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The Schubert Ensemble, Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
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This essential disc features works spanning Elgar's life, encompassing the different facets of his unique musical personality. Ranging from the lyrical and reflective Elegy to the skittish and virtuosic La Capricieuse, this disc combines some of Elgar's more rarely-heard works with well-loved gems such as the Serenade for Strings.Elgar felt great affection for his Serenade for Strings, and referred to the wonderful melody of the Larghetto, which is relished on this recording by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and Sir Neville Marriner. The hallmarks of Elgar's mature style can be heard in the sweeping melodic shapes and the nobility of style that characterise this work.In contrast, the Piano Quintet is full of dramatic tension, with its ghostly opening bars setting the haunting tone of the work, which is indebted to Brahms in style. The disc concludes with an attractive Suite, created by Elgar's biographer Percy Young, from material Elgar began writing for Ben Jonson's play The Devil is an Ass. Beautifully performed, this disc represents a fine summation of Elgar's musical style.ComposerSir Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934) Only $11.98 - Click here to buy now! |