05. - 08. Edward Elgar - Symphony No.1 in A-flat major, op.55 [45'06]
BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Adrian Boult
ICA Classics ICAC 5063 (recorded August 1977 and July 1976*; CD issued 2012)
(digital download; flacs, booklet, cover and inlay scans)
Recording venue: Royal Albert Hall, London - BBC broadcasts from Promenade Concerts.
This generous and apt coupling of two of Sir Adrian's favourite symphonies contains two of his finest recorded performances. The Elgar had been released before on a BBC Music Magazine cover disc but this transfer seems more vivid somehow - emphasising what a superb and thrilling performance it is. The BBC orchestra play their hearts out for their beloved leader. For once, the roar of approval from the prommers is rightly bestowed.
The performance of the Brahms third symphony is also very fine - closer in feel to his earlier mono commercial recording for Pye Nixa rather than the slightly staid later recording for EMI. As usual with Sir Adrian, this is an unsentimental reading and here the tempi seem just right to me.
The stereo recordings are excellent in both symphonies.
Download from MEGA.