Elgar: Violin Concerto/Williams: The Lark Ascending

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In July 1997, after a five-year self-imposed exile from the world of classical music, Nigel Kennedy--now known simply as Kennedy--returned to the scene of one of his earlier triumphs with this incident-packed account of the Elgar concerto. It's a reading that, in the first two movements, at least, displays a bristling temperament, rapt ardor, and go-for-broke spontaneity rare in a studio recording. In the opening Allegro, Kennedy's superbly commanding first entry as well as his ravishing handling of the "Windflower" second subject movingly recall Albert Sammons's miraculous 1929 recording with Sir Henry Wood (and there can be no higher praise than that). Oddly, the finale is not quite on the same level, being somewhat too brusque and calculated for comfort (Kennedy's playing in the exquisite cadenza was more moving in his earlier recording with Vernon Handley). Overall, though, it's a thrilling display, brimming with charisma and imaginative insight. Kennedy and Rattle's incredibly leisurely, self-consciously luxuriant way with The Lark Ascending (one of Vaughan Williams's most sublimely evocative nature poems) will probably not be everyone's cup of tea, but their performance of the Elgar simply must be experienced. --Andrew Achenbach

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
The Lark Ascending

Amazon.com

This is an oddly cool performance of one of the most overtly sentimental--indeed, gushing--pieces in the violin repertoire. In an effort simply to present, rather than interpret, the music, Hahn seems to have gone overboard--she plays with little portamento and vibrato, she keeps away from the music's soul. All that having been said, the playing itself is faultless, her tone lovely, and by the last movement her virtuosity is truly impressive. The classic performance remains Menuhin's, but Hahn and Davis and his LSO have much to offer here. Vaughan Williams' gorgeous-if-sappy "The Lark Ascending" is played ravishingly, with more overt feeling than the Elgar, and again the LSO add greatly to the pleasure with the woodwind section--and clarinet in particular--shining brightly. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

This one bowled me over!.......2007-05-11

I bought this CD to get the Ralph Vaughn Williams piece and, had I been paying attention and seen that the remainder was Elgar, I would not have bought it -- I've never been much of an Elgar fan as I've always found his compositions to be a bit stiff. BUT, boy did I ever change my mind when I heard this! The Elgar Concerto was unlike anything I've ever heard of his before, perhaps even paralleling the superb ambiance of some Hovhaness that I've heard lately.

This is one of those classical CDs on which every track is a pure treasure. Now, I've come to enjoy the Elgar Concerto as much as I do the Vaughn Williams. I savor this music as wallpaper while reading and for that it is perfect. All tracks also make for the VERY BEST dinner music. I play it over and over.

Regarding Hahn's performance, yes, I think at times she might be just a tad light on the strings but I found her rendition, in terms of delivery, to be quite fluid and otherwise flawless. And here's the thing.... perhaps the sheet music reflects one f where I happen to think that there should be two. But I'm neither the composer nor the conductor. So maybe she played it exactly correct. I don't know -- I can't read the first note of sheet music but I know what I heard and I liked it a lot! And, uncultured Redneck that I am, after gawking at that cover photo for quite a long time, it's undoubtedly an understatement to say that I'd really love to meet Hilary Hahn in person *.*

So, I'm up to about 400 classical CDs now and this one is in the top 20 for me. I think that the sound quality is above average and the orchestra is tight, yet atmospheric as well. No one will get hurt by buying this CD -- it's musical gold as far as I'm concerned.

Hahn's freshness is nice, but she's not very involved.......2007-02-06

Given the semi-sacred status of the Elgar Violin Concerto in England, it was bracing to read this comment from a reviewer here: "Elgar's violin concerto seems most of the time to be a great introduction and a great cadenza bookending some rather unremarkable music." We Americans are likely to feel that way about Elgar's extremely loquacious, loftily earnest music. Hilary Hahn is out to change our minds, I suppose, with her "interpretation free" recording. It's light and sparkling when it can be, abetted by Colin Davis's fluid orchestral support.

At his website David Hurwitz gave this CD a 10 out of 10, so I was prepared for it to be dreadful. In fact, it's pleasant but uneventful. Like him or not, Elgar demands that a performer fall in line with as much seriousness as possible, and the greatest recordings, by Menuhin and Nigel Kennedy, enter the cathedral with reverence and angst, sentiment and dignity. Hahn is a tourist in this country. As execution goes, she's perfectly fine, but execution is never enough. I applaud her good intentions in sprucing up a presumably musty work, but in the end the Elgar concerto probably needs its thick varnish and aged patina.

