From Diana McVeagh’s book on Elgar’s music: “Elgar told the publisher that ‘the spirit of the whole work is intended to be high & pure joy: there are retrospective passages of sadness but the whole of the sorrow is smoothed out & ennobled in the last movement, which ends in a calm &, I hope & intend, elevated mood’. All Shelley’s poem might be read, he said, though neither the poem nor the music wholly illustrate or elucidate each other. He told Ernest Newman: ‘my attitude towards the poem, or rather to the “Spirit of Delight” was an attempt to give the reticent Spirit a hint (with sad enough retrospections) as to what we would like to have!’ So many experiences, such rich associations, went into this music. His turmoils, his extremes of elation and morbid despair, are at its heart, transfigured so that his private memories become universal. .....There is no triumph, no certainty here, but a courageous and compassionate reconciliation of the extremes of this great work. The Symphony’s final pages unforgettably mingle delight, regret, and acceptance. ....Canon Gairdner suggested, and Elgar agreed, that it is the ‘passionate pilgrimage’ of a soul.” Elgar, The Music Maker. McVeagh, Diana.
Wonderful performance of one of Elgar's greatest works. One of my favourite symphonies - the slow movement is on a par with the second movement of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony.
How nice to hear one of my very favourite pieces of music played by one of my favourite orchestras (not least the 3 lovely clarinetists) and one of my favourite present-day favourite conductors. Thanks for loading this, Justin.
It's interesting to compare this performance with the one with him conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in London's Royal Albert Hall during the 2014 Henry Wood Proms concerts. A convincing interpretation with two equally excellent orchestras. By the way, did you mean to say "3 lovely" flutists or flautists?
