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Product Description
The Very Best of Elgar[Audio CD]
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This Naxos double CD is effectively the original single CD `The Best of Elgar' expanded to include more of the composer's work, then attractively packaged with new artwork and a card insert sleeve, and the word 'Very' added to the title.
The constraints of trying to squeeze a lifetime of works onto two CDs, while better than the single release, inevitably causes some of the popular works such as `Enigma Variations', `Pomp and Circumstance Marches' and the `Cello Concerto' to be shortened to the most familiar part of these works. In this case we have (predictably) `Nimrod', `March No. 1 and 4' and `Adagio-Moderato' respectively.
Although unavoidable, this is slightly disappointing, for there is a lot of relatively unheard and unplayed Elgar music waiting to be discovered or rediscovered. One such example, absent from this CD, being the delightful `Nursery Suite' composed during the last years of Elgar's life and dedicated to the younger members of the Royal family of that time.
There are a wide variety of performers and conductors appearing on this selection but the recordings, as to be expected from Naxos, are consistently good.
If this Naxos release widens the appeal and appreciation of Elgar's music then surely it will have served its purpose. As a stand-alone CD representing some of the great works of Elgar this is one of the best (or `Very Best'), and if it inspires the listener to search further it points the way to the many other good CD releases available which will provide a more complete picture.
For further listening try the box sets 'Elgar - Orchestral Works' and `Elgar - Choral Works' on the EMI Classics label.
The constraints of trying to squeeze a lifetime of works onto two CDs, while better than the single release, inevitably causes some of the popular works such as `Enigma Variations', `Pomp and Circumstance Marches' and the `Cello Concerto' to be shortened to the most familiar part of these works. In this case we have (predictably) `Nimrod', `March No. 1 and 4' and `Adagio-Moderato' respectively.
Although unavoidable, this is slightly disappointing, for there is a lot of relatively unheard and unplayed Elgar music waiting to be discovered or rediscovered. One such example, absent from this CD, being the delightful `Nursery Suite' composed during the last years of Elgar's life and dedicated to the younger members of the Royal family of that time.
There are a wide variety of performers and conductors appearing on this selection but the recordings, as to be expected from Naxos, are consistently good.
If this Naxos release widens the appeal and appreciation of Elgar's music then surely it will have served its purpose. As a stand-alone CD representing some of the great works of Elgar this is one of the best (or `Very Best'), and if it inspires the listener to search further it points the way to the many other good CD releases available which will provide a more complete picture.
For further listening try the box sets 'Elgar - Orchestral Works' and `Elgar - Choral Works' on the EMI Classics label.
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This CD contains a good variety of Elgar's music. It includes some old favourites and some perhaps less well known. A pleasure to listen to.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Maybe the Only Elgar Compilation You'll Ever Need.
7 Dec 2006
Format:Audio CD
Naxos' "Very Best Of Elgar" compilation is probably the most comprehensive overview ever of Edward Elgar's best known work. For those who are unfamiliar with this great British composer, this double-CD set serves as a perfect introduction to his music. Two out of five of his famous "Pomp and Circumstance" marches are here as well as excerpts from his two symphonies, violin and cello concertos, the famous "Nimrod" movement from his "Enigma Variations" and the "Cockaigne Overture".
Also included in this set are lesser known works such as excerpts from his Violin Sonata, String Quartet, Piano Quintet and choral works (Ave verum corpus, The Apostles and The Dream of Gerontius).
Each disc features over 70 minutes of music and includes brief annotations about the music in the CD booklet.
With all this said, "The Very Best Of Elgar" is a very satisfying compilation and is very well put together.
Great Collection.
Also included in this set are lesser known works such as excerpts from his Violin Sonata, String Quartet, Piano Quintet and choral works (Ave verum corpus, The Apostles and The Dream of Gerontius).
Each disc features over 70 minutes of music and includes brief annotations about the music in the CD booklet.
With all this said, "The Very Best Of Elgar" is a very satisfying compilation and is very well put together.
Great Collection.
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