The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 1. OvertureEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 2. SerenadeEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 3. Minuet (Old Style)Edward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 4. Sun DanceEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 5. Fairy PipersEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 6. Slumber SceneEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 1 Op. 1a: 7. Fairies and GiantsEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 1. MarchEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 2. The Little BellsEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 3. Moths and ButterfliesEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 4. Fountain DanceEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 5. The Tame BearEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wand of Youth, Suite No. 2 Op. 1b: 6. The Wild BearsEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: To the ChildrenEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: The Blue-Eyes FairyEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: I'm EverywhereEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: Night WindsEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: Oh Stars, Shine BrightlyEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: We Shall Meet the Morning SpidersEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: My Old Tunes Are Rather BrokenEdward Elgar, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: O,Think BeautyEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
The Starlight Express, Op. 78: Hearts Must Be Soft-Shiny DressedEdward Elgar, Alison Hagley, Bryn Terfel, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Dream Children, Op. 43: 1. AndanteEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Dream Children, Op. 43: 2. Allegretto piacevoleEdward Elgar, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Edward Elgar's youthful imagination with this captivating collection of orchestral suites and songs. Originally composed for his siblings' private theatricals, "The Wand of Youth" Suites No. 1 and No. 2 are a delightful journey through the whimsical and playful sounds of Elgar's childhood. These suites, first performed in the early 20th century, showcase the composer's early mastery of orchestration and his penchant for creating vivid musical scenes.
The album also features songs from Elgar's "The Starlight Express," a children's musical that premiered in 1887. These enchanting melodies, performed by renowned artists Alison Hagley and Bryn Terfel, offer a glimpse into Elgar's ability to craft memorable tunes that resonate with audiences of all ages. The Welsh National Opera Orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Sir Charles Mackerras, brings these works to life with precision and passion, highlighting the intricate details and rich harmonies that define Elgar's unique musical language.
Rounding out the collection are the "Dream Children," a pair of evocative pieces that explore the delicate and introspective side of Elgar's compositional style. These works, performed with sensitivity and nuance, provide a striking contrast to the playful and exuberant suites and songs that precede them.
Recorded in 1992 and released under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album is a treasure trove of Elgar's early compositions, offering a unique perspective on the development of one of Britain's most beloved composers. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. With a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, losing yourself in the enchanting sounds of Edward Elgar's youthful imagination.
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