Elgar's Hillside

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That's nice, but do you have Elgar's more obscure works* or do you buy canonical Elgar over and over again? 

* I have to confess there's many small works (songs etc.) by Elgar I haven't heard. 

Hmmm....didn't we go over this already? The only part of Elgar's oeuvre that I haven't heard, or been exposed to, are his part-songs. Can't say I'll be getting into these at any point as these kinds of works don't interest me that much. Needless to say, I've heard more Elgar than probably most people on this forum.

BTW, here's what I've heard so far -

Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Falstaff
In the South (Alassio)
Sospiri
Enigma Variations
Elegy
Serenade for Strings
Cockaigne Overture (In London Town)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5
The Sanguine Fan
Polonia
Carillion
Une voix dans le désert
Sursum Corda
Rosemary
Carissima
Le drapeau belge
Froissart Overture
May Song
Three Bavarian Dances
Chanson de Matin
Chanson de Nuit
Salut d'amour
Three Charateristic Pieces
Minuet
Introduction & Allegro
Severn Suite
Nursery Suite
The Wand of Youth Suites 1 & 2
The Starlight Express Suite
King Arthur Suite
The Crown of India Suite
Dream Children
Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra
Cello Concerto
Violin Concerto

Works with vocal soloists and/or chorus w/ orchestra I've heard -

Sea Pictures
The Dream of Gerontius
The Apostles
The Kingdom
Coronation Ode
The Spirit of England
The Black Knight
The Music Makers
The Starlight Express
From the Bavarian Highlands
The Banner of St. George
Te Deum

The chamber works I've heard -

String Quartet
Violin Sonata
Piano Quintet

[71 dB]

Hmmm....didn't we go over this already?

Yes, but it was more of a retorical question. 

The only part of Elgar's oeuvre that I haven't heard, or been exposed to, are his part-songs. Can't say I'll be getting into these at any point as these kinds of works don't interest me that much. Needless to say, I've heard more Elgar than probably most people on this forum.

Yes, you have for sure heard probably more than most, no question about that.

Elgar was good with part-songs, but I agree it's less interesting area of his oeuvre. Go, Song of Mine Op. 57 is perhaps Elgar's best part-song and worth checking out.

The Snow Op. 26, No. 1 for female voices and orchestra is a lovely small obscure work by Elgar.

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The Snow Op. 26, No. 1 for female voices and orchestra is a lovely small obscure work by Elgar.

I've seen this work mentioned before, but I haven't heard it yet. Will definitely investigate it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[71 dB]

I've seen this work mentioned before, but I haven't heard it yet. Will definitely investigate it. Thanks for the suggestion.

You are welcome. 

I have 2 versions of The Snow:

Liverpool Philharmonic Choir + Orchestra / Charles Groves / EMI
London Symphony Chorus / Northern Sinfonia of England / Richard Hickox / EMI

Both are good imho, but I prefer Groves. It's possible I am the only one here who keeps mentioning this works but it's a little gem and deserves some attention imo.

[Mirror Image]

You are welcome. 

I have 2 versions of The Snow:

Liverpool Philharmonic Choir + Orchestra / Charles Groves / EMI
London Symphony Chorus / Northern Sinfonia of England / Richard Hickox / EMI

Both are good imho, but I prefer Groves. It's possible I am the only one here who keeps mentioning this works but it's a little gem and deserves some attention imo.

Excellent, I know where to get a copy of the Groves. Thanks for the recommendation. I like Groves' conducting anyway. I believe this recording is coupled with The Black Knight correct?

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Picked these two up quite inexpensively:

[71 dB]

Excellent, I know where to get a copy of the Groves. Thanks for the recommendation. I like Groves' conducting anyway. I believe this recording is coupled with The Black Knight correct?

Well, that's the performance I am talking about. Hope you enjoy it.

I just have it on a twofer containing Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf also (Handley).
Actually I have this twofer "twice", since discs 20-21 of the 30 CD EMI box constitute the same thing. 

[asin]B000005GQD[/asin]

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Well, that's the performance I am talking about. Hope you enjoy it.

I just have it on a twofer containing Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf also (Handley).
Actually I have this twofer "twice", since discs 20-21 of the 30 CD EMI box constitute the same thing. 

[asin]B000005GQD[/asin]

Yeah, looking forward to hearing it. I wish I could have bought that 2-CD set, but it was quite expensive.

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Just bought:



In the South (Alassio), Froissart, Falstaff, Jeffrey Tate, LSO

Don't know much about Tate as a conductor, but his Elgar seemed to generate some good press. For $4, this is worth a shot and if I enjoy it, then I'll get his 2-CD set of the symphonies.

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Also bought:

[71 dB]

Cool purchases MI. Hope you enjoy them. 

