Crown Of India - Sir Edward Elgar - Chandos Records - CHA 10570 - 095115157022

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Works Summary

Elgar, Edward : The Crown of India, imperial masque in 2 tableaux for alto, bass, chorus & orchestra, Op. 66

Elgar, Edward : Imperial March, Op. 32

Elgar, Edward : Coronation March, for orchestra, Op. 65

Elgar, Edward : The British Empire March, for orchestra

Conductor

Andrew Davis

Ensemble

Composer

Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934)

Remarks:

Chandos are delighted to present the first complete recording of the masque The Crown of India, performed here by Clare Shearer and Gerald Finley, with the BBC Philharmonic and Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. Completed by Anthony Payne in 2008 the work conveys all the pomp and pageantry with which Elgar is associated. The work is presented on 2 CDs. Disc 1 includes the entire masque with narration, whilst Disc 2 contains only the music and Marches. The set is sold at the price of one full price CD.

Notes:

Recording information: Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester, England (06/19/2009-06/20/2009).

Reviews

A fascinating footnote

Although he wrote a number of songs, and the famous oratorios, Elgar did little vocal work for the stage. So this new complete version of the 'Crown of India' masque is a bonanza for fans of British music. The text is nothing great, and was slashed by the composer even as he was setting it, but he judged some of the music good enough to arrange a concert suite; the rest has disappeared till now. This recording offers the entire masque--a paean to The Empire which none but the most fervid Elgarian will play very often--and a second disc with the music cues only (also three lesser-known marches). Anthony Payne, a specialist in completing unfinished Elgar, has produced an orchestration for the movements not used in the suite. Gerald Finley speaks his one bit of verse nicely, and can make you believe every word of his grand solo. Clare Shearer, in the great tradition of British mezzos, utters lovely sounds, and makes utter mud of her words. The orchestra and chorus, under Sir Andrew Davis, perform with conviction, and the sound is fine. Not a musicological revelation, but some fun stuff.

Submitted on 11/30/09 by Jim D.