ELGAR: Cello Concerto; Enigma Variations; Froissart etc. - Cohen, Terfel, Mackerras (2 CDs)

Charles Mackerras’s warm and voluble Elgar recordings bring one of the most stirring ‘Enigmas’ on record, a reflective yet resolute Cello Concerto and a disc of pieces of music inspired by childhood. A very young Bryn Terfel is a highlight on the ‘Starlight Express’ songs.

“We can safely add [Robert Cohen’s] name to a familiar rollcall, Du Pré (EMI) and Isserlis (Virgin) probably topmost. We can certainly add Mackerras’s to a select group of pre-eminent Enigmas: it is really special …Elgar’s immaculately judged textures are sifted with scrupulous care and illumination … The brass couldn’t be riper, and the organ wells up nicely in this impressively full and immediate Decca recording. No question, a star-turn among current Enigmas” Gramophone

“Mackerras captures the wistful charm of the quieter pieces (on CD2) very effectively, and spirits are high in the more robust items” Gramophone

EDWARD ELGAR
Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85*
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 ‘Enigma’
Froissart: Concert Overture, Op. 19
Dream Children – two pieces for small orchestra, Op. 43+
Starlight Express – Incidental music**+
The Wand of Youth Suites Nos. 1 & 2 Op. 1a & Op. 1b+

Alison Hagley, soprano**
Bryn Terfel, bass-baritone**
Robert Cohen, cello*
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera+
Charles Mackerras