Testament - ASD 3598 - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl - AAA 100% Analogue 

AAA 100%  Analogue - Audiophile Mastered at Abbey Road

Pressed at Optimal  Germany - HMV EMI ASD 3598

Testament has revived these classic titles from the EMI catalog using only the original EMI master tapes,cut onto lacquer at EMI's Abbey Road Studios and mastered using full analog techniques throughout production

Ida Haendel plays Elgar Violin concerto. Sir Adrian Boult conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Ida Haendel states that she enjoyed making this recording in 1977 with Sir Adrian Boult. It was among the very last recordings that Boult made at the end of an astonishing 60 year career. The first movement is a little longer than other performances and both soloist and conductor clearly felt that a distinctly romantic and warmhearted approach was appropriate. Subsequent movements are vigorous with plenty of energy, while the refinement and occasional emotional reserve essential in Elgar are properly observed." 

Few works by the British "national composer" Edward Elgar made it to a really great international status, and it is precisely in the genre of the concert that one thinks in this country probably first to Elgar's cello concerto. But not knowing Elgar's violin concerto from 1910 may safely be called a painful knowledge gap. In this recording from 1978 Ida Haendel is a soloist in front of the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Adrian Boult. Together, this all-British ensemble eloquently testifies to the often underestimated qualities of Elgar. On the other hand, the contrast between tonal monumentality on the one hand and the melancholy intimacy of expression on the other hand is astounding, and the haunting playing of Ida Haendel is hard to elude. An all-round successful recording!

Musicians:
Ida Haendel, violin
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Adrian Boult, conductor

Selections:
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61
Side A:
1. 1st Movement: Allegro
2. 2nd Movement: Andante
Side B:
3. 3rd Movement: Allegro molto

Testament has revived these classic titles from the EMI catalog using only the original EMI master tapes, cut onto lacquer at EMI's Abbey Road Studios and mastered using full analog techniques throughout production.