Perhaps one of the grandest and most emotional of all the recordings of Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’ ever made, Norman Del Mar and the Royal Philharmonic recorded it in January 1975 in the superb acoustic of the Guildford Cathedral. The Pomp and Circumstance Marches have a real swagger too. Anthony Burton provides the insightful notes.
EDWARD ELGAR
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 ‘Enigma’
Pomp and Circumstance – Marches, Op. 39
No. 1 in D major
No. 3 in C minor
No. 4 in G major
No. 5 in C major
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Norman Del Mar
Recordings: Guildford Cathedral, UK, 27–28 January 1975
‘it should appeal to the most sophisticated and dedicated Elgarian … the animation and dedication shines through nearly every moment … I’ve never heard the RPO brass play better, nor the whole orchestra with better enthusiasm and address.’ Gramophone