Search - Elgar, Philharm Orch, Halle Orch :: Enigma Variations

Barbirolli solves the Enigma

Joshua F. Fisher | Coralville, IA USA | 05/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shortly after they were written, Elgar's "Variations on an Original Theme" became known as the "Enigma Variations," for reasons that are even more enigmatic than the music itself.There is no mystery, however, to Barbirolli's recording of the piece with the Philharmonia Orchestra. He keeps the orchestra sharp and on task; there is none of the wallowing that is often found in recordings of Elgar's music. Rather, Barbirolli lets what I think is Elgar's true voice come through; he was a Romantic, yes, but he was also a gifted academician, and one must not forget that a set of variations such as this is as much an academic excercise as it is a vehicle for personal expression.Though "Falstaff" is what might be called a "tone poem," there is nothing particularly Straussian about it. Barbirolli, this time leading the Halle Orchestra, again demonstrates his keen understanding of the distinctive style of Elgar.For a disc that captures the best of both composer and conductor, do not hesitate to get this one."