Elgar - Symphony No. 2 (3/7)

Larghetto (1/2)

This movement is so beautiful, full of many beautiful melodies. I'd love to hear you opinion about the symphony. As it is my favourite piece, I'd be really interested to find out what other people think of it.

As well as paying tribute to Elgar in these videos, we also are paying respect to the fantastic conductor, Sir Edward Downes who died recently. He commited assisted suicide with his wife, Lady Joan Downes, in Switzerland, 10th July 2009. Rest in Peace.

It is a fantastic performance!
BBC Philharomic
Sir Edward Downes.

British Masterpieces
Earthatic Summer Season of British Music

Category:

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• larghetto
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• downes

[christophertinker]

This work is incredibly important to me. My father used to have it on at home in the 1960s, having borrowed the Barbirolli version from the record library in Sheffield, a very new thing in those days. It is one of the most sublime movements I know. He took us to hear the symphony at the RAH at a Prom in about 1965, Sargent conducting. We had a box!! And the Downes version is excellent. Thanks of posting it.

[earthatic]

@christophertinker Yes, it is a really beautiful work, and performance! The Downes performance is my favourite performance of the piece, but Solti is also great! the Elgar symphonies (both 1 and 2),are my favourite pieces of music, and Elgar is my favourite composer. It is nice to meet someone who shares the same passion about this piece! :)

I have created a channel dedicated to Elgar if you ever want to visit, not much uploaded yet but there will be soon: user/elgarian497

[lansing789]

@earthatic Thank you so much for posting such an amazing symphony! ELgar has become my favorite new 20th century composer. You should post the first symphony.

[highbrain]

@mctous1

This is a truly beautiful movement (I would say moving, but that might sem a bit repetitive!)

I'm interested in the connection that you draw with Bruckner: IMO the Austrian master requires more patience, but they're both red-&-gold composers.

[mctous1]

Like Bruckner's symphonies, Elgar's require great patience, but in both cases patience is rewarded with the organic unfolding of the composers' vision. The Manchester orchestra plays here with great commitment and passion. What a shame how the 1911 premiere audience didn't recognize the depth of feeling contained in this work.

[smudger671]

What a stupid comment by a musical ignoramus. Small wonder you are known as dum...

[BebertConFuoco]

Thanks for posting that version. I love it. I am always very touched by the intensity. Sometimes I try to imagine what Elgar wanted to say in that 2nd part of the symphony. I think he tries to open a way to the past. I mean, a way to get back what he lost: something he had in his heart and his mind but that he could not touch again. From 5:06, it is like he's running to take off to touch that memory shinning like a star. But life is on Earth, he says in the conclusion of the 2nd part.

[ClassicalFavourites1]

What a beautiful piece ...