(I haven't heard anything Tate)

[Mirror Image]

Cool purchases MI. Hope you enjoy them. 

(I haven't heard anything Tate)

Thanks, 71. I'm looking forward to hearing this Gerontius for the simple fact that Janet Baker will be the Angel and how could that be bad. It also doesn't hurt to have Barbirolli in the podium either.

As for Tate, I heard he's quite a good Elgarian. I wanted to hear how he did in Falstaff before I pursued any of his other recordings. In the South (Alassio) is harder for a competent conductor to mess up, so I'll be less critical here.

[71 dB]

Thanks, 71. I'm looking forward to hearing this Gerontius for the simple fact that Janet Baker will be the Angel and how could that be bad. It also doesn't hurt to have Barbirolli in the podium either.

Barbirolli's Gerontius is a good performance, but the sonics is a bit coloured.

As for Tate, I heard he's quite a good Elgarian. I wanted to hear how he did in Falstaff before I pursued any of his other recordings. In the South (Alassio) is harder for a competent conductor to mess up, so I'll be less critical here.

Well, I'm interested to hear your impressions.

[Mirror Image]

Barbirolli's Gerontius is a good performance, but the sonics is a bit coloured.

Good to hear about the Barbirolli being a good performance, but what exactly do you mean by the sound being a bit 'colored'?

[Johnll]

Hmmm....didn't we go over this already? The only part of Elgar's oeuvre that I haven't heard, or been exposed to, are his part-songs. Can't say I'll be getting into these at any point as these kinds of works don't interest me that much. Needless to say, I've heard more Elgar than probably most people on this forum.

BTW, here's what I've heard so far -

Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Falstaff
In the South (Alassio)
Sospiri
Enigma Variations
Elegy
Serenade for Strings
Cockaigne Overture (In London Town)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5
The Sanguine Fan
Polonia
Carillion
Une voix dans le désert
Sursum Corda
Rosemary
Carissima
Le drapeau belge
Froissart Overture
May Song
Three Bavarian Dances
Chanson de Matin
Chanson de Nuit
Salut d'amour
Three Charateristic Pieces
Minuet
Introduction & Allegro
Severn Suite
Nursery Suite
The Wand of Youth Suites 1 & 2
The Starlight Express Suite
King Arthur Suite
The Crown of India Suite
Dream Children
Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra
Cello Concerto
Violin Concerto

Works with vocal soloists and/or chorus w/ orchestra I've heard -

Sea Pictures
The Dream of Gerontius
The Apostles
The Kingdom
Coronation Ode
The Spirit of England
The Black Knight
The Music Makers
The Starlight Express
From the Bavarian Highlands
The Banner of St. George
Te Deum

The chamber works I've heard -

String Quartet
Violin Sonata
Piano Quintet

Wowie Zowie!!!! Am I to be permitted to be impressed with you as You Are With .....

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Wowie Zowie!!!! Am I to be permitted to be impressed with you as You Are With .....

Well, I am an Elgar nut, so this should be expected. Are you a fan of his music? I would be curious to read what you've heard.

[Johnll]

Hmmm....didn't we go over this already? The only part of Elgar's oeuvre that I haven't heard, or been exposed to, are his part-songs. Can't say I'll be getting into these at any point as these kinds of works don't interest me that much. Needless to say, I've heard more Elgar than probably most people on this forum.

BTW, here's what I've heard so far -

Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Falstaff
In the South (Alassio)
Sospiri
Enigma Variations
Elegy
Serenade for Strings
Cockaigne Overture (In London Town)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5
The Sanguine Fan
Polonia
Carillion
Une voix dans le désert
Sursum Corda
Rosemary
Carissima
Le drapeau belge
Froissart Overture
May Song
Three Bavarian Dances
Chanson de Matin
Chanson de Nuit
Salut d'amour
Three Charateristic Pieces
Minuet
Introduction & Allegro
Severn Suite
Nursery Suite
The Wand of Youth Suites 1 & 2
The Starlight Express Suite
King Arthur Suite
The Crown of India Suite
Dream Children
Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra
Cello Concerto
Violin Concerto

Works with vocal soloists and/or chorus w/ orchestra I've heard -

Sea Pictures
The Dream of Gerontius
The Apostles
The Kingdom
Coronation Ode
The Spirit of England
The Black Knight
The Music Makers
The Starlight Express
From the Bavarian Highlands
The Banner of St. George
Te Deum

The chamber works I've heard -

String Quartet
Violin Sonata
Piano Quintet

There is actually some good music in your laundry list. If only Bach could measure up. I could post a list but to what avail? Self esteem I have so what need of pride?

[71 dB]

Good to hear about the Barbirolli being a good performance, but what exactly do you mean by the sound being a bit 'colored'?

