Track Listing

1. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: Theme
2. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 1. C.A.E. (Caroline Alice Elgar, the composr's wife)
3. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 2. H.D.S.-P. (Hew David Steuart-Powell)
4. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 3. R.B.T. (Richard Baxter Townshend)
5. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 4. W.M.B. (William Meath Baker)
6. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 5. R.P.A. (Richard Penrose Arnold)
7. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 6. Ysobel (Isabel Fitton)
8. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 7. Troyte (Troyte Griffith)
9. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 8. W.N. (Winifred Norbury)
10. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 9. Nimrod (A.J.Jaeger)
11. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 10. Intermezzo: Dorabella (Dora Penny)
12. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 11. G.R.S. (George Robertson Sinclair)
13. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 12. B.G.N. (Basil G. Nevinson)
14. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 13. Romanza [Lady Mary Lygon]
15. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36: 14. Finale: E.D.U. (the composer)
16. Pomp and Circumstance, marches (5) for orchestra, Op. 39: No. 1 in D
17. Pomp and Circumstance, marches (5) for orchestra, Op. 39: No. 2 in A minor
18. Pomp and Circumstance, marches (5) for orchestra, Op. 39: No. 3 in C minor
19. Pomp and Circumstance, marches (5) for orchestra, Op. 39: No. 4 in G
20. Pomp and Circumstance, marches (5) for orchestra, Op. 39: No. 5 in C
21. Cockaigne Overture ('In London Town'), concert overture for orchestra & organ, Op. 40

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32692 in Music
• Released on: 1995-10-17
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com
Sir Adrian Boult's recording of the Enigma Variations with the London Symphony was made when both he and the orchestra were at their peak. It reflects an extraordinary blend of spontaneity and the grand manner, and shows great insight into the score. Smooth, flowing, and majestic yet animated, it is a finely molded account in which every variation counts toward the whole. Boult's approach is direct and eloquent rather than rhetorical, but very expressive. The sound is closely miked and remastered at a very high level, and a little on the bright side. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Don't let the price fool you... This is a WONDERFUL album!
I knew I was getting a bargain [price] when I purchased this CD, but I'm happy to say both musically and technically, it's knocked my socks off! The warmth and vigor with which the London Symphony Orchestra (no slouchy establishment, needless to say) interprets and delivers Elgar's lush compositions is remarkable. What impressed me most, however, is the quality of the recording itself. The stereo separation of the instruments simulates sitting on the front row of an orchestra hall nearly perfectly, and the sound is crisp and clear. Priced under [small amt], this was a welcome suprise and bonus!

If you have yet to experience Sir Edward Elgar's works and you enjoy orchestral music, please do yourself a favor and purchase this album. You'll be rewarded with Elgar's charming, passionate creations. His variations are at times both robust and delicate, powerful and tender, witty and affectionate, as each variation is crafted after and named for one of Elgar's acquaintences, including his wife.

The liner notes sum up this album's work nicely by quoting critic Neville Cardus: "I feel that Elgar's music is usually either opening something or closing something institutional... we have in Elgar the laureate rather than the poet." And you couldn't have a better introduction to "the laureate" than through this collection.

P.S. Did I mention the Pomp & Circumstance Marches? Truly impressive. The "one" we all know is but a small portion of March #1. It is one of the most recognizable themes in the world of music. I couldn't help but hear in the back of my mind, "But wait! There's more!" And they're all worth hearing!

Unbeatable at this Price
After Monteux's recording of the "Enigma" (on London/Decca), I would rank Boult's as my next favorite performance. The recorded sound could hardly be surpassed today; the performance is "right" in every respect--everything is given its due, nothing is exaggerated; truly Boult was the conductor of the golden mean! Likewise, his P & C Marches go to the top of the list--they have swagger and bravado, yet at the same time a more serious, sober side too; again, sound is flawless.

Sound is a little more dated for the Barbirolli performance of the overture, but there's never been a better performance--Sir John lived in the London Town of the Edwardian era, when this music was written, and he captures its spirit like no one else.

For this meagre price, what are you waiting for!

More than Pomp
This compendium of Elgar's music is beautiful and powerful. The familiar tune of Pomp and Circumstance is played in its most beautiful entirety. And while it is familiar, it is just one of many pieces that are filled with passion and feeling.