Track Listing

1. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: Theme (Andante) - London Symphony Orchestra
2. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: I. L'istesso Tempo - London Symphony Orchestra
3. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: II. Allegro - London Symphony Orchestra
4. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: III. Allegretto - London Symphony Orchestra
5. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: IV. Allegro Di Molto - London Symphony Orchestra
6. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: V. Moderato - London Symphony Orchestra
7. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: VI. Andantino - London Symphony Orchestra
8. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: VII. Troyte (Presto) - London Symphony Orchestra
9. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: VIII. Allegretto - London Symphony Orchestra
10. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: IX. Nimrod (Adagio) - London Symphony Orchestra
11. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: X. Intermezzo: Dorabella (Allegretto) - London Symphony Orchestra
12. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XI. Allegro Di Molto - London Symphony Orchestra
13. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XII. Andante - London Symphony Orchestra
14. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XIII. Romanza: *** (Moderato) - London Symphony Orchestra
15. Variations On An Original Theme ('Enigma'), Op.36: XIV. Finale: Allegro - London Symphony Orchestra
16. The Planets, Op.32: I. Mars The Bringer Of War (Allegro) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
17. The Planets, Op.32: II. Venus, The Bringer Of Peace (Adagio) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
18. The Planets, Op.32: III. Mercury, The Winged Messenger (Vivace) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
19. The Planets, Op.32: IV: Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity (Allegro Giocoso - Andante Maestoso) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
20. The Planets, Op.32: V: Saturn, The Bringer Of Old Age (Adagio) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
21. The Planets, Op.32: VI. Uranus, The Magician (Allegro) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
22. The Planets, Op.32: VII. Neptune, The Mystic (Andante) - The Geoffrey Mitchell Choir

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #440 in Music
• Released on: 2002-03-11
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

As Holst intended?
This version of The Planets has replaced my recent LSO version.
Why? Well, the balance between the contributing elements is the best i've heard so far: The bass is thunderous analogue and the high woodwind/strings are like crystal in equal measure. This is a superb achievement and exceptionally important for, 'large orchestra' where Dynamics become a recording engineer's delight or problem depending on how good they are. And these people are the best: Abbey road have done a fantastic job on the remastering of a late 70's classic, although there is one thing they could never tackle: Is this as Holst intended?

Bolt was a friend of Holst and was given the opportunity to first conduct the piece; Bolt read and heard the original 'two piano' score and must have got the full S.P. from Holst? If this is so, then what we have here is close to the real deal?
OK, Bolt had five cracks at this recording before producing this last version, so we may have the advantage of decades of Bolt's polishing and highlighting the manifold textures one may hear in this genius of a masterpiece. It certainly sounds like it.

I was surprised to hear a faster 'Venus' than i think i have ever heard before, and 'Jupiter' is a bit nippy also. But i was also surprised at how quickly i accomodated these unexpected nuances and began to listen to the clarity of what was going on instead. I don't think i have ever before been able to hold so many themes and harmonies in one passing than i have experienced with this recording of The Planets because so much usualy becomes burried in the total wash. Not so here: the richness and variety of the score is available at all sonic levels.

Majestic stuff.

not impressed
The style of the presentation of the pieces here could be described as majestic although a trifle slow for my taste. The style is in keeping with its time.
However I have had a number of versions of both works over the years and the dynamics on this rendition must be the worst. Whoever transfered the music from master tape to CD did not make anywhere near the most of the expanded dynamic capabilities available today. I do not mean that the bass should destroy buildings a mile distant or that the treble should cause bats to explode in mid air. But the bass was mushy and upper registers rather swamped by the mid-tone brass.

There was a distinct lack of detail in a number of the movements that make up both works (one example is the undercurrent of bubbling oboes and bassoon in Mercury which is just completely absent). Compare this recording with the astonishing RCA Living Stereo series.
I was left with the aural equivalent of a half-sucked jelly baby. I'm only glad it cost me less than a fiver.

In a league of its own
Towering, majestic, commanding, bursting with passion and energy, these are thoroughly spirited performances of the Elgar variations and Holst's Planets, sublime recordings that are truly worthy of the EMI Classics logo. Part of their Great Recordings of the Century series, it provides welcome relief for escapees of the Classic FM "pop" culture, for connoisseurs of truly beautiful and complete classical interpretations.

Famous around the world, Elgar's supreme string control and intertwining themes, and Holst's magical woodwind and transcendent strident brass provide monumental templates that many subsequent composers have turned to for inspiration and reference.

These are not just any recordings, they are, in my opinion, the best recordings ever made of these works, and conducted by a legend - Sir Adrian Boult - who met and worked with both Elgar and Holst during his formative years. Boult's masterful control of large orchestra shines unrivalled in these recordings, and will leave you breathless in awe. You haven't heard The Planets if you haven't heard Boult's dramatic and legendary interpretation.