Elgar: Dream of Gerontius (excerpts)

On this CD:

1. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Prelude
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

2. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Jesu, Maria - I am near to death...
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

3. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Sanctis fortis
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

4. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Proficiscere, anima Christiana
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

5. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 I went to sleep
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

6. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Oh what a heart subduing melody!
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

7. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Low-born...clods of brute earth
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

8. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 But hark! a grand mysterious harmony
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

9. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Jesu!...by that shudd'ring dread which fell on Thee
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

10. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Praise to his name!
Composed by Edward Elgar

Conducted by Joseph Batten

11. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 The Crown is won
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra with Muriel Brunskill, Parry Jones
Conducted by Sir Henry J. Wood

Tracks:

Christmas Oratorio: Bereite Dich, Zion
Messiah: He Was Despised
Elijah: O Rest In The Lord
Alto Rhapsody
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
L'Invitation Au Voyage
Pie Jesu (From The Requieum Op.9)
Sea Pictures Op.37: I. Sea Slumber-Song
Sea Pictures Op.37: II. In Haven
Sea Pictures Op.37: III. Sabbath Morning At Sea
Sea Pictures Op.37: IV. Where Corals Lie
Sea Pictures Op.37: V. The Swimmer
The Angel's Farewell - Ambrosian Singers

Tracks:

Linden Lea
A Boy Was Born, Op.3: Corpus Christi Carol
Pretty Ring Time
Prison
Soir
Clair De Lune
Ave Maria (Ellens Gesang III)
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
Wiegenlied (Schlafe, Schlafe)
Die Forelle
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen
An Die Musik
An Sylvia
Nacht Und Traume
Heidenroslein
Du Bist Die Ruh'
Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges
Liederkreis, Op.39: Mondnacht
Frauenliebe Und -Leben Op.42: Du Ring An Meinem Finger
Geistliches Wiegenlied
Befreit
Morgen!

Amazon.com

While it is impossible to really squeeze The Very Best of Janet Baker onto just two CDs, this two and a half hour anthology is a fine portrait of the British mezzo-soprano. Central to CD 1 is Elgar's Sea Pictures, a definitive account with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. While other British music is represented by Vaughan Williams's "Linden Lea," Britten's "Corpus Christie Carol," and Warlock's "Pretty Ring Time," CD 2 balances the program with 10 Schubert songs accompanied at the piano by either Gerald Moore or Geoffrey Parsons, which range from "Ave Maria" to Shakespeare. The set lends equal weight to orchestral and more intimate song, as well as to works in English--a very moving reading of Handel's "He was despised" from Messiah--and European landmarks, including Mendelssohn's On Wings of Song and Brahms's Alto Rhapsody, the latter with a superlative London Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Adrian Boult. In an age of technically dazzling but sometimes bland singers, this release is a reminder of emotionally intense musicianship that retains vocal clarity and commitment to the composer's intentions over superstar ego. The word great is often used all too easily, but it could not be more appropriate for this outstanding collection of a great singer. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

The Very Best of Janet Baker is simply the very best!.......2005-02-09

This cd and this amazing musician are an absolute must have for any music lover or music snob alike! Her voice is amazing!

Grace Incarnate.......2002-09-02

If there is one singer who has ever truly been able to master the singer's art of interpretation, this is her. She is a gift to music, I truly believe this. A few words, or glowing adjectives could not accurately describe the singing of a woman who epitomizes art. And music. Grace and beauty.
Each track on this cd is a perfect union of poetry, melody and technicality. Dame Janet Baker fully immerses herself into each piece, and delivers highly commited, intelligent & emotional performances.

A Rare & Glorious Singer.......2002-06-10

This is a pretty good cross-section of Dame Janet's output from the prime of her career. There are few if any singers like her around today. There are many mezzos who can sing beautifully, with great articulation and finesse, but they lack the moral and musical integrity Dame Janet always brought to her singing. The voice is ardent, seeking, yearning, finding, exulting. Listen to the excerpt from "Dream of Gerontius" or the third of the "Sea Pictures" to see what I mean.
She does not sing to show off. She sings to enlighten, to illuminate, to reveal, to enter into. Her voice carries us off, near to Heaven.
Dame Janet has been neglected of late. This recording shows us why, in these perilous times, we need her more than ever.

