BaL 9.12.17 - Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

[HighlandDougie]

When it was released on CD, I assumed it would be the end of the problem, but the overloading just sounded all the starker in the clinical digital format.

I'm pretty sure that EA's surmise that the Maltings was, simply, not big enough to accommodate the forces involved is correct. I don't think that the CDs in the "Britten The Performer" box, which is what I've been listening to, are any different from earlier issues (no new remastering that I can hear) but they do not make for a comfortable listen at some points, notably "Praise to the Holiest". I don't have the LPs so have never tried it on vinyl but, if a Shure V15 wouldn't track it without discomfort, I can't imagine that any cartridge would. In other ways the recording is very good (the depths of the organ notes are most impressive) - and the performance is the one which finally overcame my aversion to the text.

[BBMmk2]

A very good BaL this morning, I thought. So full of useful information, if you didn't know already. I might give the accolade winner a try, as it's Vernon Handley. even though, Sir Andrew Davis, is one of my favourites.

No overall winner though. Each one has flaws but what a work to bring off, entirely, without something not quite right?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

A very good BaL this morning, I thought.

It was excellent, I thought, Bbm - exactly the attitude I think reviewers should take. And, as the programme progressed, it was the Handley that kept provoking my greatest interest - for once, it will be the "Winner" that I'll be buying.

[jonfan]

Excellent BAL from ML. As he says no recording ticks all the boxes. I’ll take Handley’s off the shelf and give it close listen. It had mixed reviews when it came out and was generally considered disappointing. How the passage of time changes perpectives. Catherine Wyn-Rogers is still in excellent voice and is singing in Messiah with the Huddersfield Choral this Christmas.

[Bryn]

It was excellent, I thought, Bbm - exactly the attitude I think reviewers should take. And, as the programme progressed, it was the Handley that kept provoking my greatest interest - for once, it will be the "Winner" that I'll be buying.

Officially download only, is it not? However, new and used copies are to be found via Amazon, etc.

[Alison]

Top marks Mark Lowther!! Wish he were my next door neighbour. A Kindhearted and discerning library builder.

The Handley is already in the library in its CfP original format. It's still the Andrew Davis that thrills and moves me like no other.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Officially download only, is it not? However, new and used copies are to be found via Amazon, etc.

Very possibly - AMcG mentioned "now available from Warner". "Used" copies from Amazon have suddenly gone up in price - I can wait until the dust has settled.

[jonfan]

Officially download only, is it not? However, new and used copies are to be found via Amazon, etc.

It’s part of a box set according to Presto.
On reflection a pity ML didn’t refer to the Boult DVD of 1968. I’d like to have heard his thoughts.

[BBMmk2]

Top marks Mark Lowther!! Wish he were my next door neighbour. A Kindhearted and discerning library builder.

The Handley is already in the library in its CfP original format. It's still the Andrew Davis that thrills and moves me like no other.

Quite so, with me as well, Alison. a great Elgarian, as the reviewer pointed out.

[Bryn]

It’s part of a box set according to Presto.
On reflection a pity ML didn’t refer to the Boult DVD of 1968. I’d like to have heard his thoughts.

The Handley Elgar Choral Works only shows as downloads at Presto, as far as I can see. If you have a link to a CD boxed set, please post it here.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The Handley Elgar Choral Works only shows as downloads at Presto, as far as I can see. If you have a link to a CD boxed set, please post it here.

https://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/classical/products/8027945--emi-eminence-the-collection

[vinteuil]

The Handley Elgar Choral Works only shows as downloads at Presto, as far as I can see. If you have a link to a CD boxed set, please post it here.

... also :

http://amzn.eu/j6MucRL

.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

"Used" copies from Amazon have suddenly gone up in price - I can wait until the dust has settled.

Ooh! If you can sneak into the "back rooms" of Amazon, "Used - Very Good" copies are available for under a fiver: I've just ordered the Handley and a CD copy of the Britten (the latter to replace the cassettes) at just over a tenner with P&P added. (That's about 8% of the price of the Eminence Box - and avoids the innumerable "doublings".)

It's been a good day, so far!

[vinteuil]

Ooh! If you can sneak into the "back rooms" of Amazon, "Used - Very Good" copies are available for under a fiver...

.... ho there! Is this a trade secret you're prepared to share? What / where are the 'back rooms', and how do you get to snoop about there??


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[MickyD]

I think Ferney is referring to the Marketplace sellers, Vints. Unless he knows otherwise...