‘Rarely, rarely comest thou, Spirit of Delight’ is how Elgar prefaced the score of his Symphony No.2. Mark Elder, a respected and preceptive Elgarian, conducts this extraordinary work, full of personal associations for the composer. ‘I have written out my soul’ Elgar said, surely referring to the twilight world at the heart of this glorious score.

The origin of the Introduction and Allegro was simple: according to Elgar, his inspiration was a folk-tune, distantly-heard whilst holidaying in Wales. In all respects, the result reflects a life-time of preparation, leading to this true masterpiece of the string repertoire.

The CD includes a reading by Mark Elder of Shelley’s poem, ‘Song’, the source of Elgar’s preface to the score of his Second Symphony.

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Soloists/Artists
Lyn Fletcher, Violin
Ann Lawes, Violin
Timothy Pooley, Viola
David Watkin, Cello

Catalogue number CD HLL 7507