Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Edward Elgar's early compositions with this captivating album, released by Decca Music Group Ltd. in 1992. Spanning a little over an hour, this orchestral journey is a delightful blend of classical elegance and whimsical charm, showcasing Elgar's remarkable talent and versatility.
The album opens with "The Wand of Youth" Suites, a collection of youthful and imaginative pieces that Elgar composed in his early twenties. These suites are filled with playful melodies and lively rhythms, evoking images of fairies, giants, and magical dances. The first suite includes tracks like "Overture," "Serenade," and "Fairy Pipers," while the second suite features "March," "The Little Bells," and "The Tame Bear."
Following the "Wand of Youth" Suites, the album presents "Songs from The Starlight Express," a set of enchanting songs that Elgar composed for his daughter, Carice. These songs, performed with orchestral accompaniment, are a beautiful blend of poetry and music, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. Tracks like "To the Children," "The Blue-Eyes Fairy," and "Oh Stars, Shine Brightly" are sure to captivate listeners of all ages.
The album concludes with "Dream Children," a two-movement work that Elgar composed in 1902. This piece is a beautiful example of Elgar's ability to evoke deep emotion and nostalgia through his music. The "Andante" movement is a gentle and introspective piece, while the "Allegretto piacevole" is a lively and playful dance.
Throughout the album, Elgar's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create vivid musical imagery are on full display. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and enchant you. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of Edward Elgar transport you to a world of magic and wonder.
Tracks
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 1. OvertureEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 2. SerenadeEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 3. Minuet (Old Style)Edward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 4. Sun DanceEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 5. Fairy PipersEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 6. Slumber SceneEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 7. Fairies and GiantsEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 1. MarchEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 2. The Little BellsEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 3. Moths and ButterfliesEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 4. Fountain DanceEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 5. The Tame BearEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 6. The Wild BearsEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: To the ChildrenEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: The Blue-Eyes FairyEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: I'm EverywhereEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: Night WindsEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: Oh Stars, Shine BrightlyEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: We Shall Meet the Morning SpidersEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: My Old Tunes Are Rather BrokenEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: O,Think BeautyEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: Hearts Must Be Soft-Shiny DressedEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Dream Children, Op. 43: 1. AndanteEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Dream Children, Op. 43: 2. Allegretto piacevoleEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
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