01. - 15. Variations on an Original Theme, op.36 'Enigma' [30'53]
16. Introduction and Allegro for Strings, op.47 [14'35]
17. - 19. Serenade for Strings in E minor, op.20 [11'09]
London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley
EMI Eloquence CD-EMX9503 (recorded January 1983; this CD release 1987)
(flac and scans)
Recording venue: Watford Town Hall
Recording engineer: Mike "Mr Bear" Clements; Producer: Barry McCann
Here's yet another fine performance of the Enigma Variations. Perhaps not at the very top of the list but quite close and Handley's love of the music comes through strongly. The Serenade for Strings is also very fine and beautifully flowing - my current favourite recording of the work. Unlike with the Enigma, this even overtakes Malcolm Sargents's recording with the Philharmonia from 1959.
The Introduction and Allegro is also excellent if not quite on the level of Barbirolli's classic account with the Sinfonia of London and the Allegri Quartet. However, its good to have the solo quartet made up from principal players of the London Philharmonic - Peter Manning & Russell Gilbert (violins), Rusen Gunes (violia) and Alexander Cameron (cello).
One thing to note about this original, tobacco-sponsored, issue of the Enigma Variations, unlike later reissues, is that it was divided into only six tracks. I have split it into the usual, and logical, 15 tracks. The early digital recording also shows signs of a lack of depth and richness - quite common at the time and something of a disappointment after Handley's earlier excellent analog recordings of the symphonies.