Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with Edward Elgar's "British Classical Masterpieces," a meticulously curated collection of 52 tracks that span a captivating 2 hours and 42 minutes. Released on June 10, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album is a testament to Elgar's enduring legacy and his profound impact on the classical music landscape.
Edward Elgar, a prominent English composer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is celebrated for his works that embody emotional depth, lush orchestration, and a distinctly English character. This album showcases his mastery, featuring iconic pieces such as "Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 'Enigma': Var. IX. Nimrod" and "Larghetto 'Van Dieman's Land,'" alongside lesser-known gems that highlight his versatility and innovation.
From the serene beauty of "Nocturne No. 2 in C Minor" to the lively energy of "Rondo for Dancing," this collection offers a diverse exploration of Elgar's compositions. The album also includes collaborations with other notable composers, adding layers of richness and variety to the listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Elgar's work, this album provides a comprehensive journey through the composer's illustrious career.
"British Classical Masterpieces" is not just a compilation; it's a celebration of Edward Elgar's contributions to classical music, offering a blend of well-loved favorites and hidden treasures. Dive into this extraordinary collection and discover the timeless elegance and emotional resonance that define Elgar's music.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
Lento, ma non troppoFrederick Delius, Royal Northern Sinfonia, David Lloyd-Jones
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Var. IX. NimrodEdward Elgar, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, George Hurst
No. 2, When I was one-and-twentyGeorge Butterworth, Roderick Williams, Iain Burnside
Finale. Britannia - The Albert Memorial - God Save the QueenArthur Sullivan, RTE Sinfonietta, Andrew Penny
IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
OvertureHenry Purcell, Kym Amps, David van Asch, The Scholars Baroque Ensemble
JerusalemSir Charles Hubert Parry, Leeds Festival Chorus, English Northern Philharmonia, Paul Daniel
Christ Is Risen!John Tavener, Maria Kliegel, Ulster Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa
The Frog Galliard, P. 23John Dowland, Nigel North
No. 2, Spring Song (Version for Cello & Piano)Frank Bridge, Gerald Peregrine, Antony Ingham
No. 2, Touch Her Soft Lips and PartWilliam Walton, English Chamber Orchestra, Julian Lloyd Webber
SanctusThomas Tallis, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
II. Horkstow GrangePercy Grainger, Kongelige Norske Marines Musikkorps, Bjarte Engeset
Nocturne No. 2 in C Minor, H. 25John Field, Benjamin Frith
II. Allegro molto leggieroEthel Smyth, Villiers Quartet
KyrieWilliam Byrd, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
VIII. PassacagliaBenjamin Britten, Dale Kavanagh
Farewell to Stromness, Op. 89 No. 1Peter Maxwell Davies
No. 2, Con brioMalcolm Arnold, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Penny
Rondo for Dancing (Version for 2 Violins & Cello)Grace Williams, Madeleine Mitchell, Gordon MacKay, Joseph Spooner
No. 2, Quite Slow and ThoughtfulEdward Gregson, Murray McLachlan, Rose McLachlan
No. 4, Forlana. Allegretto graziosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
No. 3, Serenade, "Snow Shower"William Alwyn, The Bridge String Quartet
No. 3, Mill-FieldImogen Holst, Yue Yu, Anthony Hewitt
6 Songs, Op. 33: No. 4, The November PianoIan Venables, Andrew Kennedy, Iain Burnside
Dance of the Fairy PrincessLord Berners, English Northern Philharmonia, David Lloyd-Jones
II. VivaceRebecca Clarke, Matthew Jones, Michael Hampton
Approach of AutumnArthur Bliss, English Northern Philharmonia, David Lloyd-Jones
Pastime with Good CompanyHenry VIII, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
Andantino for Cello and Piano, Op. 21, No. 2aLennox Berkeley, David Berlin, Len Vorster
III. Un Sonnet d'AmourSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, RTE Concert Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
No. 2, —Cyril Scott, Clare Howick, John Paul Ekins
I. Allegro con molto spiritoJohn Abraham Fisher, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Petra Žďárská, Michael Halasz
No. 4, SleepIvor Gurney, Susan Bickley, Iain Burnside
No. 2, —Thomas Adès, Han Chen
The Westminster WaltzRobert Farnon, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
Romance. I hear It again (Maritana) - Chorus. Listen pilgrim, list [Chorus]William Vincent Wallace, Majella Cullagh, Lynda Lee, Paul Charles Clarke, Ian Caddy, Damien Smith, Quentin Hayes, RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, RTE Concert Orchestra, Proinnsias O'Duinn
In the WoodlandsAlbert Ketèlbey, Rosemary Tuck
La ChasseEthel Barns, Clare Howick, Sophia Rahman
Venus WaltzRon Goodwin, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
MagnificatOrlando Gibbons, Oxford Camerata, Laurence Cummings, Jeremy Summerly
III. Minuet. Allegretto grazioso (Version for String Orchestra)John Ireland, English Chamber Orchestra, Julian Lloyd Webber
I. Meadow-RestHerbert Howells, Matthew Schellhorn
III. Scherzo. Allegro con fuocoCharles Villiers Stanford, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
II. AdagioErnest John Moeran, Guy Johnston, Ulster Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Lay a GarlandRobert Lucas Pearsall, Oxford Camerata, Jeremy Summerly
Elizabethan SerenadeRonald Binge, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Penny
VI. CarnivalHavergal Brian, New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker
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