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ

Average customer rating:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ
George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Gabriel Fauré , Antonio Vivaldi , Charles Gounod , Johannes Brahms , Edward Elgar , Gioachino Rossini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Franz Schubert , Giuseppe Verdi , César Franck , Hector Berlioz , Franz Joseph Haydn , Felix Mendelssohn , Gregorio Allegri , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Halle Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Berlin Symphony Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Andre Cluytens , Riccardo Muti , David Willcocks , Philip Ledger , and Otto Klemperer
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
Choral Masterpieces
Ave Maria
The #1 Choral Album
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics

ASIN: B000000UWF
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

Hallelujah - Ambrosian Singers
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Ambrosian Singers
Pie Jesu - Victoria De Los Angeles
In Excelsis Deo - Teresa Berganza
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude - Choir Of King's College Cambridge
Ave Maria - Philip Ledger
Zadok The Priest - Coronation Anthem - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Wie Lieblich Sing Deine Wohnungen - Phiharmonia Chorus
Sanctus Fortis - Richard Lewis
Agnus Dei - Dame Janet Baker
Cujus Animam Gementem - Robert Gambill
Lacrimosa - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Ave Maria - Gerald Moore
Ingemisco - Confutatis - Dies Irae - New Philharmonia Chorus

Tracks:

Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Herrscher Des Himmels, Erhore Das Lallen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Ouverture - L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Libera Me Domine - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - Swedish Radio Chorus
Die HImmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes - Jose Van Dam
Komm, Holder Lenz! - Chor Der Deutschen Oper Berlin
Lord God Of Abraham - New Philharmonia Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Erbarme Dich, Sein Gott - Julia Hamari
O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wundern - Julia Hamari
Ich Folge Dir Gleichfalls - Lisa Otto
Ach Herr, Lass Dein Lieb' Engelein - Lisa Otto

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works.......2001-08-13

This is a 2 CD set and is one of my favorites. While this CD contains several pieces that the general public probably hears often (Handel's Messiah, Bach's Jesu Bleibet mein freund) it also contains some not well known pieces. Of particular quality is the recording of Gregorio Allegri's MISERE MEI DEUS, a piece composed at the end of the Renaissance era. This piece, lasting roughly 13 minutes, is a master stroke of pure choral music. The piece is repetitive but Allegri builds up to a fantastic ending. Also of note is the glorious recording of Mozart's AVE VERUM CORPUS, Hadyn's DIE SCHOPFUNG, and Brahm's EIN DEUTCHES REQUIEM. A MUST for any choral music fan.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius - The Music Makers / Gedda, Watts, Lloyd, Baker; Boult

Average customer rating:

The best singer of "Gerontius"
Janet Baker at her Best!
Boult's Gerontius
glorious gerontius

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius - The Music Makers / Gedda, Watts, Lloyd, Baker; Boult
Edward Elgar , Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Sir Adrian Boult , Nicolai Gedda , Dame Janet Baker , Helen Watts , Robert Lloyd , and John Alldis Choir
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
Elgar: The Kingdom/Coronation Ode
Elgar: Introduction & Allegro for Strings; Symphony No. 1
Great Recordings Of The Century - Janet Baker Sings Mahler / Barbirolli, et al
Elgar: The Wand of Youth; Nursery Suite

ASIN: B00000GCAV
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

The Music Makers: (Moderato e nobilmente)
The Music Makers: We Are The Music Makers
The Music Makers: With Wonderful Deathless Ditties
The Music Makers: We, In The Ages Lying
The Music Makers: A Breath Of Our Inspiration
The Music Makers: They Had No Vision Amazing
The Music Makers: And Therefore To-day Is Thrilling
The Music Makers: But We, With Our Dreaming And Singing
The Music Makers: For We Are Afar With The Dawning
The Music Makers: Great Hail! We Cry To The Comers
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Prelude (Lento, mistico--Moderato--Andantino--Come prima)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Jesu, Maria - I Am Near To Death
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Kyrie eleison...Holy Mary, Pray For Him
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Sanctis fortis, Sanctus Deus
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: I Can No More
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Rescue Him, O Lord
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Novissima hora est
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Proficiscere, anima Christiana
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part I: Go In The Name Of Angels