The recording is nearly 50 years old. It's not pristine digital sound. Some 50 years old recordings can sound pretty neutral, but I find this recording not that neutral. Maybe it's the acoustics. Maybe it's the microphone set up. Maybe it's both.

Well, I am an Elgar nut, so this should be expected.

An Elgar nut? Look at my list! 

Chantant
Reminiscences
Harmony Music Nos. 1-5
Intermezzos
Rosemary
Pastourelle Op. 4, No. 2
Virelai Op. 4, No. 3
Sevillana Op. 7
Une Idylle Op. 4, No. 1
Griffinesque
Allegretto on GEDGE
Gavotte
Ave Verum Corpus Op. 2, No. 1
Ave Maria Op. 2, No. 2
Ave Maris Stella Op. 2, No. 3
Adagio Cantabile
Promenades
Evesham Andante
Romance Op. 1
Mot d'Amour Op. 13, No. 1
Bizarrerie Op. 13, No. 2
Eleven Vesper Voluntaries, Op. 14
Etudes Characteristiques Op. 24
Presto
Sonatina
O Happy Eyes Op. 18, No. 1
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land Op. 18, No. 3
Sursum Corda Op. 11
The Snow Op. 26, No. 1
Fly, Singing Bird Op. 26, No. 2
Organ Sonata 1 Op. 28
Four Dances
Spanish Serenade Op. 23
La Capricieuse Op. 17
Imperial March
Minuet Op. 21
O Salutaris Hostia
Three Characteristic Pieces Op. 10
Serenade Lyrique
Concert Allegro Op. 41
Grania and Diarmid Op. 42
May Song
Weary Wind of the West
Five Part-Songs from the Greek Anthology Op. 45
Skizze
Offertoire
Evening Scene
In Smyrna
How Calmly the Evening 
Love Op. 18, No. 2
Four Part-Songs Op. 53
The Reveille Op. 54
Pleading Op. 48
The Angelus (Tuscany) Op. 56
Go, Song of Mine Op. 57
Song Cycle, for voice and orchestra Op. 59
Two Songs Op. 60
O Hearken Thou Op. 64
Coronation March Op. 65
Crown of India Suite Op. 66
Great is the Lord (Psalm 48) Op. 67
Cantique Op. 3
Carissima
Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Falstaff
In the South (Alassio)
Sospiri
Enigma Variations
Elegy
Serenade for Strings
Cockaigne Overture (In London Town)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5
The Sanguine Fan
Polonia
Carillion
Une voix dans le désert
Sursum Corda
Rosemary
Carissima
Le drapeau belge
Froissart Overture
May Song
Three Bavarian Dances
Chanson de Matin
Chanson de Nuit
Salut d'amour
Three Charateristic Pieces
Minuet
Introduction & Allegro
Severn Suite
Nursery Suite
The Wand of Youth Suites 1 & 2
The Starlight Express
King Arthur Suite
The Crown of India Suite
Dream Children
Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra
Cello Concerto
Violin Concerto
Sea Pictures
The Dream of Gerontius
The Apostles
The Kingdom
Coronation Ode
The Spirit of England
The Black Knight
The Music Makers
The Starlight Express
From the Bavarian Highlands
The Banner of St. George
Te Deum
The Light of Life
(Scenes from the Saga of) King Olaf
Caractacus
String Quartet
Violin Sonata
Piano Quintet
Two Choral Songs (The Shower; The Fountain) Op. 71
Death on the Hills Op. 72
Two Choral Songs (Love's Tempest; Serenade) Op. 73
Give Unto the Lord (Psalm 29) Op. 74
Carillon Op. 75
Polonia Op. 76
The Fringes of the Fleet
The Sanguine Fan Op. 81
Memorial Chimes for a Carillon
The Wanderer
Empire March
The Prince of Sleep
Beau Brummel
Five Improvisations
Severn Suite Op. 87 (1930)
Adieu
Serenade (1932)
Organ Sonata No 2 Op. 87A
So Many True Princesses
Mina
Symphony No 3 Op. 88 (Elgar/Payne)
The Spanish Lady Suite Op. 89
Piano Concerto Op. 90 (Elgar/Walker)
J.S.Bach orch. Elgar: Fugue in C minor
J.S.Bach orch. Elgar: Fantasia in C minor
Parry orch. Elgar: Jerusalem
Handel orch. Elgar: Overture in D minor

[Mirror Image]

The recording is nearly 50 years old. It's not pristine digital sound. Some 50 years old recordings can sound pretty neutral, but I find this recording not that neutral. Maybe it's the acoustics. Maybe it's the microphone set up. Maybe it's both.

Gotcha. Thanks for the feedback.

An Elgar nut? Look at my list! 

