartfelt as any ever performed), the other more brisk and refined movements are equally well played. It is, for this listener, the most successful ENIGMA VARIATIONS on record.

The remainder of this satisfying disc contains the obscure 'Incidental Music for Grania and Diarmid' composed for a play in 1901 (the Enigma set was composed in 1899) and it is apt Celtic sounding tunes that befit the story written by George Moore in collaboration with WB Yeats. The orchestration is rich and nearly Wagnerian. While not perhaps Elgar's greatest work, it bears repeated listenings.

The remaining work on this recording is the 'Falstaff Symphonic Study in C minor' composed in 1913 and is a work that eludes this listener. There are some sound themes in the work but it just seems to wander aimlessly and episodically and as a total work it fails to hold interest.

The sound on this recording is excellent: the recordings of 'Enigma' and 'Grania and Diarmid' were made in the (then) new Birmingham Symphony Hall (the recording was made in 1993) and are resonant and live. The 'Falstaff' was recorded in Butterworth Hall at the University of Warwick in 1992 and the sound is a bit more dry. But despite the few misgivings about sections of this CD, this is clearly a successful collaboration. For those in need of a definitive performance of the 'Enigma Variations', look no further. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 05

Average customer rating:

Lie back and Think of England

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Fant On 'Greensleeves' - London Festival Orch/Ross Pople
Vc Con: I. Adagio - Zara Nelsova
The Planets: Jupiter - BBC SO/Sir Malcolm Sargent
Summer Night On The River - BBC SO/Sir John Pritchard
Sym No.5: III. Romanza - BBC SO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Banks Of Green Willow - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
Enigma Vars: W.N. & Nimrod - BBC SO/Sir Malcolm Sargent
Dance Rhap No.2 - BBC Conc Orch/Ashley Lawrence
Cl Con: Adagio - Janet Hilton

Tracks:

Sospiri - BBC Scottish SO/Sir Charles Groves
The Wise Virgins: Sheep May Safely Graze - ECO/Sir Charles Mackerras
The Planets: Venus - BBC SO/Sir Malcolm Sargent
The Three Elizabeths: Springtime In Angus - BBC Conc Orch/Sir Adrian Boult
Capriol Ste - Hirsch Chm Players/Leonard Hirsch
Sym No.3 'Pastoral': I. Molto Moderato - BBC SO/Sir Adrian Boult
Poem No.1 - BBC Northern SO/Norman Del Mar
Irmelin: Prld - BBC Conc Orch/Ashley Lawrence
Henry V: Death Of Falstaff - ECO/Sir Charles Mackerras
Henry V: Touch Her Soft Lips And Part - ECO/Sir Charles Mackerras
The Lark Ascending: Conclusion - Iona Brown

Average customer rating:

good quality for a reasonable price

Enigma Variations / Falstaff
Elgar , Dutoit , and Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00000E4L5
Release Date: 1991-03-08

Customer Reviews:

good quality for a reasonable price .......2006-01-18

good quality for a reasonnable price, that is what this cd offers. The music by sir Edward Elgar can be compared to the music of Shostakovich on Symphonie 15 or on various occasions of filmmusic. I can really recommend this cd to anyone. Recently this recording is offered by DECCA for budget-price.

Elgar: Enigma Variations; Falstaff Symphonic Study

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Elgar: Enigma Variations; Falstaff Symphonic Study

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000QUZ4KA

Product Description

EMI, London Philharmonic, David Bell, organ, Mackerras conducting

This Sceptred Isle: Music Inspired By the Events of the 20th Century

Average customer rating:

I HAVE seen this CD and really like it.

This Sceptred Isle: Music Inspired By the Events of the 20th Century

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004KDFI
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Customer Reviews:

I HAVE seen this CD and really like it........2003-10-31

This is a two CD set on which, though several of the cuts are edited, more than half appear in their entirety. What a splendid set they make! I've always been a fan of the musical grandeur evinced in British Imperial music. This album, particularly the first disc, offers music from this genre in spades, both instrumental and choral works. Hubert Parry's "I Was Glad" shines out in dazzling brilliance. Listening to Walton's warhorse "Crown Imperial" and Elgar's "Coronation March" we can visualize the full ceremony of state. And listening to Coates' "Dam Busters March" brings to mind all the hope of a proud people fighting, down to its last collective drop of blood, a mortal threat being wrought by an invader's ruthless forces. I'm sure this sounds melodramatic, but after all, total emotion is what this music is all about. I might ask for a cut or two less of Coates or Walton, not because those recordings were not excellent, but because, instead, I'd have liked a cut from Bridge, Tippett, or even Rutter. But, excepting that slight objection, this CD duo does its job most excellently and well.