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With a text by the composer, and music which is at turns lyrical, mystical and magical, is ecstatic in its glorious choral depiction of the events following Pentecost, when the Apostles began their work for the Church in Jerusalem.
Latest release in Elder and Halle’s renowned Elgar series.
Recorded live at sell-out Bridgewater Hall concert.
Features leading British soloists who are closely associated with Elder and Halle – expressive range of Elgar’s writing for voices in is perhaps its greatest glory.
Previous choral release (CDHLD7520) won Best Choral recording in Classic fm Gramophone Awards 2009.
Prelude
I. In The Upper Room: Seek First The Kingdom Of God
I. In The Upper Room: Men And Brethren
I. In The Upper Room: O Ye Priests
II. At The Beautiful Gate: The Singers Are Before The Altar
III. Pentecost: And When The Day Of Pentecost
III. Pentecost: And Suddenly There Came From Heaven
III. Pentecost: I Have Prayed For Thee
III. Pentecost: Repent And Be Baptized
IV. The Sign Of Healing: Then They That Gladly Received His Word
IV. The Sign Of Healing: Unto You That Fear His Name
IV. The Sign Of Healing: And As They Spake
IV. The Sign Of Healing: The Sun Goeth Down
V. The Upper Room: The Voice Of Joy
V. The Upper Room: Thou, Almighty Lord
V. The Upper Room: Our Father
10th October 2010
****
“Elder’s Hallé forces capture the valedictory tone of the music and its quintessential Englishness superbly. Clare Rutter, Susan Bickley, John Hudson and Iain Paterson sing with sublime gentleness and power, while the Hallé Choir have this music in their blood.”
23rd October 2010
***
“It is good that Elder and the Hallé are maintaining the UK’s Elgar tradition – no one else is – and they produce a solid performance (appropriately glowing in the choral climaxes)”
December 2010
“Elder clearly believes in every note of this noble edifice and his unforced, coherent conception has a thrilling ring of conviction about it. The soloists comprise a strong team. Iain Paterson is a commandingly articulate St Peter, the ever-versatile Susan Bickley a shiningly powerful Mary Magdalene, and Claire Rutter brings considerable technical acumen and strength of feeling”
Christmas 2010
***
“There are...moments of inwardness and spirituality where the gleam of the cor anglais and Elgar's ever-emotional divided-string writing make their mark”
12th December 2010
****
“Elder carries off the remarkable feat of binding the loose episodic structure of the oratorio into a convincing whole; his choir and orchestra respond magnificently to his inspired direction.”
19th December 2010
“The choral and orchestral writing, especially as delivered here, have rousing climaxes that compensate for more routine Elgariana padding. Worth discovering even if it's not his top work.”
January 2011
***
“Mark Elder conducts a radiant account with much dynamic ebb and flow. The Prelude's crescendo is an engine roaring to life. Sections expressing frailty...are compelling...The lively chorus revels in its frequent dramatic interjections.”
December 2010
“Iain Paterson possess a firm baritone and can express character strongly...Susan Bickley sings a controlled Mary Magdalene...I understand that Rutter was a last-minute substitute for this concert, but one wouldn't know it from the radiant performance she gives...Elder has a natural feel for Eglar's expansive phrases and he secures committed playing throughout.”
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Prelude
