Search - Edward Elgar, Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra :: Complete Symphonies

Excellent Value for your Money

KH | Chicago, IL | 04/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This set provides excellent value for your money. The 1st Symphony is one of the best recordings--Previn does not allow the work to ramble, yet doesn't shortchange the emotion either. The 2nd Symphony is very good, though not quite at the top rank--there is some deeper emotions and inner darkness Previn does not completely bring out (Edward Downes and the BBC Phil on Naxos are my first choice here). The fillers (marches and overture) and again very good, though I would go with Boult (EMI) for my only recording of the marches and Barbirolli (EMI) for my only recording of the overture.Sound is first class; orchestral playing ditto; price is right. And the 1st Symphony essential..."

"The Greatest Symphony of Modern Times"

David Robinson | Oakland, CA United States | 01/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hans Richter called Elgar's first symphony the "greatest symphony of modern times" and to my taste it's the most important symphony since Mozart's 40th. Elgar stumbled on a simple, noble theme, quite unlike the folk-song melodies of his younger contemporary, Vaughan Williams. This motto theme drives the whole symphony through to the last movement where it reappears, deconstructed with massive brass and percussion chords punctuating its marchlike theme, but decidedly off the beat like random thunder.First performed in 1908 just before the First World War, the symphony as a whole is like a tone picture of the Victorian/Edwardian era marching off into the sunset.Why is it that auslanders can get the English sound better than any native born knight? Here we have German-American Andre Previn at the peak of his powers. He is clearly at one with the Royal Philharmonic and he manages the quirky rhythms expertly. The performance has great force, and indeed nobility--not bombast.The addition of the less popular second symphony and the Pomp and Circumstance marches make this two-disc set an excellent value. If you've dismissed Elgar as trivial on the basis of the cliche'd Pomp and Circumstance, buy this set to experience a real English genius. When you play it, the world will briefly stop turning on its axis."

Best value for your money--great introduction to Elgar's mus

Gerald Willett | Phoenix, AZ | 05/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If these are not the greatest Elgar recordings you'll come across, they'll end up being a close second. For the money they're hard to top and make a fine introduction to Elgar's music. His two symphonies along with the popular Pomp and Circumstance Marches and Cockaigne are a fine addition to your collection. Andre Previn has made some wonderful recordings of British music including the symphonies of Vaughan Williams. All have good sound quality for the time and have been carefully re-mastered for CD."