Ken Russell's 'Elgar'

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Somewhere in Bedfordshire, isn't it?

[Nick Armstrong]

I am quite minded to get a copy of Gerontius, any pointers as to a definitive version?

That question may prove a Pandora's Box... I have a huge affection for Benjamin Britten's performance on Decca. You have to be well-disposed to Peter Pears's voice - I think it works wonderfully in the piece, and Britten's way with "Praise to the Holiest" is one of the ultimate goose-bump moments in all recorded music, for me.

There are classic readings by Barbirolli (Janet Baker exceptional but I don't like the Gerontius) and Boult. Of the modern recordings, Mark Elder with the Hallé is the best imo.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Anna

sals is right: Baker, Lewis & Barbirolli is almost the perfect recording of Gerontius - listening to it, I'm as convinced that Elgar was the greatest British composer ever as anyone. Kim Borg's English accent lets the side down, but his delivery and intonation cause no complaints. And I'm not sure that the Angel of the Agony must have an English accent!

There is an Amazon download of Heddle Nash and Sargent doing the whole work for very few pennies (literally less than £2 last time I saw it: very poor sound. And I don't share sals' enthusiasm for Heddle Nash.

Another good one is the Decca recording with Britten, Pears & Minton. Not sure if it's still available, though; and I wouldn't prefer it to Barbirolli & chums.

Best Wishes.

EDIT: Way to go, Cali!

[Norfolk Born]

Don't forget the 1998 Andrew Davis/BBC SO/Philip Langridge DVD, recorded in St Paul's Cathedral.
Regarding his 'pre-Monitor' popularity: according to The Record Guide, in 1955 the following current recordings were available:
2 x Violin Concerto
2 x Enigma
1 x 1st symphony
1 x Violin Concerto
1 x Falstaff
(No 2nd Symphony, no Gerontius)!!

[Anna]

Anna
sals is right: Baker, Lewis & Barbirolli is almost the perfect recording of Gerontius - listening to it, I'm as convinced that Elgar was the greatest British composer ever as anyone. Kim Borg's English accent lets the side down, but his delivery and intonation cause no complaints. And I'm not sure that the Angel of the Agony must have an English accent! :

Which is this one? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elgar-Dream-...163053&sr=1-10
My neighbour has everything by the Halle (his uncle played for them) I can probably borrow a copy of the Elder from him to give it a whirl. Pears does nothing for me I'm afraid, more collywobbles than goosebumps!

I am, in fact, listening very intently to the Patrick Hadley, and loving it, it is Lush, and I think Heffers said this recording was paired with the Finzi Caliban rates hightly, so Gerontius may have to wait!

[salymap]

And Anna, Sargent's and Barbirolli's tenor, [Gerontius], was Richard Lewis, a very nice Welshman with a lovely voice IMHO

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Which is this one? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elgar-Dream-...163053&sr=1-10

- less than a Fiver!!!

Altogether, I paid about £30 for mine: first on Vinyl, then for the CDs!

[Norfolk Born]

Amazon currently have only 2 copies each in stock of the Hadley/Finzi CD and the Gerontius DVD - time for skates to be fitted?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

!
Another good one is the Decca recording with Britten, Pears & Minton. Not sure if it's still available, though; and I wouldn't prefer it to Barbirolli & chums.

Yes. Britten's is my favourite and was only the second stereo version issued. A magnificent performance marred only by some uncharacteristic (for Decca) overmodulation in the Demons' Chorus.

[Anna]

Amazon currently have only 2 copies each in stock of the Hadley/Finzi CD and the Gerontius DVD - time for skates to be fitted?

Oh, I like to take my time and not be rushed ...
My neighbour (mentioned above whose Uncle, etc.) gave me spare copy of Elder, Halle, Enigma, Cockaigne, Chanson de Matin, Serenade for Strings and I intend to spin the Enigma once Simon Heffer and Constant Lambert is finished!

[salymap]

FHG, But Heddle Nash was my first Gerontius and I heard him live in it for what seems like years. His recording is 1945 and I could only afford some of the 12 78 records so just had excerpts as I was still at school.

[Chris Newman]

I love both Barbirolli versions: The classic Baker/Lewis one with the Halle is timeless. Then there is the live version Sir John made in the Vatican (recorded for the Pope on 20th November 1957) with Jon Vickers, Constance Shacklock & Marian Nowakowski and the RAI Orchestra. It is worth it to hear how beautiful and expressive the young Vickers was. Most of the famous Gerontius tenors were old when they recorded the role. Shacklock is good too. Iffy swimming bath sound though.
Archipel Records - ARPCD0403 (CD - 2 discs).

Pears is astonishing for Britten. I am not convinced by BB's interpretation which is stiff but PP brings something very unique in his sensitivity to words.

Sir Adrian's Indian summer brought a fine recording with the most inspired choice for Gerontius. Nicolai Gedda (no spring chicken then) brings the refreshing intelligence of the master linguist exploring the colour and meaning of every syllable. A lovely angel from Helen Watts and the finest bass on any Gerontius recording...Robert Lloyd. He is fabulous.

I am tempted to try the recording much promoted by The Elgar Society in German under Hans Swarowsky with the great Julius Patzak. Any thoughts from any of you?

I dream that the LPO will bring out Gerontius on CD after the success of their performances with Edward Gardner but it is just a dream.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

My Music Teacher at school (thirty-odd years ago) was another Nash fan, sals. I just never took to his diction. (Nash's, not my teacher's.


... 'though now I think about it ... )

[Nick Armstrong]

I am, in fact, listening very intently to the Patrick Hadley, and loving it, it is Lush, and I think Heffers said this recording was paired with the Finzi Caliban rates hightly, so Gerontius may have to wait!

Yes Anna! Borrow the Elder set of Gerontius and listen to it, and snap up a copy of the Lyrita CD with the Hadley and Finzi's 'Intimations of Immortality' with your old chum Vernon Handley. You won't regret it!

[Anna]

Yes Anna! Borrow the Elder set of Gerontius and listen to it, and snap up a copy of the Lyrita CD with the Hadley and Finzi's 'Intimations of Immortality' with your old chum Vernon Handley. You won't regret it!

You won't regret it .......... famous last words!
Yes, I will have a word with neighbour tomorrow, I think apart from Wagner, Elgar is his main man. Well done BBC4 for initiiating this debate, and, they are axing, or diluting the channel and removing the culture element? What a scandal!