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: (Andantino) - I went To Sleep
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: My Work Is Done
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: All Hail! My Child
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Low-Born Clods Of Brute Earth
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: It Is The Restless Panting Of Their Being
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: The Mind Bold And Independent
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: I See Not Those False Spirits
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Praise To The Holiest
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: The Sound Is Like The Rushing Of The Wind
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Glory To Him
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: They Sing Of Thy Approaching Agony
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: And Now The Threshold
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Praise To The Holiest
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Thy Judgment Now Is Near
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Jesu! By That Shuddering Dread
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Praise To His Name!
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Take Me Away
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II: Softly And Gently

Amazon.com essential recording

Elgar's Dream of Gerontius is, in effect, a sung tone poem and resides at the core of English choral music; it is the supreme achievement among Elgar's large-scale works. Interestingly, its premiere came in the last months of the 19th century, a time, much like our own, when fluctuating styles and experimentation existed alongside a lingering and powerful devotion to the older, traditional ways. Thus, the release of this classic 1975 recording (intelligently paired with another sumptuous, musically significant choral work, The Music Makers) is not only timely but serves to remind us of how successfully Elgar bridged both Romanticism's dwindling currents and the swelling streams of impressionism and atonality. This performance, featuring the 86-year-old Adrian Boult in total, rock-steady command, shows what magic can happen when conductor and performers are in complete sync, musically and philosophically. The melodies are abundant and beautiful, the choral writing is magnificent, and the sound, especially in Gerontius, is full and vibrant. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

The best singer of "Gerontius".......2001-03-19

This is the second recording of this work I have in my possession, the other being the Britten version, and I have also heard the Barbirolli one. This one is undoubtedly my favourite, if not specifically for the interpretation (as in a way I prefer Britten for reasons mentioned below), then certainly for the soloists. Peter Pears has his fans but I am definitely not one of them. His harsh tone and strained high notes are very off-putting. Neither do I think Richard Lewis is ideal for the role of Gerontius, his voice being a little bit too clean and English for this music. Admittedly Elgar was about as English as you could get in terms of his music, but reading about Boults comments on Elgar's intentions, as well as taking into account the Catholic roots of this piece, so far removed from all things Anglican, it is clear that a more operatic tenor is called for. Nicolai Gedda is the perfect choice- a very fine operatic tenor with excellent English. As for the other soloists, Kim Borg on the Barbirolli recording makes a few strange noises with the words, John Shirley-Quirk has a slightly woolly tone, but Robert Lloyd has it all- a fantastic voice and no problems with the language. My only complaint would be that occasionally he disrupts the line of the music too much, punching out certain words for emphasis. The mezzo soloist is less clear cut. Baker is regarded as perhaps the best of them all and this is probably true. Watts is very solid but I was very disappointed at her missing out of the top A, one of the great climaxes of the piece in my opinion. And Minton has a very fine dark voice, but occasionally has a problem with flatness.

So overall I would say this is the best recording for the soloists, as I do not like listening to either Lewis or Pears. The interpretation is a matter of taste. My only problem with Boult is that occasionally (as in the end of the first bass solo with the priest and attendants) he tries to draw out the phrases so much that the singers find it hard to sustain, whereas Britten keeps the line sustained to the end of every phrase and beyond, making for more continuity. Also there is a point near the end of the piece where some of the players seem to lose sight of the beat and there is a lack of ensemble. However, I would still go for this one above the others for the overall performance.

Janet Baker at her Best!.......2000-10-13

Having already acquired a number of recordings of the Dream, I wanted this recording because of The Music Makers. This is truly a wonderful elegaic work. Barbirolli told Janet Baker to "sing it as though you're dreaming." She does, and the effect is very moving.

The Gerontius under Boult is very good and Helen Watts is a lovely Angel (even though she doesn't go for the top A). My one small gripe with the recording is Gedda. I much admire him but his English is not accented and this affects my enjoyment. Robert Lloyd makes a great Priest and Angel of the Agony.

Boult's Gerontius.......2000-04-21

Alongside Sir John Barbirolli's recording of this music, this is the greatest Gerontius yet committed to disk. I would not want to be without either performance, and each is equally great in its own way.

Where Barbirolli stresses a dramatic, almost operatic approach to the work, Boult opts for a grand, majestic, oratorio style, without degenerating into pomposity or stuffiness. There is a tremendous grandeur, and a monumental feel, to the entire performance.

