Welcome to ‘Dodd’s Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly. And the best part… the albums featured in the most current review will be available at a reduced price! Click the button below to see all of Dodd’s Discoveries and to find the current album(s) on sale.
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Elgar and Finzi Violin ConcertosHK$149.99 – HK$304.49
The extremely talented Ning Feng is joined by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto in the Violin concertos of Edward Elgar (1857-1934), and Gerald Finzi (1901-1956).
Elgar’s Violin Concerto isn’t quite as well known as his Cello Concerto, but has a similar passion and beauty. It’s been said that Elgar’s pieces are like time capsules of their time and place, and I must agree. In my imagination, I am transported to the turn of the last century England in a way unlike any other composer’s music.
Finzi’s music often contains the most simple melodies; but they are melodies that convey a warmth of emotion that wraps your heart in a pretty bow, and makes the world seem like a wonderful place. Although finished in 1927, the Violin Concerto was not premiered until 1999– nearly a half-century after Finzi’s death. It turns out he was dissatisfied by the two fast movements, although no one really knows why that might be. I’ve become a big fan of Finzi’s music, and I urge you to seek it out.
These works are very British, and they are very beautiful. Luckily for us, Ning Feng, plays them with love and commitment, and the Channel Classics recording is superb.
I urge you check these out as well:
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Elgar & Tchaikovsky – Cello WorksHK$158.99 – HK$185.49 -
Elgar – Enigma Variations, Introduction & AllegroHK$185.49 – HK$295.99
