I just read with great interest an interview by violinist Renaud Capuçon about his new recording of the violin concerto (w. LSO, Rattle). This web page from Presto contains audio samples of the performance as well as of 2 historic performances discussed in the interview (Menuhin/Elgar and Sammons/Wood).
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/3842--interview-renaud-capucon-on-elgar
I listened to these clips in succession and was astounded by the differences. Briefly: a far superior account of the violin part from Capuçon, with astounding precision and purity of tone in alt (check the clip of the 3rd movement). Menuhin in comparison is firm-toned yet his intonation wobbles as he reaches the highest notes.
But then compare the orchestral intro to the first movement: mushy and lethargic under Rattle, firm and resolute under Elgar, with much more forceful accents and energy, very good but rushed under Wood.
So, a remarkable soloist and a terrible conductor (the new release) vs lesser violinists but much better conducting under the composer. Of course a battle of the clips is no way to judge competing recordings, but the juxtaposition is so startling that it really made me pause.
I wouldn’t say Rattle is a terrible conductor --- this is just too harsh of a criticism. He has turned in some fantastic performances. For example, his Szymanowski is of a another planet. How he was able to get inside this music yet can make Debussy or Ravel sound trivial is beyond me. He’s also quite good in Stravinsky and Janáček. He’s good in Britten, but I think little of his other performances of British composers (not that I flock to British composers much these past few years in general).
Getting back to Elgar, I don’t listen to his music very much, but when I was listening regularly, I favored two performances of the
Violin Concerto: Hugh Bean/Groves on EMI and Tasmin Little/A. Davis on Chandos. I also liked the James Ehnes/A. Davis recording on Onyx. If I ever get in the mood to listen to Elgar again, which I don’t foresee happening for a long-time, I’ll have to revisit this VC and post some thoughts here.