Gedda seems like an odd choice for Gerontius, but his English is free of any accent, and he brings all the commitment and fervor we came to expect from him. Watts is not the equal of Barbirolli's mezzo, Janet Baker, but she sings in many ways beyond her stature, sounding truly great at times. Lloyd is my favorite singer for the role of the Priest/Angel. Choral work is highly polished, and in the Demons chorus Boult really lets them open up. Recorded sound is first rate.

The Music Makers is a lesser work, but well worth hearing. The sound is a bit dated (earlier than Gerontius), and the chorus not quite as polished. But Baker is outstanding (as always) and there are few recordings of this piece.

Indispensible for any Elgarian.

glorious gerontius.......1999-03-10

EMI recorded Gerontius under Boult very near the end of the conductor's active career. He had known Elgar (they first met around 1903) and was very highly thought of by the composer, who is on record as believing that the future of his music was safe in Boult's hands. Gerontius is a wonderful piece, and this is the magical, historic performance that everyone hoped it would be. Boult's great gift was in seeing a work whole, the entire architecture, and that is exactly what happens here, but in addition there are thrilling moments - the hair-raising demons' chorus, the tremendous 'Praise to the Holiest' and the shattering crash when Gerontius sees the face of God - and the most beautiful lyrical phrasing in the gentler orchestral bits. The choice of Nicolai Gedda as Gerontius was inspired, and his beautiful ringing tenor is just right ; Helen Watts is idiomatic and reliable (though not as exciting as Janet Baker in the Barbirolli version) and Robert Lloyd is first-rate. This is probably the best 'Gerontius' on disc. It is uniquely authoritative, works excellently in the details and as a whole, and is unwaveringly beautiful to listen to. 'The Music Makers', a lesser work (which DOES, however, have the unrivalled Janet Baker), is enjoyable and idiomatic too, and useful bonus, but 'Gerontius' is what this set is all about.

Average customer rating:

magnífica grabación
Agreed, but...
Almost an unequivocal first choice
Astonishing
My dream Gerontius

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius - The Music Makers / Gedda, Watts, Lloyd, Baker; Boult
The Dream of Gerontius
Elgar: The Kingdom/Coronation Ode
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, in Full Score
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad

ASIN: B000026D0F
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Prelude (Lento, mistico - Moderato - Andantino - Come prima)
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Jesu, Maria - I Am Near To Death
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: So Pray For Me ... Kyrie eleison ... Holy Mary, Pray For Him
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul ... Be Merciful
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: I Can No More ... Rescue Him, O Lord
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Noe From The Waters ... Novissima hora est
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Proficiscere, anima Christiana
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part I: Go In The Name Of Angels

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: (Andantino)
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: I Went To Sleep
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: Another Marvel ... My Work Is Done
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: It Is A Member Of That Family ... A Presage Falls Upon Thee
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: But Hark! ... Low - Born Clods Of Brute Earth
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: Dispossessed, Aside Thrust
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: I See Not Those False Spirits
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: There Was A Mortal ... Praise To The Holiest
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: Thy Judgment Now Is Near
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: Jesu! By That Shuddering Dread
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: Praise To His Name! ... Take Me Away
The Dream Of Gerontius Op. 38 - Part II: Softly And Gently

Customer Reviews:

magnífica grabación.......2006-06-26

Llevaba mucho tiempo tratando de conseguir El Sueño de Geroncio y ha sido la primera vez que he utilizado este servicio. Ha merecido la pena. La grabación es magnífica y es una versión diferente a todas las que había escuchado. La calidad es estupenda aunque sea una grabación que tiene ya unos añitos.

Agreed, but..........2006-01-09

I agree with the other reviewers' enthusiasm for this performance; Barbirolli's Elgar is always worth listening to, and Baker's angel is sublime. EMI's remastering of the original recording, though, is unkind to Baker's & Lewis's voices. The original was unsatisfactory in the choral passages, but exquisite in the quieter parts, especially the beginning of the second part, between the angel and the soul. What we have in the CD is an all-round tonal coarsening. This isn't the first time EMI has done this: the CD version of Beecham's magnificent "Faust Symphony" is another travesty of the original. You have to wonder if these people know anything about musical performance at all as opposed to playing with their machines.

