Elgar: Enigma Variations / 'Cockaigne' Overture / Marches

"Turning to the 1953 Philharmonia Enigma Variations, we immediately become aware that Weldon is operating on a different plane altogether. While remaining within the mainstream of Elgarian performing tradition, every variation is individually and imaginatively characterised while taking its place as part of the whole. The fast, nervous woodwind figurations in H.D.S.P. and Dorabella contrast effectively with the sonorous legato of the cellos in Richard Arnold or G.R.S. The delicacy of Ysobel is made to contrast with the bluff heartiness of Troyte or G.R.S., and the recording allows us to hear Elgar's scoring to full advantage. Weldon does not see Nimrod as the climax of the work, and gives the most famous variation an eloquent yet understated performance. The Finale is seen, quite rightly, as the proper culmination of the piece, and brings the disc to a rip-roaring conclusion. One of the finest performances of the Variations I have heard. " MusicWeb

"(Weldon's) Variations are patiently paced and noble, yet acutely attentive, with exceptional care to bring out the full complement of instrumental textures. Surging with multiple crests and especially heartfelt is his rendition of Nimrod, to which he must have felt a particular bond, as he requested to have it played at his funeral." ClassicalNotes