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.