Sir Andrew Davis conducts Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius

[cloughie]

Despite being something of an Elgar enthusiast, it was some time before I came to appreciate Gerontius, whereas with The Kingdom, it was love at first hearing (and still high on my desert island list). Being brought up to attend Halle concerts in the 1960s, I was first introduced to the work by hearing Barbirolli's recording, but it was not until I heard the Pears/Britten version that It finally clicked.
Yet the finest performance I ever heard was given by the Chesterfield Philharmonic Chorus with the South Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra in the early 80s.

I heard Gerontius at the City Hall Sheffield - Halle/Barbirolli and Janet Baker in the mid 60s - guess it must have been around the time of the HMV recording. Borg always spoiled that recording for me but the Halle/Elder with Alice Coote does it for me!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The Baker/Lewis/Borg trio reunited for Barbirolli's memorial concert, but with Maurice Handford conducting and a young Simon Wright as chorusmaster.

[AjAjAjH]

It's impossible to have an intelligent conversation about The Dream of Gerontius on this forum, because a certain person will always hijack it.

I've stopped posting because it seems to me that it is impossible to hold an intelligent conversation on any subject on this forum.

[Hornspieler]

For some on these boards an 'ideal' pairing (no, trio-ing) - Elgar, Gerontius and and Sir Andrew.

But not for me

Hs

[Pabmusic]

I must stop. There's so much irony around, the air's going rusty.

In case anyone hadn't guessed, I love Gerontius.

[BBMmk2]

Well, as far as I am concerned, and I am going to stick my neck out here, I find that Sir Andrew Davis is the finest conductor around today that can do absolute justice to Elgar's magnificent work!!

[Barbirollians]

I disagree . IMO That palm goes to Sir Mark Elder .

[Cockney Sparrow]

The best part of the performance, for me, was the BBC Symphony Chorus - very accomplished, and provided some thrilling moments. Orchestra played well too.
The soloists -Skelton was a rather craggy Gerontius (a couple of times effortful) - in the first sections of Part II it sounded somewhat Wagnerian (yes, I am aware Elgar was affected by Wagner as were so many....). So not a typical English rendition...... Connolly - quite a low, dark sound, and struggled on occasions to come over (could be the Barbican acoustic - I don't go there often and every time I do, it discourages me from returning). David Soar, a late replacement for Brindley Sherratt was underpowered in part one but did better in part II. (Programme says it will be broadcast at 2pm on Monday 21 April). As to Connolly and Soar, you won't hear the failure (somewhat)to carry the voice into the hall (I was in the circle) when the concert is broadcast, of course

Overall a good evening, but not magical. I'll be going to The Apostles on Saturday, and can't wait for The Kingdom on the 1st night of the Proms (presumably 18 July).

I agree, it doesn't have to be a big name performance to be the best one's heard (although Svetlanov, Baker was memorable). One that I'd be fortunate to hear bettered was by Toby Spence and Catherine Wyn-Rogers (2011, St Albans). Spence in particular was in glorious voice (and apparently the previous time before had sung it with Rattle and the VPO (or BPO).

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I disagree . IMO That palm goes to Sir Mark Elder .

There aren't too many great Elgar conductors around at the moment, so it has to be Elder or Davis. Rattle's Elgar repertoire is limited.

[Barbirollians]

There aren't too many great Elgar conductors around at the moment, so it has to be Elder or Davis. Rattle's Elgar repertoire is limited.

I suspect Edward gardner would be very interesting in these works.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Yes, of course. I knew my last post was a bit risky.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

[Sir Velo]

Rattle's Elgar repertoire is limited.

Mmmm....currently available

DoG
Enigma Variations
Falstaff
Cello Concerto (with Mork)
Violin Concerto (with Kennedy)
Grania & Diarmid

[BBMmk2]

I suspect Edward gardner would be very interesting in these works.

ah yes Gardner! his Apostles in that TV documentary, the excerpts, anyway, were very good!

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Mmmm....currently available

DoG
Enigma Variations
Falstaff
Cello Concerto (with Mork)
Violin Concerto (with Kennedy)
Grania & Diarmid

QED then?