01. Introduction and Allegro, op.47 [13'31]
02. - 04. Serenade for Strings in E minor, op. 20 [12'20]
05. - 19. Variations on an Original Theme, op.36, 'Enigma' [30'45]
20. Pomp and Circumstance Marches, op.39 - No. 1 in D major [6'25]
London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Paul Daniel
Sony Music 8869 764294-2 (recorded 1998 for Classic FM; this digital issue 2010)
(digital download; flacs, cover scan only - no booklet)
Recording venue: Watford Colosseum
Recording engineer: Mike Hatch; Producer: James Mallinson
This recording was made for the British radio programme Classic FM's CD label and issued early in 1999 (Classic FM 75605 57041-2). It was subsequently picked up by Sony and it seems only issued as a digital download. Paul Daniel made his highly-regarded recording of the Elgar/Payne Third Symphony with the Bournemouth Symphony for Naxos not long after this recording was first released. These performances are equally splendid, lithe and dynamic, with excellent recorded sound. Divided strings and prominent organ in the finale of the Enigma only add to the pleasure.
Download from MEGA.
Edward Elgar:
01. - 14. Variations on an Original Theme, op.36, 'Enigma' [30'45]
15. - 17. Serenade for Strings in E minor, op. 20 [13'07]
18. Introduction and Allegro, op.47 [14'32]
London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Richard Armstrong
Belart 461 112-2 (recorded June 1986 for St. Michael Classical Collection; this CD issue 1995)
(CD-rip; flacs, booklet, cover and inlay scans)
Recording venue: Abbey Road Studios, London
Recording engineer: Michael Sheady; Producer: Anna Barry
This recording has quite a peculiar history. It was originally made by Andrew Lloyd-Webber's production company for the UK department store, Marks & Spencer and, unusually for 1986, only issued as an LP. This disappeared fairly quickly only for the recording to reappear in 1995 on Universal Music's budget label Belart. This also appears to have only been in circulation for a fairly short period. This rip from CD was sent to me by a friend some years ago without any artwork and I was pleased to be able to source Belart's meager offering from the torrent. Sir Richard , a Cambridge organ scholar and music director of Welsh National Opera for 13 years, is generally thought of as an opera conductor and he has made many recordings for EMI of operatic repertoire. I rather like both his Enigma Variations and Introduction and Allegro (with an excellent quartet drawn from the orchestra). His is a very personal, but not eccentric, view of both works.
Download from MEGA.