Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0724356774827
Label: EMI Classics
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: EMI Classics
Release Date: March 11, 2002
Studio: EMI Classics

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Disc 1:

1. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: Theme (Andante) - London Symphony Orchestra
2. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: I. L'istesso Tempo - London Symphony Orchestra
3. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: II. Allegro - London Symphony Orchestra
4. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: III. Allegretto - London Symphony Orchestra
5. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: IV. Allegro Di Molto - London Symphony Orchestra
6. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: V. Moderato - London Symphony Orchestra
7. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: VI. Andantino - London Symphony Orchestra
8. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: VII. Troyte (Presto) - London Symphony Orchestra
9. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: VIII. Allegretto - London Symphony Orchestra
10. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: IX. Nimrod (Adagio) - London Symphony Orchestra
11. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: X. Intermezzo: Dorabella (Allegretto) - London Symphony Orchestra
12. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XI. Allegro Di Molto - London Symphony Orchestra
13. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XII. Andante - London Symphony Orchestra
14. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XIII. Romanza: *** (Moderato) - London Symphony Orchestra
15. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XIV. Finale: Allegro - London Symphony Orchestra
16. The Planets, Op.32: I. Mars The Bringer Of War (Allegro) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
17. The Planets, Op.32: II. Venus, The Bringer Of Peace (Adagio) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
18. The Planets, Op.32: III. Mercury, The Winged Messenger (Vivace) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
19. The Planets, Op.32: IV: Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity (Allegro Giocoso - Andante Maestoso) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
20. The Planets, Op.32: V: Saturn, The Bringer Of Old Age (Adagio) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
21. The Planets, Op.32: VI. Uranus, The Magician (Allegro) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
22. The Planets, Op.32: VII. Neptune, The Mystic (Andante) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir

Related Items:

• Elgar - Cello Concerto; Cockaigne; Sea Pictures
• Handel: Water/Fireworks Music
• Vivaldi: The Four Seasons/Concertos
• Vaughan Williams: Orchestral Works
• Beethoven - Symphonies 1 - 9
• see more

Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display

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Rating: - As Holst intended?
This version of The Planets has replaced my recent LSO version.
Why? Well, the balance between the contributing elements is the best i've heard so far: The bass is thunderous analogue and the high woodwind/strings are like crystal in equal measure. This is a superb achievement and exceptionally important for, 'large orchestra' where Dynamics become a recording engineer's delight or problem depending on how good they are. And these people are the best: Abbey road have done a fantastic job on ... Read More

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Rating: - not impressed
The style of the presentation of the pieces here could be described as majestic although a trifle slow for my taste. The style is in keeping with its time.
However I have had a number of versions of both works over the years and the dynamics on this rendition must be the worst. Whoever transfered the music from master tape to CD did not make anywhere near the most of the expanded dynamic capabilities available today. I do not mean that the bass should destroy buildings a mile distant or that ... Read More

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Rating: - In a league of its own
Towering, majestic, commanding, bursting with passion and energy, these are thoroughly spirited performances of the Elgar variations and Holst's Planets, sublime recordings that are truly worthy of the EMI Classics logo. Part of their Great Recordings of the Century series, it provides welcome relief for escapees of the Classic FM "pop" culture, for connoisseurs of truly beautiful and complete classical interpretations.

Famous around the world, Elgar's supreme string control and intertwining ... Read More

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Rating: - Awesome, i moshed all night to this
At first i thought it was a bit heavy, but by the 2536327st time i'd heard this album i really started to like it. This may seem a bit way out, but i'd compare it to the great works of cannibal corpse and sahwoddy woddy. Immense.

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Rating: - simply the best
I don't think there is a better CD of English classics than this one. Rob Cowan chose Boult's 'Enigma' as the best available version the last time the work was reviewed on Radio 3's CD Review. It is a performance that manages to balance all the different moods and characters of the musical pictures of Elgar's 'friends pictured within' quite beautifully, and the sound is excellent 1970s analogue. Boult was the first man to conduct 'The Planets' and recorded it five times, and this is probably the best performance ... Read More

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