Album

Although there are many fine things in them, as well as several superb moments, Bryden Thomson's recordings of Elgar's symphonies are not quite convincing. The problem is not the London Philharmonic; the musicians have known these works since they were in knee-pants and play them with virtuosity and affection. The problem is not Thomson's conducting, which is often insightful and always skillful. The problem is Thomson's interpretations, which are decidedly individualistic, sometimes brilliant, and more often eccentric. The solemn sublimity of the First Symphony's opening Andante and the tragic depths of the Second Symphony's Larghetto are wonderfully caught, but the heroic strength of the First Symphony's closing Allegro and the autumnal radiance of the Second Symphony's closing pages are lacking. Thomson's interpretations make Elgar's symphonies sound at once more morose and more nervous by making them sound less late Romantic and more proto-Modernist. Depending on how you like your Elgar, this is not necessarily a change for the better. The Sanguine Fan ballet music is light and Thomson's interpretation is distantly affectionate. The Froissart Overture is bright and Thomson's interpretation is casually refreshing.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1 of 2
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Symphony No.1 in Ab, Op.55 Work Recorded 1985 56:58 Bryden Thomson Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra
1	1.Andante. Nobilmente e semplice	21:57			$3.49
2	2.Allegro molto	7:26			$1.49
3	3.Adagio	13:05			$2.49
4	4.Lento. Allegro	14:30			$2.49
Sir Edward Elgar Composer The Sanguine Fan, Op.81 (ballet) Work Recorded 1988 19:28 Bryden Thomson Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra
5	1.Moderato, maestoso	4:42			$0.99
6	2.Andantino	3:32			$0.99
7	3.Più moderato	2:07			$0.99
8	4.Allegro molto	0:39			$0.99
9	5.Grandioso	1:29			$0.99
10	6.Allegretto moderato	3:03			$0.99
11	7.Allegro 1: Echo's Dance	1:09			$0.99
12	8.Allegro 2	0:57			$0.99
13	9.Moderato	1:50			$0.99
CD 2 of 2
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Froissart, concert overture, Op.19 Work Recorded 1991 Bryden Thomson Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra
1	Froissart, concert overture, Op.19	14:28			$2.49
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Symphony No.2 in Eb, Op.63 Work Recorded 1985 1:01:17 Bryden Thomson Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra
2	1.Allegro vivace e nobilmente	20:12			$3.49
3	2.Larghetto	15:23			$2.49
4	3.Rondo: Presto	9:09			$1.49
5	4.Moderato e maestoso	16:33			$2.99