01. - 15. Variations on an Original Theme, op.36 'Enigma'* [31'19]
16. - 18. Serenade for Strings, op.18 [12'47]
19. Cockaigne. Overture, op.40 'In London Town' [14'45]
20. Chanson de matin, op.15 no.2 [3'26]
21. Original version of E.D.U. - Finale of Enigma Variations* [4'06]
Halle Orchestra conducted by Mark Elder
Halle CDHLL7501 (recorded July and *October 2002; CD issued 2003)
(digital download - FLAC, booklet & cover scans)
Recording venue: Bridgewater Hall* and Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester
Recording engineer: Simon Eadon; Producer: Andrew Keener
I was pleasantly surprised by this disc as I have previously been underwhelmed by Mark Elder as a conductor. (I have always been suspicious of conductors whose left hand only seems to mimic the right - if it is used at all.)
Although a little slow to get going, this Enigma is very fine with superb playing by the orchestra (particularly the woodwind in R.B.T.) and the tempi generally seem to be just right - even Troyte and Nimrod. Unusually, the disc also includes Elgar's first thoughts on the finale and it just goes to show that the final extended version was the right choice.
The Cockaigne is also excellent although the sound from the BBC studio is not quite as spacious. The organ at the end is well balanced - presumably not the conductor's doing as it was phoned in from Bridgewater Hall. Unfortunately, the disc is rather let down by the Serenade for Strings - a very stop-go affair with exaggerated portamenti. I will post another fine Enigma next week, this one with my current favourite recording of the Serenade for Strings included in the make weights.