Powerful without sentimentality.......2007-01-08

I have to admit that I have pretty much avoided this concerto for the last 40 years. I am not a fan of Elgar, except for the magnificent Enigma Variations, the Cello Concerto, the Cockaigne Overture and lots of short pieces. But I decided to purchase this CD after hearing parts of it on XM radio. While I enjoyed it, I still find the work way too long for the material involved. However, Hillary Hahn is a great violinist and her performance is powerful and not sentimental. I like my music played straight, especially violin concertos where too much vibrato will drive me crazy. This is just my personal feelings. Other writers here, including the Amazon professional, feel differently.

As for the Lark Ascending, it has been a favorite of mine for years and the Hahn performance is simply magnificent.

Solid - Sensible - Brings the Piece Alive.......2006-12-27

Hilary Hahn's rendition of the concerto brings it alive for me. I have listened to Kennedy's recording which has gotten rave reviews, but was too frenetic for my taste. Hahn's version was more convincing. I got the sense that she was just confident of the music (and her technique) and did not need to put anything there but the music. By the second time listening to it I got more & more of a feeling for the musical lines. It's a recording I could listen to a bunch of times. In summary, her playing seemed solid and present - of course with great technique & intonation. The music soared when it needed to & has life.

ravishing and fresh.......2006-12-16

Without getting technical Hilary Hahn's performances of both pieces are truly ravishing and fresh .(I am very familiar with both works and own several different superb performances.) It was like hearing them for the first time again.
Reviewer Robert Levene calling Vaughan Wiliams Lark Ascending "sappy" reveals Levene as an arrogant supercillious twit.
Lets hear some of Your compositions Mr Levene.

Average customer rating:

A regular listener's impression
VIOLIN
Everything remembered and wanted on strings
Absolutely Wonderful

Violin for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cello for Relaxation
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ASIN: B00004SSEC
Release Date: 2000-05-16

Tracks:

Meditation - Philharmonia Orchestra
Vocalise
Violin Concerto No.5 In A, K.219 II: Adagio
Nana
The Lark Ascending - Philharmonia Orchestra
En Bateau
Aka-Tonbo
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op.64 II. Andante
Double Concerto In D Minor, BWV 1043 II: Largo ma non tanto
Sicilienne
Salut d'amour, Op.12
Praise To The Immortality Of Jesus

Customer Reviews:

A regular listener's impression.......2006-03-24

I am not an expert in classical music, but have always loved the string instruments. I bought this CD for relaxation (as the title implies) and to help me focus on writing a thesis. I was torn between this CD and the Cello for Relaxation. I am pleased with my choice. My favorites are track #2 and #10 (listen to the samples through Amazon) - I usually play these two on repeat. My least favorite is track #7 because it sounds like a piano dominated movie soundtrack.
Although I wish I could have exchanged some of the tracks for others, I think this CD was worth the money and is a nice mix for those of us who don't know specific composers by name or who want a good sampling.

VIOLIN.......2005-09-10

The selection of music was a good mix and pleasant in listening to them.

The choice of orchestras and conductors are also very well selected offering very good variety in the similar music mood.

My two long time favourites "Meditation" and "Salut d'amour" were very well played in the right tempo and instrumental arrangement.

The recording quality is good offering both clarity and defination in the recording.

Everything remembered and wanted on strings.......2003-10-16

To me, it is an extraordinary combination demonstarting the old world beauty and timeless artistry of the violin.

It will take you back to everything good remembered, and forward to everything good ahead of us.

Absolutely Wonderful.......2000-06-16

The music on this cd is so beautiful. It is perfect to listen to when you want to relax.

