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Date: | Sun, 19 May 2002 12:32:20 +0100 |
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Dear All, I finally heard excerpts from the Davis/LSO Elgar 2 on LSO
Live and was greatly disappointed. The sound was shallow and harsh, as
if recorded in a bunker. The conducting was short breathed and agogic in
many places. The climaxes in the 2nd and 4th movement simply did not work.
As an alternative I'd recommend:
- Elgar #1 - BBC Philharmonic/Hurst on Naxos. Good sound, excellent
grasp on structure and subtle use of rubato. Exciting propulsive finale.
Terrific.
- Elgar #2 - LPO/Slatkin on RCA. Everything the LSO Live CD is not.
Sound has depth and resonance. The gradual buildup of timpani in the 3rd
movement is almost overpowering. Thrilling use of an organ in the 4th
movement. Most importantly, Slatkins conducts with strength and insight.
The great hammer blows in the 2nd movement are wielded within an
overarching structure. A recording to treasure.
- Elgar #3 - Bournemouth SO/Daniel on Naxos. A real find. Flowing speeds,
divided fiddles, exciting brass and timpani, conducting that actually holds
the 4th movement together. Don't hesitate.
I'd listen to the LSO Live carefully before buying.
David Harbin
Nottingham, UK
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