Gustav Holst: The Planets; Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations

by Andrew Litton

Overview

Among the most popular masterpieces of British post-Romantic music are Gustav Holst's "The Planets" and Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations," which are paired on this 2019 BIS release by Andrew Litton and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. In part, these works' favored status with audiences is due to their highly memorable and stirring melodies, spectacular scoring, and evocative tone painting. By themselves, these characteristics should be enough to guarantee enduring popularity, yet layers of mystery that surround these works have also contributed to their lasting appeal. Holst's score was inspired by his personal interpretation of astrology, rather than an astronomical view of the planets, and Elgar's series of coded portraits of his friends and the secret source of his original theme have added to the "Enigma Variations"' mystique. This is the kind of grand and expansive repertoire that Litton seems to relish, and his readings with the Bergen musicians offer great excitement and sufficient emotional depth to win over any listener. BIS provides extraordinary audiophile sound, which makes this hybrid SACD even more attractive to connoisseurs. Highly recommended.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/05/2019
Label:	Bis
UPC:	7318599920689
catalogNumber:	2068
Rank:	5767

Tracks

1. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36

   1. Theme. Enigma: Andante
   2. I. (C.A.E.) L;istesso tempo
   3. II. (H.D.S-P.) Allegro
   4. III. (R.B.T.) Allegretto
   5. IV. (W.M.B.) Allegro di molto
   6. V. (R.P.A.) Moderato
   7. VI. (Ysobel) Andantino
   8. VII. (Troyte) Presto
   9. VIII. (W.N.) Allegretto
   10. IX. (Nimrod) Adagio
   11. X. (Dorabella) Intermezzo: Allegretto
   12. XI. (G.R.S.) Allegro di molto
   13. XII. (B.G.N.) Andante
   14. XIII. (***) Romanza: Moderato
   15. XIV. (E.D.U.) Finale: Allegro

2. The Planets, suite for orchestra & female chorus, Op. 32, H. 125

   16. I. Mars, the Bringer of War
   17. II. Venus, the Bringer of Peace
   18. III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger
   19. IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
   20. V. Saturn, the bringer of Old Age
   21. VI. Uranus, the Magician
   22. VII. Neptune, the Mystic

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Andrew Litton   Primary Artist