Average customer rating:

Altogether Wonderful
The Best
Musical bliss

String Serenades

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphoses; Concert Music for Strings and Brass; Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin - Suite
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Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings

ASIN: B00004LCB1
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

Ser Op.48: Pezzo In Forma Di Sonatina: Andante Non Troppo - Allegro Moderato
Ser Op.48: Waltz: Moderato, Tempo Di Valse
Ser Op.48: Elegie: Larghetto Elegiaco
Ser Op.48: Finale: Tema Russo: Andante - Allegro Con Spirito
Ser in E, Op.22: Moderato
Ser in E, Op.22: Tempo Di Valse
Ser in E, Op.22: Scherzo: Vivace
Ser in E, Op.22: Larghetto
Ser in E, Op.22: Finale: Allegro Vivace - Moderato - Presto
Intro & Allegro Op.47
Ser in e, Op.20: I. Allegro Piacevole
Ser in e, Op.20: II. Larhetto
Ser in e, Op.20: III. Allegretto

Tracks:

The Lark Ascending, Romance
Fant On 'Greensleeves'
Fant On A Theme By Thomas Tallis
Ser Op.8: Andante Con Moto
Ser Op.8: Allegro Ma Non Troppo E Grazioso
Ser Op.8: Adagio
Ser Op.8: Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Presto

Customer Reviews:

Altogether Wonderful.......2005-12-25

I like this cd.

Tchaikovsky's Serenade had some tempi I hadn't been used to, especially in the first movement, but the orchestra made just as wonderful a recording.

Dvorak's Serenade is my favorite among the four, and this recording is great. The orchestra is never too harsh, especially in the second, and fourth movements.

Introduction and Allegro is an interesting piece. I love how full the sound is. Some recordings feature smaller orchestras, and the sound is not as big and lush. As for Elgar's Serenade, it was played precisely. Besides that, i don't have much to say about it.

The Lark Ascending on this cd is a good version, maybe not the best, but there are certainly many ups about it. The violinist is very playful and does a good job of portraying the little bird. I don't listen to Fantasia on "Greensleeves" much. I don't know why. I can't say much about it, but they certainly do a good job of making it sound "English", for that matter. The Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis is fine. I wouldn't choose this version though. The piece just didn't sweep me up, especially during the climax.

Suk's Serenade is a fun piece to listen to. The piece never gets boring, perhaps due to the actual composition but also with help from the orchestra.

Get this cd if you want a collective, but good picture of the String Serenades out there. I would recommend it.

The Best.......2003-01-26

The music and the musicians of this CD are the of greatest quality. I do not think that many words are necessary, but I must say that this is by far one of my favorite CDs. If you are unsure about classical music or dyed in the wool listener, or a musician, I would recommend this by all means. Even as a musician who has played several of these serenades and heard them many times, I do not tire of hearing them. Coupled with the great sound of the London Chamber orchestra this album is a rare jewel.

Musical bliss.......2000-08-13

I attended a concert in which the Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, known better for their Mozart music, performed the Serenade for strings by Dvorak. It is an excellent piece. The Larghetto, the slowest movement in the serenade, is a fine work. It is slow and nearly an adagio for strings, with a serious and meditative tone. The scherzo, like the measure, is a rollicking and bouncy bit of music, with skipping strings and bouncing notes. The scherzos of Mendelsshon I particularily enjoy. Dvorak is'nt exactly like Mendelsshon when it comes to the scherzo form, but he is can alternate from grave to joyous tones.

Average customer rating:

Took a nap during labor
Awesome!
Induces great relaxation, pair with noise-cancelling headphones and sleep on plane.
Recommended for first rate relaxation and sleep!
Worth the listen

Brainwave Symphony

Manufacturer: Relaxation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Theta Meditation System: Let Go of Stress, Renew Your Spirit, Gain Insight, and Intuition
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ASIN: B00009L4UI
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041, Andante
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor, BWV 1043, Largo Ma Non Tanto
Sinfonia Decima A 7 For 2 Trumpets and Strings, Op. 3, Adagio, Grave, Adagio
Cello Concerto In C, Adagio
Cello Concerto In D, Op. 101, Adagio
String Symphony No. 4, Andante
Capriol Suite Pieds-En-Lair
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218 Andante Cantabile
Concerto In F Major, F VII 2, RV. 455, Grave
Concerto In A Minor, F VII 5, RV. 461 Larghetto
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68, 'Pastoral' Szene Am Bach/Scene By The Brook, Andante Molto Mosso

Tracks:

Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets, Strings, And Continuo
Sonata In D For 2 Trumpets, Strings, And Continuo
Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 104 First Movement
Cello Concerto In C, Moderato
Oboe Concerto In B-Flat, Op. 7, No. 6 Allegros I & II
Oboe Concerto In D Major, Op. 7, No. 6 Allegros I & II
Oboe Concerto In D Major, F VII 10 RV. 453 Allegro, Largo, Allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, K. 550 Andante
Basset Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622 Allegro

Tracks:

The Planets Suite: Venus, Bringer Of Peace
The Planets Suite, Neptune, The Mystic
Adagio For Strings
Adagio In G Minor
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B-Flat Major, Andante
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Andante
Lady Radnor's Suite, Slow Minuet
Sospiri, Op. 70
Suite For String Orchestra, Nocturne
Marche Funevre, Lento, Excerpt
Calm Sea & Prosperous Voyage Op. 27

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Tomas Tallis
Lark Ascending
Eclogue For Piano And Strings
Clair De Lune
Clarinet Concerto, Adagio
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Adagio
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Chant

Album Description

BRAINWAVE SYMPHONY combines carefully selected music from the baroque, classical, romantic, impressionistic, and twentieth-century eras with breakthrough audio technology to give you the best of classical wisdom and modern science.

We all experience many states of consciousness, from ordinary waking and sleeping states to extraordinary states in which we are more at peace, particularly aware, or unusually creative. Each state has a unique pattern of brainwaves that can be mapped and measured. Brainwave Symphony uses of inaudible pulses of sound, based on these brain maps, to trigger your brain to produce the state you want to experience.

Combining this powerful new recording process with carefully selected works of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Bach, and other masters offers a beautiful and unique listening experience as well as a powerful tool for personal transformation.

Orchestrate Your State of Mind

CD1 Alpha Relax & Let Go Alert Meditation, Tranquillity, and Active Relaxation. Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Warlock, Vivaldi, Bononcini, and Beethoven

CD2 Beta Energize & Focus Heightened Focus, Enhanced Energy, and Peak Performance. Mozart, Bach, Alberti, Haydn, Albinoni, and Vivaldi

CD3 Delta Unwind & Sleep Deep Relaxation, Rejuvenation, and Restful Sleep Holst, Barber, Albinoni, Parry, Elgar, Bridge, Mendelssohn, and Chopin

CD4 Theta Meditate & Create Deep Meditation, Heightened Intuition and Enhanced Creativity.

Williams, Finzi, Debussy and Britten

All brainwave frequencies were scored by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson whose innovative work, based on over 20 years of clinical research, is used by healthcare professionals in 26 countries. Dr. Thompson is currently on the faculty of, and has research and clinical offices at, the California Institute for Human Science.

Music was selected and sequenced by Pat Moffitt Cook, M.M., Ph.Dc., AMI Fellow, a pioneer in the use of music in health care. Pat is the founder and director of the Open Ear Center for Music in Healthcare and Education, where she trains professionals, musicians, and laypeople in the use of healing music.

Customer Reviews:

Took a nap during labor.......2007-01-16

I used the first CD in this collection (Alpha) to assist me during the labor and delivery of our daughter. I put it on our ipod and listened to it over and over during the labor process. I actually managed a light nap during active labor and had very little pain throughout the process. It that doesn't tell you that it keeps you relaxed and able to meditate, I don't know whatelse might convince you. The recording is great, the music lovely, and it does what it claims to do. I highly recommend it!

Awesome!.......2006-03-17

These really work! Ever wonder why listening to classical music may make you more up-tight than relaxing you? Here's the reason...

Induces great relaxation, pair with noise-cancelling headphones and sleep on plane........2005-12-30

So far I have only really used the relaxation CD, which works amazingly well. I have been flying more red-eyes lately in part because I know I can sleep on the plane from as soon as I get on. However, I have always slept pretty well on airplanes!

I keep forgetting to try out the rest of the CD collection.

Recommended for first rate relaxation and sleep!.......2005-06-06

These cds sound like simple classical music, but they do indeed assist you to enter different states of mind. For best effect, wear stereo headphones. But even without, you will find it easier to relax, sleep and meditate. If you don't like classical, the Brainwaves Suite has a new age/environmental sound.

