Elgar: Introduction and Allegro, Serenade, Elegy & Sospiri by Sir John Barbirolli (2025 Remastered, London 1962-1966)

This is truly one of the greatest recordings ever made of English music for string orchestra. Sir John Barbirolli’s interpretations have remained unsurpassed for several decades. He recorded Introduction and Allegro no fewer than five times, and his first version (1927) was praised by Elgar himself. In his final version, reissued here, Sir John clearly conveys his deep affection for the score. For this work, he is joined by the Allegri String Quartet, the oldest active chamber ensemble in Britain. The Serenade is likewise warm and full of feeling, and the shorter pieces are also beautifully shaped.

Among orchestral families, the strings are perhaps the most vulnerable in the digital transfer process. The violin section—especially in the upper register—can quickly lose its warmth and become harsh to the ear. A high-quality remastering preserves the warmth of the strings across the entire frequency range and ensures a pleasing listening experience. That is precisely the case with this edition.