Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British classical music with the London Symphony Orchestra's captivating album, "British Composers: Holst, Elgar, Delius...". This extraordinary collection, set for release on September 30, 2025, under Warner Classics, showcases the orchestra's virtuosity and the timeless compositions of some of Britain's most celebrated composers.
Spanning over four hours, this album is a comprehensive journey through the orchestral works of Gustav Holst, Edward Elgar, and Frederick Delius, among others. The London Symphony Orchestra, renowned for its precision and expressive power, brings these compositions to life with unparalleled artistry.
The album opens with a serene piece by John Rutter, leading into the enchanting "Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 'Enigma'" by Edward Elgar. This suite of variations is a highlight, showcasing the orchestra's dynamic range and emotional depth. The album also features the hauntingly beautiful "Cello Concerto in E Minor" by Elgar, performed with exquisite sensitivity.
Gustav Holst's iconic "The Planets" is another standout, with each movement offering a unique sonic landscape. The London Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of this suite is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the essence of each planet's character.
The album also includes works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, such as the "Oboe Concerto in A Minor" and the "English Folk Song Suite," which blend traditional folk melodies with orchestral brilliance. Benjamin Britten's "Four Sea Interludes" from "Peter Grimes" provide a dramatic and evocative journey through the sea's moods, while George Butterworth's "The Banks of Green Willow" offers a pastoral interlude.
Complementing these works are pieces by lesser-known composers like E.J. Moeran and Arthur Bliss, adding depth and variety to the collection. The album concludes with the vibrant and celebratory "Music for the Royal Fireworks" by George Frideric Handel, performed with the grandeur and precision that the London Symphony Orchestra is known for.
This album is a testament to the enduring legacy of British classical music and the London Symphony Orchestra's commitment to excellence. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Rutter: Magnificat: IV. Et misericordiaJohn Rutter, Natasha Marsh, London Voices, Craig Leon, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": ThemeEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation I. C.A.E.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. H.D.S-P.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. R.B.T.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. W.M.B.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. R.P.A.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. YsobelEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. TroyteEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. W.N.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. NimrodEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation X. DorabellaEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XI. G.R.S.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XII. B.G.N.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIII. Romanza. ***Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIV. Finale. E.D.U.Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Coates: By the Sleepy LagoonEric Coates, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: I. Rondo pastorale. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: II. Minuet and Musette. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: III. Finale. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Butterworth: The Banks of Green WillowGeorge Butterworth, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 1, DawnBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 2, Sunday MorningBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 3, MoonlightBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 4, StormBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite: I. March. Seventeen Come Sunday (Orch. Jacob)Ralph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite: II. Intermezzo. My Bonny Boy (Orch. Jacob)Ralph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song Suite: III. March. Folk Songs from Somerset (Orch. Jacob)Ralph Vaughan Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Ireland: A London OvertureJohn Ireland, Sir John Barbirolli, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: I. Mars, the Bringer of WarGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: II. Venus, the Bringer of PeaceGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: III. Mercury, the Winged MessengerGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old AgeGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: VI. Uranus, the MagicianGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: VII. Neptune, the MysticGustav Holst, André Previn, Ambrosian Singers, London Symphony Orchestra
Sullivan: Cello Concerto in D Major: I. Allegro moderato (Orch. Mackie & Mackerras)Arthur Sullivan, Julian Lloyd Webber, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Sullivan: Cello Concerto in D Major: II. Andante espressivo (Orch. Mackie & Mackerras)Arthur Sullivan, Julian Lloyd Webber, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Sullivan: Cello Concerto in D Major: III. Molto vivace (Orch. Mackie & Mackerras)Arthur Sullivan, Julian Lloyd Webber, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: I. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: II. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: III. La paixGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: IV. La réjouissanceGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: V. Menuet IGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: VI. Menuet IIGeorge Frideric Handel, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Lambert: The Rio GrandeConstant Lambert, André Previn, Cristina Ortiz, London Madrigal Singers, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: I. Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: II. Lento - Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro ma non troppoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli