Sir Andrew Davis conducts Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius

[Nimrod]

I heartily agree, Brassbandmaestro, that Sir Andrew is the best conductor of Elgar at this time. Elder is to be commended for conducting so much of Elgar's music but doesn't quite get under the 'skin' of it like Sir Andrew. Having seen Sir Andrew conduct Alassio in Bedford last year and hearing just now Marriner's performance on R3 it only goes to show how much understanding David brings to Elgar compared with others. Rattle?? Hmmm, he once said to a friend of mine that he'd record the Elgar symphonies 'when everyone else had done so' or words to that effect. Don't bother Sir Simon, stick to your central European stuff that you seem so fond of. Can anyone really believe he loves English music before Britten?

Rarely, rarely, comest thou oh spirit of delight

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Just listening to a wonderful performance of this work of Genius on Radio3 just now. No idea who the performers are but we'll be illuminated soon.

This is the performance referred to by Pastoralguy on another thread.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I had reservations, as to the soloists, at the Gerontius performance. No such reservations for the performance of The Apostles last night. It was very well performed by all, and Davis' interpretation was very persuasive. A memorable performance, I'm looking forward to hearing it again on radio3 on 26 April.

Caveat, me ol' sparrer, Apostles goes out on 24 April, not 26, in case that iPlayer gadget doesn't do it for you.

[ARBurton]

I have to admit that I listened without knowing who was conducting and, apart from the at times rough tenor, was really impressed. Then I heard it was Sir Andrew, who I often find awfully bland, and was surprised. Someone in an earlier post mentioned the Svetlanov - I wish someone would put that onto cd as the only lp copy I ever found was pressed slightly off-centre...

[amateur51]

I have to admit that I listened without knowing who was conducting and, apart from the at times rough tenor, was really impressed. Then I heard it was Sir Andrew, who I often find awfully bland, and was surprised. Someone in an earlier post mentioned the Svetlanov - I wish someone would put that onto cd as the only lp copy I ever found was pressed slightly off-centre...

Yes I'd like a copy too please - in fact a Svetlanov/Elgar set would be good