Chantant
Reminiscences
Harmony Music Nos. 1-5
Intermezzos
Rosemary
Pastourelle Op. 4, No. 2
Virelai Op. 4, No. 3
Sevillana Op. 7
Une Idylle Op. 4, No. 1
Griffinesque
Allegretto on GEDGE
Gavotte
Ave Verum Corpus Op. 2, No. 1
Ave Maria Op. 2, No. 2
Ave Maris Stella Op. 2, No. 3
Adagio Cantabile
Promenades
Evesham Andante
Romance Op. 1
Mot d'Amour Op. 13, No. 1
Bizarrerie Op. 13, No. 2
Eleven Vesper Voluntaries, Op. 14
Etudes Characteristiques Op. 24
Presto
Sonatina
O Happy Eyes Op. 18, No. 1
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land Op. 18, No. 3
Sursum Corda Op. 11
The Snow Op. 26, No. 1
Fly, Singing Bird Op. 26, No. 2
Organ Sonata 1 Op. 28
Four Dances
Spanish Serenade Op. 23
La Capricieuse Op. 17
Imperial March
Minuet Op. 21
O Salutaris Hostia
Three Characteristic Pieces Op. 10
Serenade Lyrique
Concert Allegro Op. 41
Grania and Diarmid Op. 42
May Song
Weary Wind of the West
Five Part-Songs from the Greek Anthology Op. 45
Skizze
Offertoire
Evening Scene
In Smyrna
How Calmly the Evening 
Love Op. 18, No. 2
Four Part-Songs Op. 53
The Reveille Op. 54
Pleading Op. 48
The Angelus (Tuscany) Op. 56
Go, Song of Mine Op. 57
Song Cycle, for voice and orchestra Op. 59
Two Songs Op. 60
O Hearken Thou Op. 64
Coronation March Op. 65
Crown of India Suite Op. 66
Great is the Lord (Psalm 48) Op. 67
Cantique Op. 3
Carissima
Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Falstaff
In the South (Alassio)
Sospiri
Enigma Variations
Elegy
Serenade for Strings
Cockaigne Overture (In London Town)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5
The Sanguine Fan
Polonia
Carillion
Une voix dans le désert
Sursum Corda
Rosemary
Carissima
Le drapeau belge
Froissart Overture
May Song
Three Bavarian Dances
Chanson de Matin
Chanson de Nuit
Salut d'amour
Three Charateristic Pieces
Minuet
Introduction & Allegro
Severn Suite
Nursery Suite
The Wand of Youth Suites 1 & 2
The Starlight Express
King Arthur Suite
The Crown of India Suite
Dream Children
Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra
Cello Concerto
Violin Concerto
Sea Pictures
The Dream of Gerontius
The Apostles
The Kingdom
Coronation Ode
The Spirit of England
The Black Knight
The Music Makers
The Starlight Express
From the Bavarian Highlands
The Banner of St. George
Te Deum
The Light of Life
(Scenes from the Saga of) King Olaf
Caractacus
String Quartet
Violin Sonata
Piano Quintet
Two Choral Songs (The Shower; The Fountain) Op. 71
Death on the Hills Op. 72
Two Choral Songs (Love's Tempest; Serenade) Op. 73
Give Unto the Lord (Psalm 29) Op. 74
Carillon Op. 75
Polonia Op. 76
The Fringes of the Fleet
The Sanguine Fan Op. 81
Memorial Chimes for a Carillon
The Wanderer
Empire March
The Prince of Sleep
Beau Brummel
Five Improvisations
Severn Suite Op. 87 (1930)
Adieu
Serenade (1932)
Organ Sonata No 2 Op. 87A
So Many True Princesses
Mina
Symphony No 3 Op. 88 (Elgar/Payne)
The Spanish Lady Suite Op. 89
Piano Concerto Op. 90 (Elgar/Walker)
J.S.Bach orch. Elgar: Fugue in C minor
J.S.Bach orch. Elgar: Fantasia in C minor
Parry orch. Elgar: Jerusalem
Handel orch. Elgar: Overture in D minor

You double posted many works, so I bolded them as those don't count. Your list isn't any larger than mine really. One of the main differences is you've heard more of the choral works than I have. Special note: I have heard all of the Elgar orchestrations, but didn't feel compelled to type them in.

[71 dB]

You double posted many works, so I bolded them as those don't count. Your list isn't any larger than mine really. One of the main differences is you've heard more of the choral works than I have. Special note: I have heard all of the Elgar orchestrations, but didn't feel compelled to type them in.

Yeah thanks! I compiled the list fast and used your list as a starting point. I removed double Sospiri, but apparently there are other works too twice. I have heard more "obscure Elgar", part songs, solo piano works, solo violin works, ... Those works are short. You get a dozen of them on one CD. You probable have more Elgar CDs than I have since you buy so many performances of the main works. I have about 80 Elgar CDs.

I hesitated listing the orchestrations too.