Dream of Gerontius: LPO Edward Gardner

[Chris Newman]

A few weeks ago many of us were much impressed by some Elgar snippets played in John Bridcut's film about Elgar's love life. They were conducted by Edward Gardner, Music Director of ENO.

With the LPO and LPO Chorus, Choir of Clare College Oxford, Christine Rice (mezzo), Paul Groves (tenor) and Neal Davies (bass, replacing an indisposed Alistair Miles) Gardner has now given two performances of The Dream of Gerontius, Saturday 26th March at the RFH, London and Sunday 27th at Salisbury Cathedral. The London performance will be broadcast on R3 in PO3 on Thursday 21st March.

I went to the Salisbury concert but before I sound off myself I thought I would let others who attended these performances have a say.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

... has now given two performances of The Dream of Gerontius, Saturday 26th March at the RFH, London and Sunday 27th at Salisbury Cathedral. The London performance will be broadcast on R3 in PO3 on Thursday 21st March.

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Possibly the dates are not quite right here? Or else Edward Gardner has a Tardis.

[salymap]

Gerontius in being broadcast on Po3 at 7pm on Thursday 31st March

[Chris Newman]

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??

Possibly the dates are not quite right here? Or else Edward Gardner has a Tardis.

Whoopsie!!!! It was rather late after a few post-concert pints.... Yes, Thursday 31st at 7.00pm (The 7.30 PO3 start has yet still too come?)

[Nick Armstrong]

before I sound off myself I thought I would let others who attended these performances have a say.

I was planning to go but couldn't... I am looking forward to hearing your review!

Don't wait for the others... Go on, sound off! You know you want to!

[Chris Newman]

Ok, Caliban, (Noises off),

Salisbury Cathedral is not the most kind of buidings for large ensembles and, as is usual these days at this venue, Gardner opted to play at the west end with the nave crossing at the back of the audience. I have my favourite spots to sit and although I saw very little I was immensely pleased by what I heard. Two pillars and the tomb of William Longespee, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, blocked my view of all but the back rows of the London Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus. The orchestral prelude, crashing chords and all was as clear as a bell; a magnificent beginning. The American tenor Paul Groves was in excellent voice as Gerontius. His voice rode the LPO when they were at full throttle and could sound fearful and soft when required: "Novissima hora est" and the lines that follow were tear-jerking. I have been lucky to hear Charles Corp, Ronald Dowd, Gerald English, Philip Langridge, Richard Lewis, Robert Tear and many others sing Gerontius well. Groves was one of the best. All three soloists took advantage of the soft silken playing that Gardner coaxed from his players and were able to whisper tellingly. At almost every point Gardner had full control of the treacherous echo. Only in "Sanctus Fortis" did the fast speed cause some muddied sound: that was mostly the fault of the tenor who hit entries a microsecond early and a bit of a race ensued. Alistair Miles was indisposed (as in London) and was replaced by the golden-toned Neal Davies who was both powerful and tender. Robert Lloyd, on Boult's EMI recording, has always been the best bass I have heard in this work. Neal Davies is the best I have heard live. Christine Rice was a superb angel. In expressiveness she was up there with Janet Baker, Pamela Bowden, Felicity Palmer and Norma Procter though as yet has not quite got their reserves of volume. Only Barbirolli's EMI recording has truly shown that wonderful blend of contralto, chorus, harp and clarinet in the Angel's Farewell but here Gardner also found that magical balance.

This was a very special concert and was received by a sincere rapt silence for a full thirty seconds before receiving what is only the second standing ovation I have known in Salisbury Cathedral (the other was Giulini, the Philharmonia with Bruckner's 8th Symphony).

[amateur51]

Wonderful report! - many thanks Chris!

I'll be listening on Thursday evening

[Chris Newman]

Wonderful report! - many thanks Chris!

I'll be listening on Thursday evening

So will I!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nick Armstrong]

Wonderful report! - many thanks Chris!

I'll be listening on Thursday evening

And so will I! Tantalising account, Chris. I heard Paul Groves sing Gerontius with the Hallé and Elder at the '09 Edinburgh Festival and he is indeed

I'm doubly cursing that I had to miss it.

Thanks for the review (and the equally tantalising reference to that Giulini Bruckner 8!!!)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I do hope to hear this on Thursday. I've known the work for 43 years, but I've only been happy with two "Angels" - Janet Baker and Yvonne Minton. Any others (especially Felicity Palmer) make me yearn for one of these two. But I'll try to listen with an open mind.

[Chris Newman]

Oooh, I forgot about Yvonne Minton. A lovely voice, but she appeared to have a shorter career than these other mezzos. Norma Procter (a true contralto), Helen Watts and Pamela Bowden (I sang once in the semi-chorus and again in the main chorus with her) were very good. Janet Baker was in a class of her own. I managed to hear her twice sing the role at the Albert Hall. I am quite fond of Constance Shacklock (another contralto) with Barbirolli in his ancient Vatican performance with a young bright voiced Jon Vickers.

[Petrushka]

Mark my words, Edward Gardner has a very big future ahead of him. I shall be listening but possibly on the i-player on Sunday evening or recorded back up in case it's not on. Thanks for the review, Chris, my appetite is duly whetted.

[BBMmk2]

I hate to say this but I am glad we have another upcoming conductor who seems to be getting into the grips of British music.

[3rd Viennese School]

I will have to give that a miss tonight for 2 reasons.

1. It has singing in it
2. It's by Elgar

3VS

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I intend to listen to it tonight for 2 reasons.

1. It has singing in it
2. It's by Elgar