Another first for my Blog, i saw this disc on Ebay, and i thought, what a lovely compilation of English works, it's also the first time i've ever listened to this disc, under Previn's hands this work sounds different, Previn has a way with individual voices, bringing out instruments that you don't normally hear, at one time i actually thought Previn was English!, he seemed to be on British Television a lot, plus he was the Principal Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra [as on this disc], slowly i'm getting to know him and his style, it's a rewarding exercise.
Andre Previn is now 83, a native of Germany, but is more known for his American citizenship, he recorded this work in 1978, now the front cover is ingenious [photo by Richard Heeps], of a German Enigma machine, in the foreground the keys are sharp and in focus, while a lovely artistic blur happens in the background, it's a great visual for the music on the inside.
On this disc i must make a special mention of the Butterworth piece, it's a gem, 'The Banks Of Green Willow' is so perfectly English, and yet at under 6 minutes is so slight a piece, but what an unsuspecting heart punch he gives on so small a canvas, the Elgar work is filled with individual touches from Previn, he makes the orchestra sound as if it's a chamber unit, the woodwind especially come to the fore, and there's things that i've never heard before in this work, i'm very impressed with Previn, the variations i enjoyed the most were the Theme, and Variations 1, 4, 6-7 & 9, and here's a little synopsis of each
Theme - usually the Theme is just that, an introduction to the real work, and that's the Variations that grow out of it, of course it's a strange theme, not a famous piece chosen by Elgar, but rather something original, the tune doesn't show itself at it's very best as the theme, and some of the Variations upstage it, it's a solemn affair.
Variation 1 [CAE = Caroline Alice Elgar], the Composers Wife is probably given a more clearer idea of the theme in her Variation, much more noble, there's a lovely coda-esque ending to it [1:37-1:52].
Variation 4 [WMB = William Meath Baker], a loud and brusque Variation, i love the chattering woodwinds [0:12-1:20], Previn gets the jolty dance rhythm right.
Variation 6 [Ysobel = Isabel Fitton], an endearing Variation, cosy and sweet, again the woodwinds are lovely, and especially the clarinet [possibly bass clarinet], there's a infectious bubble at [0:32+], and carries on throughout the rest of the piece, a lovely little additive from Elgar.
Variation 7 [Troyte = Troyte Griffith], straight afterward we have a bouncy and galloping variation, superb use of the timpani, the music rises and falls, quicksilver string work soars all over the place, like dashes of lightening, and lots of thunder, and of course this Variation refers to a thunderstorm.
Variation 9 [Nimrod = AJ Jaeger], and of course the most famous of all the Variations, a piece that starts off quiet and serene, but grows in confidence to a supreme climax, it can take your breath away on a good day.
Here's a link to Emily Cheng Mei Kwan playing the timpani solo on Variation 7 [Troyte] on YouTube, you get a better feel for those solos.
Theme - usually the Theme is just that, an introduction to the real work, and that's the Variations that grow out of it, of course it's a strange theme, not a famous piece chosen by Elgar, but rather something original, the tune doesn't show itself at it's very best as the theme, and some of the Variations upstage it, it's a solemn affair.
Variation 1 [CAE = Caroline Alice Elgar], the Composers Wife is probably given a more clearer idea of the theme in her Variation, much more noble, there's a lovely coda-esque ending to it [1:37-1:52].
Variation 4 [WMB = William Meath Baker], a loud and brusque Variation, i love the chattering woodwinds [0:12-1:20], Previn gets the jolty dance rhythm right.
Variation 6 [Ysobel = Isabel Fitton], an endearing Variation, cosy and sweet, again the woodwinds are lovely, and especially the clarinet [possibly bass clarinet], there's a infectious bubble at [0:32+], and carries on throughout the rest of the piece, a lovely little additive from Elgar.
Variation 7 [Troyte = Troyte Griffith], straight afterward we have a bouncy and galloping variation, superb use of the timpani, the music rises and falls, quicksilver string work soars all over the place, like dashes of lightening, and lots of thunder, and of course this Variation refers to a thunderstorm.
Variation 9 [Nimrod = AJ Jaeger], and of course the most famous of all the Variations, a piece that starts off quiet and serene, but grows in confidence to a supreme climax, it can take your breath away on a good day.
