Site review by akiralx April 13, 2010
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Performance: |
An excellent E2 from Ashkenazy, in fact I think I enjoyed this more thean the E1. The recording is excellent on my system: rich but detailed, giving the perfect sound picture for Elgar. The harp comes through the sound picture admirably to reveal Elgar's genius for scoring.
Ashkenazy does not linger in the first movement, which can sound rather too weighty in others' hands, and the powerful playing of the SSO shines through every bar throughout the work. Interpretatively there are no great surprises but I prefer this more concentrated and passionate reading, and clearer recording, to the Hickox SACD.
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