Almost an unequivocal first choice.......2003-01-02

Perhaps part of what sets this recording apart from its competitors is Barbirolli's overall conception of the work: the liner notes point out that he always called the work Elgar's "*Dream,*" and not "Gerontius." This seemingly simple change results in a completely different outlook on the work. In emphasizing the dream-like quality of the work, Barbirolli is at once more daring and more orthodox than his competitors, allowing the quirkiness of Elgar's orchestration and choral writing to burst out time and time again, here cellos coming to the fore, there a clarinet emerging in sudden duet with one of the soloists. Barbirolli is doing nothing more than giving us what's on the page, but what a difference this makes!

As for the soloists, there's no doubt in my mind that Janet Baker's performance of the Angel sets this version apart from all others. From her first entrance to her "Farewell" at the end of the work, there is no doubt that she is without equal in this music. Once she starts singing, there is no one else you can imagine performing it any better. And while she has all the warmth and expressiveness one could wish for in the lower register, she still has lovely high notes, including brilliant high A's just before the two climactic points of Part Two.

In addition, I prefer Richard Lewis's rendition of the title character to Gedda for Boult and Pears for Britten. Elgar's writing for Gerontius is not "English"; it calls for a style of singing that is almost belongs to the romantic Italian tradition of Rossini and Verdi. As a result, Lewis's bigger voice seems able to convey Gerontius's terror and wonder in a way that his rivals cannot. At the start of his final solo, "Take me away," only Lewis sounds completely overwhelmed; Pears and Gedda seem merely exhausted in comparison.

The combined choral forces also outshine all of their rivals, so that not only is all the text clearly heard throughout the work, but it is also communicated with greater expression. One can point out the "Demon" chorus, where one can almost hear the acid dripping from the choristers' tongues amid their snarls and cackles. Yet, just a few pages later, in the central "Praise to the Holiest," the demons have been tamed and sing a brilliant paean to God.

The one sticking point is in the performance of bass Kim Borg as the Priest in Part One and the Angel of the Agony in Part Two. While a decent performance in its own way, he is not nearly so compelling as Shirley-Quirk for Britten, Lloyd for Boult, or even Best on the otherwise dismissable Naxos recording. Perhaps the peculiarity of his English accent makes it difficult to take, but he simply does not sound convincing in his two solos, although it is clear that he has the necessary vocal heft to carry over both the chorus and the orchestra in what is very dense writing.

So, this should be the clear first-runner if one is interested in the Dream of Gerontius. The other alternative is Britten's, although it is at times a little too eccentric for general consumption. However, Britten's performance on Decca is coupled with Delius's Sea-Drift and another work by Holst, whereas Barbirolli's has no pairing. [Why they don't offer "Sea Pictures" or orchestral Elgar or Delius is beyond me.]

[P.S. In all fairness, it should be pointed out that Britten certainly knew a lot about choral conducting, as evidenced not only by his own Gerontius, but also works like the St. John Passion and Schumann's Szenen aus Goethes "Faust."]

Astonishing.......2001-07-18

This is a magnificent recording of a great work that often defeats performers. Barbirolli approaches this music as a red-blooded drama, almost operatically, and his singers cooperate in bringing his vision to life. Richard Lewis does an amazing job, sounding so weary of life in the first part, as it slips away from him, yet sounding reborn thereafter. Kim Borg's English pronunciation leaves something to be desired, but the dark timbre is perfect for the role of the Angel of the Agony. Janet Baker's Angel is incredibly wonderful; if she does not break your heart when she sings "Softly and Gently" you should probably sign up for a transplant. Sure, there are some things I could quibble about, but the overall conception is so brilliant and the music-making so inspired that it shrivels complaints into insignificance.

My dream Gerontius.......2000-03-08

I love the Britten recording of Gerontius, but Barbirolli's somewhat romantic approach brings something to it that Britten's slight dryness erodes. Both Barbirolli and Britten manage the very tricky 'Demons' section better than anyone; often it falls apart in live performance, and Boult, in his recording, doesn't quite pull it off, either. Isn't it interesting that neither Britten or Barbirolli was a particularly experienced choral conductor, but each succeeds with the choral passages where others don't? The orchestra is superb, too, in this recording and the moments of almost-silent Elgarian ecstasy make time stop. Lewis is superb; Baker *is* the Angel. You can't go wrong here.

