Sir John Barbirolli was a personal friend of Sir Edward Elgar and having been a cellist in the orchestra at the premiere of Elgar's Cello Concerto in 1919, he enjoyed a close rapport with the composer, winning his praise for his performances of the Introduction and Allegro for Strings and Second Symphony and becoming a great interpreter of Elgar's music. 

• Hi-Q Records Supercuts
• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Cut from the Original EMI Analog Master Tapes
• Mastered at Abbey Road Studios
• Features Original Album Artwork

"Cut at Abbey Road Studios from the original stereo analogue master tapes with the Neumann VMS82 lathe fed an analogue pre-cut signal from a specially adapted Studer A80 tape deck with additional 'advance' playback head, making the cut a totally analogue process. Pressed using the original EMI presses at The Vinyl Factory in Hayes, England"

Whilst this recording was being made in 1962, the BBC was preparing a film documentary on the life of Elgar to mark the 100th edition of its arts programme Monitor. Produced by Humphrey Burton and directed by the late Ken Russell, Elgar was first broadcast on 11 November 1962 and became one of the most popular films of its kind ever shown on TV, and contributed to a marked revival of interest in the composer's music. A still from the film is used on the sleeve.

This recording featured on the front cover of the November 1963 GRAMOPHONE. Inside, the review by Thomas Hearns was estatic:
"...It is an absolutely outstanding performance, captured by the recording people as near to perfection as possible. I have never before heard so much beautiful detail so clearly, something obviously brought about by Barbirolli's care... The bass is particularly strong and nothing that happens of interest down below in the 'cellos and bases is missed." He liked the performance too: "I must turn to Barbirolli and the really wonderful playing of the Philharmonia Orchestra in both works. Performances are ... right from the heart, yet they are always guided by the head..." and concludes "Even those who have this music on their shelves already should not miss this superb record."

Track Listing:

Side A
Elgar
1. Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma' Op.36 (Variations I-XIII)

Side B
Elgar
1. Variations on an Original Theme 'Enigma' Op.36 (Cont.) (Variation XIV - Finale)
2. Cockaigne (In London Town) – Concert Overture Op.40

Philharmonia Orchestra
Sir John Barbirolli

Recorded on 9 May and 27 August 1962 at Kingsway Hall, London with legendary producer Victor Olof and engineer Harold Davidson.

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