Elgar: The Wand of Youth; Nursery Suite (2004)

performed by New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd (conductor)
composed by Edward Elgar

It is a lovely thought that even now in the early years of the new millennium there is no corner of the British Commonwealth of Nation where the music of Elgar does not still sound sweetly upon the gentle air. Even now in the most far-flung islands of the empire, conductor James Judd is able to elicit performances from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra of surpassing charm, beauty, and tenderness. It is as if the spirits of Boult and Barbirolli infuse Judd's technique, that something of their wisdom and warmth suffuses Judd ... Read More

It is a lovely thought that even now in the early years of the new millennium there is no corner of the British Commonwealth of Nation where the music of Elgar does not still sound sweetly upon the gentle air. Even now in the most far-flung islands of the empire, conductor James Judd is able to elicit performances from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra of surpassing charm, beauty, and tenderness. It is as if the spirits of Boult and Barbirolli infuse Judd's technique, that something of their wisdom and warmth suffuses Judd's interpretations. And one could almost swear that the deep, rich tones of the Royal Philharmonic under Beecham are embodied in the dulcet and radiant tones of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The music, of course, is Elgar at his most evocative and nostalgic and his least pretentious, that is, music ideal for an aubade or a soiree or even just with afternoon tea. Naxos' sound is warm and very live. ~ James Leonard, Rovi Read Less