Average customer rating:

Exellent
Ever-so-slightly disappointing
CORRECTIONS!!!
Breaking Into Line (or Queue, if that suits)

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
Elgar , Anne Sofie von Otter , David Rendall , Alastair Miles , London Symphony Orchestra , London Symphony Chorus , and Sir Colin Davis
Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000GPI2BS
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Prelude
Jesu, Maria - I am near to death (Gerontius)
Kyre elesion . . . Holy Mary, pray for him (semi-chorus, chorus)
Rouse thee, my fainting soul (Gerontius)
Be merciful, be gracious (chorus)
Santus fortis, Santus Deus (Gerontius)
I can no more (Gerontius)
Rescue him, O Lord (Gerontius, chorus, semi-chorus)
Novissima hora est (Gerontius)
Profisciscere, anima Christiana (Priest)
Go, in the name of Angels and Arcangels (chorus, Priest, semi-chorus)

Tracks:

Prelude
I went to sleep (Soul of Gerontius)
My work is done (Angel, Soul)
Low-born clods of brute earth (chorus, Angel)
The mind bold and independent (chorus)
I see not those false spirits (Soul, Angel)
Praise to the Holiest (semi-chorus, Angel, chorus)
Glory to Him (chorus, Angel, Soul)
But Hark! a grand mysterous harmony (Soul)
And now the threshold as we traverse it (Angel)
Praise to the Holiest in the height (chorus)
Thy judgment is now near (Angel, Soul)
Jesu! by that shuddering dread (Angel of Agony, Soul, semi-chorus)
Praise to His name (Angel)
Take me away (Soul)
Lord, thou hast been our refuge (Chorus)
Softly and gently, dearly-ransomed soul (Angel, chorus, semi-chorus)

Amazon.com

Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius is one of those works in which the composer's sincerity and skill overcome a text laden with a surfeit of Victorian sentimentality. Although Elgar occasionally sinks into its purple patches, Gerontius contains some of his loveliest music. It can withstand different interpretive slants too, from Barbirolli's operatic approach to the more traditional English oratorio approach of Boult. Sir Colin Davis's exciting conducting is of their caliber, bringing direction and power to the dramatic sections and sensitive delicacy to the rest. He has a close rapport with the LSO and they play like angels here, while the orchestra's Chorus is superb, singing with conviction. Although the main singers (Rendall and van Otter) are no match for the likes of Nicolai Gedda (with Boult) and Richard Lewis (for Barbirolli) in the title role or Janet Baker (with Barbirolli), Alastair Miles scores in the bass role. This is a live concert recording and the presence and balances are as good as those usually obtained in ideal studio conditions. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Exellent.......2007-05-13

Frist of all this was an exellent CD. with very gooood artists and courus. This record was impossible to buy in Norway

Ever-so-slightly disappointing.......2007-02-22

I have waited for this recording for over 20 years. Having heard Davis perform Gerontius with Jessye Norman and Stuart Burrows in Boston in the early 80s, I could never understand why a conductor of such talent and sensitivity was never recorded in this work. In this LSO Live recording, Davis does not disappoint, bringing a performance of extraordinary perception and beauty. His conducting matches the drama and spirituality of Boult's 1970s reading, in my view--the best-conducted of stereo versions. That version is highly recommended, as well as Hickox's Chandos version, which has superb sound. The fifth star is missing from this because the sound provided by LSO Live lacks the last ounce of depth and atmosphere. Compare The LSO Live Elgar 1st Symphony and that released by Profil from Dresden--both conducted by Davis--and you'll hear that the Barbican, ultimately, is not the most hospitable recording venue. That said, the engineers have done the best they can. The chorus sounds rich and full under the circumstances, and, as with Davis's Peter Grimes, they are deeply involved in the proceedings, further justifying the purchase of this version. David Rendall, an excellent and fluid Mozart singer of the 1980s, has since taken on heavier roles and substituted for Ben Heppner at the last moment in this run of performances. He gives a highly-nuanced and credible reading, preferable in some ways to Nicolai Gedda (certainly preferable, to my ears, to Peter Pears), but not quite as vocally pure as Arthur Davies' performance on Chandos. A bigger disappointment is in Von Otter's reading, as her voice lacks the contralto depth and richness this role requires. Her intelligence, however, and sensitivity cannot be questioned. I have not heard the SACD version; my complaint about the sound is slight, and concerns the depth and richness--not the stereo separation. My reservations, however, should not send a potential buyer elsewhere necessarily: make no mistake, this is a beautiful reading and an important document of Davis's career and his work with Elgar and the LSO.

