Search - Elgar, Judd, Halle Orchestra :: Symphony 1

Good, but not as good as Solti

R. Ball | London W14, England United Kingdom | 04/06/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a worthy performance in the Boult tradition. Slightly plodding but with lots of telling detail that is very well recorded. Quite comparable with the George Hurst version on Naxos but nowhere near the stature of Solti's incandescent performance on Decca. If anyone thinks that Solti's is perhaps a little overdramatic, they should listen to Elgars own recording which shows how accurate and close to the composer's intentions Solti was."

Excellent Recording/Well Chosen Cover

Ed Luhrs | Long Island, NY USA | 04/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I rank Elgar's symphonies among the finest symphonies of the twentieth century. One bonus of this recording of the First is the price: for a few bucks, you get an outstanding recording. This symphony is quite complex, and James Judd has a keen sense of subtle (and, at times, sudden) changes in tempo and meter that this music entails. The Hallé Orchestra plays with warmth, power, and accuracy. The cover speaks well of the symphony: the knight on the horse seems bold and troubled as he surveys the landscape ahead. His young son clings on for dear life; the daughter looks up to him for reassurance. The combination of boldness and concern, beauty and foreboding gives this symphony a fascinating edge. The gentle, opening theme of the symphony is one you whistle or hum to yourself after you hear it, just to participate in the nobility and grandeur. This theme gives way to a bit of well-structured complication as the first movement progresses. The theme pops up again and again in various forms throughout the symphony till it reaches a ripping oration in the closing bars of the finale. A lovely and relaxed adagio leads to a brilliant fourth movement. If you are starting to enjoy Elgar, I feel confident that you will enjoy this symphony and this recording."

Great symphony!

MARK G. | Toledo, Ohio United States | 11/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music is glorious. One of the best symphonies I have heard. Yes, it was made long after the symphony was developed into a "complete" form, but so were Brahm's - and people don't hesitate to proclaim his symphonies as great. Also, clever price at around $6.00. And - a point not many reviewers consider - the cover art on the cd is quite nice. Recording - as with almost every other one I have is up to really, really high standards - today they all seem so good. Bravo!"