- Performer: Yehudi Menuhin, Beatrice Harrison
- Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra
- Conductor: Edward Elgar
- Composer: Edward Elgar
- Audio CD (13 Jun 1989)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: EMI Classical
- ASIN: B00000DOJP
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 120,623 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
One of the great recordings of all times
22 Feb 2010
These are two of the truly classic items of the history of recorded music. The young Menuhin's 1930 recording of Elgar's violin concerto was the second recording of the work (I have not heard Albert Sammons's earlier version). The project came about, however, because Fred Gaisberg wanted a recording of Elgar conducting the work, and Menuhin was subsequently chosen as a youthful and pliant performer `without prejudice who would respond best to his instruction'. The work's dedicatee, Kreisler, felt that Elgar was a poor conductor, but this recording certainly belies that sentiment - the orchestral part is sensitive, attentive and utterly musical, the orchestral sound is gorgeous and is the splendid foil for Menuhin's graceful, beautiful, zestful and - indeed - youthful playing; certainly a different experience than, say, Kennedy many years later.
Even though this is a magnificent performance, superbly phrased and shaped and paced, I wouldn't want to be without alternative recordings, however. For one thing, Menuhin's account downplays the fervor and urgency in favor of wistful lyricism, and although the results are immensely satisfying, more dramatic and urgent approaches reveal facets of the work not exhibited here. Another thing is the sound quality; of course, no one coming to this performance would expect contemporary state of the art sound, and the sound here is certainly listenable. It is clear and relatively bright, but the fullness of tone is missing a little, and the balance between soloist and orchestra isn't always perfect.
No such complaints about the coupling. For the cello concerto under Beatrice Harrison I'd also be more inclined to say that it remains unsurpassed. Recorded in 1928, this authoritative performance is deeply expressive, yet with a dignity and graciousness that is missing from most later accounts. Gorgeously molded and wonderfully phrased throughout, I have never, I think, been as moved by a performance of this pinnacle of the cello repertoire as I have been by this one. The cello tone itself is warm and wistful and wonderfully rich, and the orchestral accompaniment magnificent.
And as for the sound quality, it is quite vivid and present, capturing both the depth of tone, the opulent sheen and overall well-balanced. Of course, this is a 1928 recording, and it does show its age, but I've heard much worse efforts dating from much later (and few contemporaneous recordings that can match it). In short, if you are still unfamiliar with the music-making on this disc, I urge you to obtain this disc - wonderful performances (especially the cello concerto) of gorgeous music.
Even though this is a magnificent performance, superbly phrased and shaped and paced, I wouldn't want to be without alternative recordings, however. For one thing, Menuhin's account downplays the fervor and urgency in favor of wistful lyricism, and although the results are immensely satisfying, more dramatic and urgent approaches reveal facets of the work not exhibited here. Another thing is the sound quality; of course, no one coming to this performance would expect contemporary state of the art sound, and the sound here is certainly listenable. It is clear and relatively bright, but the fullness of tone is missing a little, and the balance between soloist and orchestra isn't always perfect.
No such complaints about the coupling. For the cello concerto under Beatrice Harrison I'd also be more inclined to say that it remains unsurpassed. Recorded in 1928, this authoritative performance is deeply expressive, yet with a dignity and graciousness that is missing from most later accounts. Gorgeously molded and wonderfully phrased throughout, I have never, I think, been as moved by a performance of this pinnacle of the cello repertoire as I have been by this one. The cello tone itself is warm and wistful and wonderfully rich, and the orchestral accompaniment magnificent.
And as for the sound quality, it is quite vivid and present, capturing both the depth of tone, the opulent sheen and overall well-balanced. Of course, this is a 1928 recording, and it does show its age, but I've heard much worse efforts dating from much later (and few contemporaneous recordings that can match it). In short, if you are still unfamiliar with the music-making on this disc, I urge you to obtain this disc - wonderful performances (especially the cello concerto) of gorgeous music.
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