CORRECTIONS!!!.......2006-09-21

I too have not yet gotten this new Gerontius from the LSO label and am rating it on both hope and admiration for Davis and the LSO, but it is necessary for now to correct several misprints in the Amazon listing above. The conductor for this performance of The Dream of Gerontius by Edward Elgar is the esteemed Sir Colin Davis, who is slowly doing what he should have been doing years ago, taking on England's greatest composer with England's greatest orchestra. David Rendall and Anne Sofie von Otter are two of the soloists with this work, written for tenor, contralto, bass, and chorus by Elgar just as he was rounding into the peak of his career. I personally rate Gerontius right up there was the other all-time romantic religious greats: Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Brahms's German Requiem. Looking forward to hearing this new presentation, since the one I prefer, by Boult, is entering hoary sonic old age (and the performance with the definitive Angel, Dame Janet Baker, under Barbirolli, is even older). For those with SACD capability, by the way, wait as I am for the SACD version, to be released next month here at Amazon.

Breaking Into Line (or Queue, if that suits).......2006-09-21

I have ordered but not received this set and clearly am not qualified to
denote five stars. Please pardon the effrontery, but I feel confident that Sir Colin Davies, London Philharmonic and soloists will justify my blind (deaf?) faith.

I am recommending Elgar's Dream of Gerontius to all who seek and appreciate the sublime beauty of this music.

I have the 1988 recording, Chandos 8641/2 (London Symphony, Hickox) and rate it exquisite. Further, approximately twelve years ago, I had the great fortune to stumble across a live concert in Ely Cathedral: a momentous event.

My apologies for not being able to give a product-specific review.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad

Average customer rating:

A deeply involving performance of Elgar's masterpiece.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
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ASIN: B000000AHU
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Prelude
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Jesu, Maria - I Am Near To Death (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Kyrie eleison
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: I Can No More; For Now It Comes Again (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Rescue Him, O Lord
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Novissima hora est (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Proficiscere, anima Christiana (The Priest)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Go, In The Name Of Angels
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Introduction: I Went To Sleep
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: My Work Is Done (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: All Hail, My Child (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Low-Born Clods Of Brute Earth
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: It Is The Restless Panting Of Their Being (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: The Mind Bold And Independent
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: I See Not Those False Spirits (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To The Holiest
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: The Sound Is Like The Rushing Of The Wind
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Glory To Him
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: They Sing Of Thy Approaching Agony (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: And Now The Threshold (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To The Holiest

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Thy Judgment Now Is Near (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Jesu! By That Shuddering Dread (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To His Name! (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Take Me Away (Take Me Away)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Softly And Gently
Blest Pair Of Sirens
I Was Glad

Amazon.com

British music critics become positively lachrymose when reminiscing about their favorite recordings of this piece, but for many people its appeal really is a purely local phenomenon. The story is simple: Gerontius dies and goes before God to be judged, at which point he gets sent to work off his time in purgatory. This takes about an hour and a half, and the text is stiff and stilted beyond belief. Nonetheless, the piece contains some of the most magnificent music that Elgar ever wrote, and unlike so much religious music of his peers, his emotional expression is completely uninhibited. The same thing can be said of Richard Hickox's conducting. If you can get past the words, you'll find this blazing performance a deeply satisfying expression of Elgar's most personal musical thoughts. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A deeply involving performance of Elgar's masterpiece........2000-01-20

David Hurvitz is right about British music critics being enthusiastic about Gerontius, but they aren't the only ones: Gerontius is performed more frequently in the UK than any other choral work, except for The Messiah.

Newman's libretto may be stilted in places, but it rises to an eloquence greater than that of many operas, and a number of composers, including Dvorak, considered setting it to music. Often the words are stunningly right. When Gerontius dies and finds himself in another world, he describes his condition like this: "I hear no more the busy beat of time ... Nor does one moment differ from the next." This may not be the way someone today would say it, but it is graceful and memorable English, and Newman's words inspired Elgar to create his finest work.

