Elgar: Enigma Variations, Serenade For Strings, Cockaigne Overture, Salut d'Amour

"there's all the thrill of a powerhouse orchestra≤ the finesse of Variation 6 is shattering. For many Elgarians the Nimrod will be the test. Elder takes it slower than some, but the tension is finely graded. The effect is almost visual: imagine a door slowly opening, revealing familiar beauties within. This, the first of three releases, is a wonderful initiative from the Halle and a lead well worth considering by our own orchestras." (William Dart NZ Herald)

The Hallé is associated with Elgar perhaps more than any other composer. His unique relationship with the Orchestra, together with recent acclaimed concert performances of his work, makes him the perfect choice for two of the Hallé's opening releases with Sanctuary Classics.

Elgar conducted the Hallé on many occasions, including, in October 1914, a performance of his Enigma Variations. The first performance of the work was given in London in the summer of 1899 conducted by Hans Richter who also conducted the Hallé during the first Manchester performance only months later.

Praise for the Hallé's performances of this repertoire:

"a sonorous and spectacular performance of Elgar's Enigma Variations . . . 'Nimrod' was graceful and serene" (The Guardian)

"Elder's concept of Elgar was . . . fluent and certainly thrilling" (The Guardian)