Search - Edward Elgar, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Elgar: Enigma Variations; Cello Concerto

Beautifully done

Shay T. Green | Bellingham, WA USA | 01/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The cello concerto is absolutally breathtaking. The soloist puts such emotion and power behind the performance; it is the best recording I have listened to. The Enigma Variations are likewise very well done, although for those that care I feel Nimrod should be taken slower. A great CD!"

Beautiful recording

A. Yen | MA, USA | 09/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Penguin Classics disc is nothing short of one of the best Elgar collections out there, if one can stand to lose the more rowdy Marches and indulge in Elgar's more melancholy and probably better-written works.



The first thing most people say when they hear the Elgar cello concerto is: "Is it du Pré?" For better or for worse, this is not du Pré, nor does it really sound like it could be. Maisky's playing fits the piece well, and the emotion he puts into the piece is evident. Technically, his playing is as good as it gets. The orchestra's lines are powerfully delivered. For those who have more du Pré-Elgar exposure, though, you'll have to judge for yourself whether you like this unique performance.



Sinopoli's Enigma is where this disc really hits the mark, with gorgeous sounds coaxed from the orchestra at every turn. However, the passionate outburts are as wild and frenzied as they should be. From the first notes of the Tema, Elgar's masterpiece is thougthfully and sincerely rendered, with heartbreaking moments scattered throughout (the cello solo and section soli in Var. XII [B.G.N.]: Andante, for example).



The Serenade for String Orchestra is a bit of a curiosity. Much more rarely performed, the selection is nonetheless well-rendered by Sinopoli."