Even those who think they know Elgar will have to check their shelves twice to make sure they have the works on this disc. While there have been multiple recordings of the English composer's symphonies and concertos over the years, there have been very few recordings indeed of his part songs. This recording with the Cambridge University Chamber Choir under Christopher Robinson does not entirely have the field to itself, but it does have several very attractive features to distinguish it from the competition.First and ...
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Even those who think they know Elgar will have to check their shelves twice to make sure they have the works on this disc. While there have been multiple recordings of the English composer's symphonies and concertos over the years, there have been very few recordings indeed of his part songs. This recording with the Cambridge University Chamber Choir under Christopher Robinson does not entirely have the field to itself, but it does have several very attractive features to distinguish it from the competition.First and foremost is the quality of the repertoire. Ranging from the Brahmsian "My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land" to the sentimental "As Torrents in Summer," the haunting "Serenade," the eerie "Owls (An Epitaph)," and the bitonal "There is Sweet Music," the music here is among his most immediately ingratiating. The Cambridge University Choir's rich tone, solid intonation, and smooth ensemble suits this music perfectly, and under Robinson's steady leadership, it turns in performances of exemplary...
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