Sir John Barbirolli era um amigo pessoal de Sir Edward Elgar e, como violoncelista na orquestra durante a estreia do Cello Concerto de Elgar em 1919, teve uma relação muito próxima com o compositor que elogiou as suas performances na Introdução e Allegro For Strings, e na Second Symphony, que viria a tornar-se um intérprete exemplar da música de Elgar.

• Hi-Q Records Supercuts
• Vinil Audiófilo 180 Gramas
• Corte a partir das Master Tapes Originais Analógicas da EMI
• Masterizado nos Estúdios Abbey Road
• Arte e grafismo da capa original

"Corte nos Estúdios Abbey Road a partir das Master Tapes Originais Analógicas num lathe Neumann VMS82 alimentado com um sinal prévio através de um deck Studer A80 especialmente modificado com uma cabeça de avanço especial, permitindo realizar um corte num processo completamente analógico. Prensagem realizada com as máquinas originais da EMI pela The Vinyl Factory em Hayes, Inglaterra."

Whilst this recording was being made in 1962, the BBC was preparing a film documentary on the life of Elgar to mark the 100th edition of its arts programme Monitor. Produced by Humphrey Burton and directed by the late Ken Russell, Elgar was first broadcast on 11 November 1962 and became one of the most popular films of its kind ever shown on TV, and contributed to a marked revival of interest in the composer's music. A still from the film is used on the sleeve.

This recording featured on the front cover of the November 1963 GRAMOPHONE. Inside, the review by Thomas Hearns was estatic:
"...It is an absolutely outstanding performance, captured by the recording people as near to perfection as possible. I have never before heard so much beautiful detail so clearly, something obviously brought about by Barbirolli's care... The bass is particularly strong and nothing that happens of interest down below in the 'cellos and bases is missed." He liked the performance too: "I must turn to Barbirolli and the really wonderful playing of the Philharmonia Orchestra in both works. Performances are ... right from the heart, yet they are always guided by the head..." and concludes "Even those who have this music on their shelves already should not miss this superb record."

Lista de Faixas:

Lado A
Elgar
1. Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma' Op.36 (Variations I-XIII)

Lado B
Elgar
1. Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma' Op.36 (Cont.) (Variation XIV - Finale)
2. Cockaigne (In London Town) – Concert Overture Op.40

Philharmonia Orchestra
Sir John Barbirolli

Recorded on 9 May and 27 August 1962 at Kingsway Hall, London with legendary producer Victor Olof and engineer Harold Davidson.

Clique aqui para ouvir samples no AllMusic.com ♫