Edward Elgar - From the Bavarian Highlands & other Choral Works

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934)

From the Bavarian Highlands, Op. 27

O salutaris Hostia No. 1 in E-Flat Major

O salutaris Hostia No. 2 in E-Flat Major

O salutaris Hostia No. 3 in F Major

Tantum Ergo in D major (incomplete)

Ecce Sacerdos Magnus

The Light of Life, Op. 29 'Lux Christi'

Frank Wibaut (piano)

Harry Bramma (organ)

Worcester Cathedral Choir

Christopher Robinson

Released: 1977 & 2003

Review:

Elgar isn't exactly known for his choral works, although he spent a great deal of time as a young organist in a church, and got exposed to choral works there. The main work on this CD is From The Bavarian Highlands, a set of six choral songs (in English), one of his earlier works. The rest of the CD contains multiple versions of "O salutaris Hostia" plus additional choral works, all done relatively early in his career before fame catapulted his name. A few of the works here are often presented as orchestral works, especially the main pieces, but here they are presented with piano or organ accompaniment. These are not really "youthful" works, but they are early in his compositional career and it's easy to hear even in these early works the talent Elgar had. The songs are lovely, and remind me of sitting in various churches in England listening to some of these pieces, peace and calm all around. Putting on this CD is a nice way to de-stress.

The Chandos recording is excellent (no surprise there) with the enunciation of the choir clear. There's a wee bit of echo, but that's to be expected in the venue. The piano and organ are clear, but not overwhelming the choristers. The dynamic range is excellent, although the vast majority of these works are quiet ones by their nature.

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