Worth the listen.......2004-10-17

My curiousity was well rewarded when I first listened to these four CDs. The symphonic music is seamlessly recorded, accented with tone notations that are easy on the ear and peaceful on the mind. This set is at the office, on the iPod and the home computer, and loaned to others on a regular basis. They have flavored prayer services and supported pastoral conversations. Make good presents, too. Worried about subliminal suggestion? Well, if clearer thinking and thoughtful reflection is subliminal thinking, then you will get the message each time you listen to these recordings. Other recordings by Dr. Thompson deliver just as these do.

Elgar: Violin Concerto; Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Elgar: Violin Concerto; Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0002HN14I
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Music for Strings by Vaughan Williams and Elgar

Average customer rating:

.
One of my favorite disks
NAME THAT TUNE
NAME THAT TUNE

Music for Strings by Vaughan Williams and Elgar

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B000002SRZ
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

Introduction And Allegro For Strings Op.47
The Lark Ascending, Romance For Violin And Orchestra
Serenade For String Orchestra, Op. 20 In E Minor: I. Allegro piacevole
II. Larghetto
Serenade For String Orchestra, Op. 20 In E Minor: III. Allegretto
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
Fantasia On A Theme: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis

Customer Reviews:

........2004-07-20

I can't believe how could that reviewer give this CD 1 star! And he must've accidentally submited it 3 times instead of once. Ignore that reviewer!

I compared this to the Duetsche Grammophon CD by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with almost every work performed by the London Chamber Orchestra. Both have fine performances. The Orpheus sorta sounded like it was recorded in a small room. The other had a more spacious room and the performance is a little better.

There's a 2 CD set of these pieces AND more by the same orchestra. Although what's left out of that one is the Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Op. 47. Perhaps you'll get the 2 CD set OR this single CD if you want the Op. 47 piece.

One of my favorite disks.......2000-10-16

I find this disk a joy in every way. The audio engineers did a marvelous job in recording, the performances are wonderful; a genuine pleasure to hear. I even think the cover art is cool. I own probably a dozen recordings of the Tallis fantasia and the Lark Ascending - this disk has wonderful renderings of both. I'd recommend it to anyone.

NAME THAT TUNE.......1999-12-11

The music which plays when you click onLark Ascending is most certainly not Vaughan Williams. I would guess it is Oscar Peterson. Anyone else got any ideas? Does this happen often? I am not sure how else to warn people about this other than in a review.

NAME THAT TUNE.......1999-12-11

Average customer rating:

Twilight Hour

Nightmoods: Twilight Hour

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nightmoods: Moonlight
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ASIN: B00000613Q
Release Date: 1998-04-14

Tracks:

Suite For Orchestra No. 3, BWV 1068: Air
Concerto For Lute, 2 Violins And Basso Continuo, RV 93: Largo
'The Swan': Le Carnaval des animaux
Gymnopedies No. 3
Gymnopedies No. 1
The Lark Ascending
The Planets, 'Venus The Bringer Of Peace'
Carmen-Suite, Intermezzo
Pavane, Op. 50
'Enigma' Variations 'Nimrod'
Andante Festivo For String Orchestra
Ma Mere L'Oye-5th Tableau And Apotheose

Customer Reviews:

Twilight Hour.......2006-09-14

This cd is for easy listening. Great music to listen to before going to bed. Opens the mind and relaxes the body. I also highly recommend Moonlight and Night Wanderer as an addition to this cd.

Elgar: Violin Concerto/Williams: The Lark Ascending

Average customer rating:

A startlingly great performance of a concerto most Americans don't know
A worthy companion to the historic recordings
Nigel Kennedy: There Really IS a Musician Beneath the Hype
Good recording...but
Kennedy's Remake of the Elgar Violin Concerto

Elgar: Violin Concerto/Williams: The Lark Ascending

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Sir Edward Elgar: Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 - Nigel Kennedy / London Philharmonic Orchestra / Vernon Handley
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Berlioz - Requiem · 5 pièces sacrées / Ainsley · Choeur et Orchestre Symphonique du Montréal · Dutoit
Ravel/Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos

ASIN: B000002RYN
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

Viloin Concerto In B Minor Op.61: I. Allegro
Viloin Concerto In B Minor Op.61: II. Andante
Viloin Concerto In B Minor Op.61: III. Allegro molto-Cadenza (accompagnata: Lento)-Allegro molto (Tempo I)
The Lark Ascending-Romance For Violin And Orchestra