Tracks:

Elijah: 'Call Him Louder...'
Elijah: 'Call Him Louder/Hear And Answer'
Elijah: 'Draw Near, All Ye People; Come To Me! Lord God Of Abraham'
Elijah: 'O Thou Who Makest Thine Angles Thine Spirits'
Elijah: 'Is Not His Word Like Fire'
Elijah: 'O Lord, Thou Hast Overthrown Thine Enemies'/'Thanks Be To God! He Laveth The Thirsty Land' - Ned Haley
Elijah: 'It Is Enough'
The Dream Of Gerontius: 'Proficiscere, Anima Christiana, De Hoc Mundo!'
Lucia Di Lammermoor: 'D'immenso Giubilo'
Lucia Di Lammermoor: 'Ah Cessate, Quel Contento... 'Oh! Funesto Avvenimento!'
Boris Godunov-Three Scenes: 'Coronation' - Anna Relyea/Gary Relyea/Vancouver Bach Chor
Boris Godunov-Three Scenes: Monologue-'I Have Achieved Absolute Power' - Anna Relyea/Gary Relyea/Vancouver Bach Chor
Boris Godunov: Death Of Boris - Anna Relyea/Gary Relyea/Vancouver Bach Chor

Average customer rating:

Dame Clara Butt: Abide with me

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004RDZI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Elgar: Orchestral & Choral Works; Concertos

Average customer rating:

Super collection of Elgar's major works

Elgar: Orchestral & Choral Works; Concertos

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000759Y6
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Customer Reviews:

Super collection of Elgar's major works.......2004-06-28

Most compilations of composers works usually only feature, at best, maybe one or two works in recordings that are of outstanding quality, especially if different artists are featured. Such is absolutely not the case with this collection, one of the finest of its sort ever issued.

This box makes a perfect one stop shopping choice for the major, most-well-known works the British composer Sir Edward Elgar. The title is misleading though. The box, on 8 CDs at an incredible price, contains both Orchestral AND Choral works.
Since Amazon does not list the contents, I will :

Symphony Nos. 1 & 2 -- LPO , Solti
Serenade for strings - ASMF , Marriner
Intro and Allegro - ECO , Britten
Cello Concerto - Webber , RPO , Menuhin
Enigma Var. -- CSO , Colti
Cockaigne Over -- LPO , Solti
Violin Con -- Chung , LPO , Solti
Falstaff -- Montreal , Dutoit
Dream of Gerontius -- LSO , Britten
Sea Pictures -- RPO , Mackerras
In the South -- LPO , Solti
Pomp and Circumstance -- LPO , Solti
Imperial MArch -- Band of Grebadier Guards , Bashford
Sospri -- ASMF , Marriner
Elegy -- ASMF , Marriner
Wand of Youth -- Welsh NO , Mackerras
Starlight Express -- Welsh NO , Mackerras
Dream Children -- Welsh NO , Mackerras

Look up almost any of the individual works and you should be able to find these recordings in their individual issues, many with several 5 start ratings.

I won't elaborate on any of the specific recordings, just take my word for that there isn't a dud in the box.

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part I: Prelude
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part I: Jesu, Maria - I Am Near To Death
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part I: Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part I: Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part I: Proficiscere, anima Christiana

Tracks:

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: I Went To Sleep
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: It Is A Member Of That Familiy
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: But hark! Upon My Senses Comes A Fierce Hubbub
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: I See Not Those False Spirits
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony (Soul of Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: Thy Judgement Now Is Near
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: I Go Before My Judge
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op.38: Part II: Softly And Gently, Dearly-Ransomed soul

Customer Reviews:

Not even a third-choice.......2003-01-02

There aren't many reasons for getting this budget-priced set now that multiple recordings are available at mid-price.

Admittedly, this was my first recording, which I bought about six or seven years ago when I didn't know much about Elgar's music .... I enjoyed the work, but was less than thrilled with the choral passages--they sounded muffled and distant. On the other hand, the soloists are all decent, with Best as the Priest in part one and the Angel of the Agony in part two the clear standout among the soloists.

If you're a particular fan of any of the soloists here, this may be worth exploring, particularly since it's at a budget price...

Music Track: