Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 55

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This thrillingly combustible account easily holds its own in the most exalted company. Davis's is a patient, noble conception, yet lacking absolutely nothing in thrusting drama, freshfaced character... — Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 More…

Catalogue No: LSO0017
Label: LSO Live
Length: 55 minutes

Gramophone Magazine

April 2002

Editor's Choice

Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 55

Work length55:06

Album only

London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis

I. Andante. Nobilmente e semplice - Allegro

Track length21:06

Album only

II. Allegro molto

Track length7:52

$1.60

$1.95

III. Adagio

Track length12:53

$2.15

$2.60

IV. Lento - Allegro

Track length13:15

$2.15

$2.60

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Reviews

2010

This thrillingly combustible account easily holds its own in the most exalted company. Davis's is a patient, noble conception, yet lacking absolutely nothing in thrusting drama, freshfaced character and tender poetry. Certainly, Sir Colin steers a marvellously confident course through the epic first movement, the musicmaking always comprehensive in its emotional scope and hitting genuine heights in the development.
The Scherzo is another great success, the glinting, defiant swagger of the outer portions counterbalanced by the delectable grace and point these eloquent players lavish on the Trio. Just one small interpretative quibble: Davis's inorganic slackening of tempo during the sublime transition into the slow movement (listen to Barbirolli's unforgettable 1956 Hallé account to hear how it should be done). As for the great Adagio itself, Davis's intensely devotional approach works beautifully. The finale positively surges with purposeful bite, fire and sinew, while the glorious closing pages really do raise the roof. The expertly balanced sound doesn't have quite the bloom that EMI and Decca achieved for Boult and Solti on their classic analogue versions, but it amply conveys the tingling electricity and physical impact of a special event. At this price, this is one to snap up.

Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 55

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