Amazon.com

In July 1997, after a five-year self-imposed exile from the world of classical music, Nigel Kennedy--now known simply as Kennedy--returned to the scene of one of his earlier triumphs with this incident-packed account of the Elgar concerto. It's a reading that, in the first two movements, at least, displays a bristling temperament, rapt ardor, and go-for-broke spontaneity rare in a studio recording. In the opening Allegro, Kennedy's superbly commanding first entry as well as his ravishing handling of the "Windflower" second subject movingly recall Albert Sammons's miraculous 1929 recording with Sir Henry Wood (and there can be no higher praise than that). Oddly, the finale is not quite on the same level, being somewhat too brusque and calculated for comfort (Kennedy's playing in the exquisite cadenza was more moving in his earlier recording with Vernon Handley). Overall, though, it's a thrilling display, brimming with charisma and imaginative insight. Kennedy and Rattle's incredibly leisurely, self-consciously luxuriant way with The Lark Ascending (one of Vaughan Williams's most sublimely evocative nature poems) will probably not be everyone's cup of tea, but their performance of the Elgar simply must be experienced. --Andrew Achenbach

Customer Reviews:

A startlingly great performance of a concerto most Americans don't know.......2006-02-23

American concert audiences have never taken to the Elgar Violin Concerto, or to Elgar's Edwardian idiom in general, with its imperial augustness and Brahmsian thickness of tone. This 1997 CD by Rattle and Kennedy should ignite our enthusiasm. The work sounds like a stone masterpiece given such passionate commitment from soloist, conducotr, and orchestra, aided by wonderfully clear and natural sound from EMI.

Conventiona wisdom has it that the Elgar cello concerto is much more accessible than this work, and that's probably so, since the violin concreto is vauntingly ambitious. The orchestral introduction to the first movement is so symphonic that it doesn't seem to leave room for the soloist; far from preparing the way for him, it smothers us in huge, thickly layered harmonies. The solo violin thus plays a complex game with the orchestra, fighting for stature and in Kennedy's hands finding it. The whole work is oon an immense scale--outstretching even the Brahms concerto--and has to be listened to that way. I am only beginning to fathom it, but I find myself fascinated. A great performance like this one certainly helps.

A worthy companion to the historic recordings.......2002-10-26

OK I confess, I have never rated Kennedy as a soloist. Particularly when I compare him with Menuhin, Oistrakh ,Heifetz or even Vengerov, but this recording has made me reconsider. For me most studio recordings of classical music made during the last 15 - 20 years have a homogeneous quality which leaves precious little room for artistic interpretation. With that in mind I find Kennedy's spontaneity in the Lark Ascending and the first and second movements of the concerto a refreshing break with convention and a little more in the finale would have added greatly to the whole. After growing up listening to the great Menuhin/Elgar recording on LP belonging to my late uncle and being reintroduced to it via the even better Sammons/Wood performance when I was in university, I honestly wasn't expecting much from this CD, but I was oh so happy to be wrong. As great as the old recordings are - and they remain the touchstone recordings - there are times for me, when the 78rpm sourced sound can get in the way of the music and make me long for a great stereo performance. Now I have it and many late (and enjoyable!) nights have been spent in the company of this CD. If you are looking for a modern recording of the Elgar Concerto, this is the one. Period!

Nigel Kennedy: There Really IS a Musician Beneath the Hype.......2001-11-17

Even if he had not written a great deal of other brilliant music, Elgar's concerti for violin and violoncello assure him a place among music's immortals. Nigel Kennedy does a great job here; he and Simon Rattle work so well together here, it is a shame that Kennedy's famous temperament doesn't permit him to work with Rattle more (but maybe Rattle is temperamental too, who knows?)

The one time I heard Kennedy live, my shoulder was tapped to turn pages for his accompanist in the Elgar violin sonata. Before that afternoon, I hadn't realized Elgar ever wrote a violin sonata. The brilliance of that piece, and the brilliance of Nigel's performance that day (he also played his heart out in the Bartók solo sonata) are captured unfailingly in all this disc, for all its being a different occasion and different music.

Had never heard the Vaughan Williams before; marvelous, gossamer, magical.

Good recording...but.......2001-08-31

get the earlier account by Nigel instead. It had more warmth and soul than this one. He really misses it in the finale. This work should leave you weeping.

Kennedy's Remake of the Elgar Violin Concerto.......2000-04-11

This is Kennedy's second recording of this work--the first was with Vernon Handly and the London Phil, also for EMI. That first recording was excellent, though pretty straightforward. This remake is truly bizarre in many ways, yet ultimately the most moving recording of the work yet made. It is one of the slowest recordings of this music, but there is great pulse and variety within each movement--generally, Kennedy lingers when he takes the center stage, and Rattle and the orchestra inject impetuosity when they take center stage. It makes for a tug of war, but ultimately an exciting one. Kennedy obviously loves this work--no one has ever played it better. Some may say he loves it to death, fiddling with tempi, drawing out a phrase here, digging into one there. To me, it all adds up to an intensely personal and emotional performance.

Recorded sound is first rate. Rattle and his orchestra are world class, bold and fierce where appropriate, meltingly beautiful when needed. If I could only have one recording of this music, it would be this one; however, people learning the work for the first time may find Kennedy's first recording more cogent and approachable.

Tracks:

Fantasia On Greensleaves (Arr. Ralph Greaves): Fantasia On Greensleeves
The Lark Ascending
Engllish Folk Song Suite: I March: Seventeen Come Sunday
English Folk Song Suite: II Intermezzo: My Bonny Boy
English Folk Song Suite: III March: Folk Songs From Somerset
Serenade For Strings
Capriol Suite: I Basse-danse
Capriol Suite: II Pavane
Capriol Suite: III Tordion
Capriol Suite: IV Bransles
Capriol Suite: V Pieds-en-l'air
Capriol Suite: VI Mattachins (Sword Dance)
A Shropshire Lad
Two English Idylls
The Banks Of Green Willow

Tracks:

The Walk To The Paradise Garden
The Opera 'Hassan': Intermezzo and Serenade
A Song before Sunrise
On Hearing The First Cuckoo In Spring
Summer Night On The River
The Opera Koanga: La Calinda
Serenade For Strings, Op. 20: Allegro piacevole
Serenade For Strings, Op. 20: Larghetto
Serenade For Strings, Op. 20: Allegretto
Sospiri For Strings, Harp And Organ, Op.70
Elegy For Strings, Op.58
The Spanish Lady - Suite
Introduction And Allegro For String Orchestra And Quartet, Op.47

Customer Reviews:

A Most Beautiful Classical Recording!.......2000-02-22

This is one of my favorite classical albums. I find myself listening to it very frequently. Of particular enjoyment is disc two featuring beautiful and stirring works by Delius and Elgar. This is a most relaxing and refreshing recording that will wonderfully and continually soothe the mind and soul!

Classical Ecstasy-Classics for a New Age

Average customer rating:

What a variety!
A favorite...
Classical "New Age" music.

Classical Ecstasy-Classics for a New Age

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003ESZ
Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks:

Dido & Aeneas: Thy Hand, Belinda; When I Am Laid In Earth (Dido's Lament)
Canon In D
Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622: Adagio
The Pearl Fishers: Au fond du temple saint
Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp: Adagietto
The Lark Ascending
Variations On An Original Theme, Op. 36 'Enigma': Nimrod
Adagio for Strings
Requiem: Dies irae & Tuba mirum
Tristan und Islode: Liebestod

Customer Reviews:

What a variety!.......2006-12-11

Unlike most Cd's this one focuses on variety and classics rather than one specific composer or emotion. It includes a Requiem Mass, ment for a funeral, and Canon in D, one of the most celebrated joyous pieces in history. 2 opposite worlds, on one great cd!

A favorite..........2004-08-27

I noted there was no review of this CD on your site. Since it is one of those musical collections I find myself listening to regularly and enjoying each and every track...I felt it was only fair to suggest that those who haven't tried it prior to now - do so. I'm not an educated music critic...but find this CD to be beautiful and uplifting.

Classical "New Age" music........2000-05-02

This CD contains some of the greatest music that is both ecstatic (such as Isold's Libiestod), and tranquil, such as Mahler's Symphony #5, and Barber's Adagio. Most of the works are from the truly great performers (such as the Mozart piece.) However, the Libiestod, while good, comes nowhere near the ecstacy other singers have displayed such as Jessye Norman and Brigit Nilsson. Still, for the low price of the CD, this suffices.

Music Review:

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