Colin Davis, a self-proclaimed unpretentious conductor, took the helm of Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundunks in 1983, succeeding
Rafael Kubelik and the tragically deceased
Kirill Kondrashin. This BR Klassik album features a recording of
Elgar's Enigma Variations made in the same year
Davis took over the orchestra, demonstrating from the get-go the conductor's broadening of the orchestra's repertoire to include English composers and others. Even though
Davis had only just begun working with the orchestra, his insistence on precision and the eventual transformation that it brought to the orchestra can already be heard.
Davis draws out a remarkable warmth from the strings and a simple clarity from the winds. He allows the music to speak for itself rather than imposing unnecessary emotional emphasis. The result is a thoroughly moving, passionate reading of Enigma. Jump ahead four years to 1987 and
Davis' work with the orchestra is truly apparent in their recording of the
Vaughan Williams Symphony No. 6. The sometimes aggressive symphony is executed with the utmost precision, brilliant dynamic contrasts, and unfettered control of tempo. As either an introduction to these two great English works or to
Davis' early work with Rundfunks, this album is an exceptional choice.