Search - Edward Elgar, Michael Tippett, Ralph Vaughan Williams :: The English Connection

Music for quiet listening.

littlenomad | North Carolina, US | 02/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD for Sir Neville Marriner's recording of Elgar's Serenede for Strings, but I was hoping I would enjoy the other selections. I have, especially "The Lark Ascending." Regarding the "Serenede for Strings," I doubt a more level-headed rendition of the piece exists. Things on this CD are "played straight." I have heard another rendition of the "Serenede," in which the conductor and orchestra constantly changed tempo and seemed to lack any understanding of the piece's form. Not so here. Everything sounds even and natural. The tracks on this CD seem to evoke scenes of spring and the countryside, although there's nothing wrong with listening to them against a winter backdrop. Except for "Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli" (Track 6), this CD is tailor made for relaxing and/or moments of quiet reflection. Not that there's anything wrong with Track 6--it's just stylistically darker and more bombastic than the other tracks. In sum, highly recommended."

English Beauty

Andrea I. Trivax | Michigan | 11/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nobody does English music like Neville Marriner. He and his cohorts on this recording, especially violinist Iona Brown, prove this convincingly. Brown's interpretation of "The Lark Ascending" is at once plaintive and breath-takingly serene. Having had the privelege to hear her perform this live, I am all the more impressed with her skill and soul. Marriner wields his baton in a moving rendition of "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis." The ebb and flow of sound wash over the listener in great sweeps and brilliant colors. A perfect piece to listen to while meditating or romancing! One of my all-time favorite recordings, I highly recommend this."