Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

Without exception, all of the choral and orchestral passages here are stirring and superbly placed in the musical drama as a whole. Even the pantomimic Demons' Chorus strikes sparks a-plenty.... — BBC Music Magazine, August 2007, 3 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 9th Jul 2007
Catalogue No: CBSOCD003
Label: CBSO

Gramophone Magazine

September 2007

Editor's Choice

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Elgar: The Holly and the Ivy

World Premiere recording
Jane Irwin Mezzo (Soprano), Justin Lavender (Tenor), Peter Rose (Bass)
City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo

Elgar: Enigma Variations, Op. 36

Jane Irwin Mezzo (Soprano), Justin Lavender (Tenor), Peter Rose (Bass)
City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38

Jane Irwin Mezzo (Soprano), Justin Lavender (Tenor), Peter Rose (Bass)
City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo

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“Elgar has been a regular and vital part of my musical life in Birmingham, and it has been an honour to share my love of this powerful, affecting music with the orchestra – of which Elgar was himself the first conductor – as well as our magnificent chorus.

The performances that we have given of Gerontius especially – on the work’s centenary, as well as in Helsinki, Amsterdam and Berlin – have been among the biggest highlights of my career to date, and always enthusiastically received by audiences who readily respond to the work’s humanity and spirituality. This year I am delighted to be celebrating the composer’s 150th birthday in Birmingham with special performances of Gerontius, The Apostles and The Kingdom.” SAKARI ORAMO, 2007

Reviews

August 2007

Without exception, all of the choral and orchestral passages here are stirring and superbly placed in the musical drama as a whole. Even the pantomimic Demons' Chorus strikes sparks a-plenty. Peter Rose's 'Proficiscere' is a thriller, and Jane Irwin's Angel has soothing tenderness, even if she doesn't quite match up to Janet Baker's towering musicality.

...the most appealing rendition of the Enigma Variations that I have experienced since Sir Adrian Boult was at the far end of an elongated baton... Birmingham's chorus and orchestra have never sounded better; Jane Irwin, Justin Lavender and Peter Rose are immaculate soloists.

September 2007

In his short time at Birmingham, Sakari Oramo has established himself as a powerful advocate of Elgar's works. Gerontius only confirms his understanding of Elgar's skill, also of the quality of his superb chorus and orchestra. The soloists make a fine trio. I didn't imagine... that Justin Lavender would be such the eloquent Gerontius he turns out to be. His enunciation of the text and his feeling for every word is felt throughout. Jane Irwin, whom I have always thought underrated, here comes into her own as the Angel, warm voice and appealing personality absolutely suited to the part... The Enigma Variations are just as interesting. The gleaming strings and fine wind of the CBSO make the best of Elgar's every-popular work.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

2 CDs

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