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		I had recently been charmed by Sidney Beer's rare account of 'In the South' available on Dutton but this magnificent interpretation by Sir John surely carries all before it in dramatic sweep and heart-on-sleeve beauty. It is a work that seemingly eluded Barbirolli until his very last year but the maturity of the interpretation is such that one could not imagine improvement. From the opening exuberance of the Hallé through to those marvelously poetic interjections by solo violin and horn, Sir John's in inimitable grasp of the score is only equaled by Elgar himself, obviously the latter is in much inferior sound. The conclusion is also wonderful with a sure steady grasp and a powerful declamation ending the work in a flourish typical of 'Glorious John'. The recording is also very clear and thus we have a version of 'In the South' for posterity, pity it has been so long in coming. Another work, which is definitely associated with Sir John, is Walton's 'Partita for Orchestra', something which he conducted often as Michael Kennedy tells us. All four movements are dispatched with exemplary panache and a disarming feel for the score that is demonstrative of the interpretive powers of this great conductor. In Britten's 'Sinfonia da Requiem', Sir John is at pains to point out the structural power of this awesome piece especially in the grief stricken 'Requiem Aeternam', a sure prelude to the sinisterly great 'War Requiem'. With the famous 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra' Barbirolli is indeed on home ground. His subtle coaxings and rhythmic inflexions galvanize the orchestra into one whole virtuoso instrument. It is indeed an exemplary conclusion to a fabulous disc that preserves some of the greatest performances from the final years of Glorious John and shows him at the height of his powers just a few months before he died. Skeptical collectors should purchase this disc and the Barbirolli magic will work miracles! A fine memorial to this most charismatic conductor in his centenary year. Reviewer Gerald Fenech Performance: Sound:	Reviewer Gerald Fenech Performance: Sound: Reviews from previous months Reviews carry sales links but you can also purchase from:
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