The composer-led recordings of Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Violin Concerto were previously coupled in EMI’s Elgar Edition. Fine as those transfers were, Andrew Walter’s latest refurbishings for EMI’s Great Recordings of the Century series are much better. Surface noise is further reduced, the orchestral image more defined, and instrumental timbres emerge with greater clarity. Elgar’s authority particularly stands out in his choice of tempos, which are faster than today’s norm, and his spare, yet effective rubatos. The 16-year-old Menuhin’s eloquent traversal of the Concerto’s demanding solo part outclasses his wobbly adult remake under Boult. While Mark Obert-Thorn’s transfer of the Concerto for Naxos seems sweeter and more colorful in the higher frequencies, EMI has the advantage of quieter source material. Picky collectors, however, will be happy with either transfer.
