Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral world of Edward Elgar with the 2017 release, "Elgar: Falstaff, Orchestral Songs & 'Grania and Diarmid'." This captivating album, performed by the BBC Philharmonic and conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, offers a comprehensive exploration of Elgar's compositions, spanning a little over an hour and fourteen minutes.
The centerpiece of the album is Elgar's "Falstaff," a symphonic study in C Minor, Op. 68, which is presented in its entirety. This work is a brilliant orchestral portrayal of Shakespeare's iconic character, Falstaff, and is divided into four main sections, each offering a unique musical narrative. From the lively "Eastcheap" and "Gadshill" to the introspective "Dream Interlude" and the triumphant "King Henry V's Progress," Elgar's mastery of orchestration and storytelling shines through.
In addition to "Falstaff," the album features a selection of Elgar's orchestral songs, including "O Soft Was the Song," "Was It Some Golden Star?," and "Twilight," from his Op. 59 and Op. 60 song cycles. These songs showcase Elgar's lyrical genius and his ability to blend vocal and orchestral elements seamlessly.
The album also includes the incidental music to "Grania and Diarmid," Op. 42, a work that demonstrates Elgar's skill in composing music for the stage. The "Moderato" and "Funeral March" from this suite are particularly noteworthy, offering a glimpse into Elgar's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.
Finally, the album concludes with a selection of Elgar's lesser-known works, including "The Wind at Dawn," "The Pipes of Pan," "Pleading," Op. 48, "The King's Way," and the whimsical "Smoking Cantata." These pieces offer a fascinating insight into Elgar's versatility as a composer and his ability to explore a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Recorded in 2017 by Chandos, this album is a testament to Elgar's enduring legacy and his ability to captivate audiences with his rich, evocative orchestral music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Elgar's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Falstaff, Op. 68: I. Falstaff and Prince HenryEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIa. EastcheapEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIb. GadshillEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIc. Revelry & SleepEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IId. Dream InterludeEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIIa. Falstaff's marchEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIIb. The Return Through GloucestershireEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIIc. Interlude. Gloucestershire, Shallow's orchardEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IIId. The New KingEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IVa. King Henry V's ProgressEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Falstaff, Op. 68: IVb. The Repudiation of Falstaff, and His DeathEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Three Songs, Op. 59: III. O Soft Was the SongEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Three Songs, Op. 59: V. Was It Some Golden Star?Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Three Songs, Op. 59: VI. TwilightEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Two Songs, Op. 60: I. The TorchEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Two Songs, Op. 60: II. The RiverEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Incidental Music to Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42: I. ModeratoEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Incidental Music to Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42: II. Funeral MarchEdward Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Wind at Dawn (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
The Pipes of Pan (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Pleading, Op. 48Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
The King's Way (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
Smoking CantataEdward Elgar, Roderick Williams, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis
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