Album

Even those who think they know Elgar will have to check their shelves twice to make sure they have the works on this disc. While there have been multiple recordings of the English composer's symphonies and concertos over the years, there have been very few recordings indeed of his part songs. This recording with the Cambridge University Chamber Choir under Christopher Robinson does not entirely have the field to itself, but it does have several very attractive features to distinguish it from the competition.

First and foremost is the quality of the repertoire. Ranging from the Brahmsian "My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land" to the sentimental "As Torrents in Summer," the haunting "Serenade," the eerie "Owls (An Epitaph)," and the bitonal "There is Sweet Music," the music here is among his most immediately ingratiating. The Cambridge University Choir's rich tone, solid intonation, and smooth ensemble suits this music perfectly, and under Robinson's steady leadership, it turns in performances of exemplary dedication and fervent enthusiasm. Last but not least is the diversity of the program. While few of these pieces are standard-repertoire items for chorus, the six Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands exist in only one other recording for choir and piano (William Ferris leading the William Ferris Chorale with pianist John McCabe), and devoted as that performance was, this one with pianist Iain Farrington features more spirited singing. Naxos' sound is a bit closer, but no less impressive than Hyperion and Chandos' recordings of the same repertoire.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
Sir Edward Elgar Composer 4 Partsongs, Op.53 Work 15:39 Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
1	1.There is Sweet Music	4:45			$0.99
2	2.Deep in my Soul	4:07			$0.99
3	3.O Wild West Wind	3:30			$0.99
4	4.Owls (An Epitaph)	3:17			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Scenes from The Saga of King Olaf, Op.30 (cantata) Work Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
5	Scenes from The Saga of King Olaf, Op.30 (cantata)	2:18			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer The Prince of Sleep (partsong) Work Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
6	The Prince of Sleep (partsong)	4:55			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer 2 Songs, Op.71 Work 6:15 Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
7	1.The Shower	2:39			$0.99
8	2.The Fountain	3:36			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer 3 Partsongs, Op.18 Work Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
9	3.My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land ('Lang's Romance')	4:31			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Death on the Hills, Op.72 Work Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
10	Death on the Hills, Op.72	4:07			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer 2 Songs, Op.73 Work 5:04 Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
11	1.Love's Tempest	3:01			$0.99
12	2.Serenade	2:03			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Evening Scene Work Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
13	Evening Scene	3:33			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Go, Song of Mine, partsong for double chorus, Op.57 Work Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
14	Go, Song of Mine, partsong for double chorus, Op.57	4:56			$0.99
Sir Edward Elgar Composer Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, 6 songs for chorus and piano, Op.27a Work 24:23 Iain Farrington Piano, Cambridge University Choir Chorus/Choir, Christopher Robinson Conductor
15	1.The Dance	4:03			$0.99
16	2.False Love	3:55			$0.99
17	3.Lullaby 'In Hammersbach'	3:33			$0.99
18	4.Aspiration	3:02			$0.99
19	5.On the Alm	3:44			$0.99
20	6.The Marksmen	6:06			$0.99