Edward Gardner has delivered a powerful new recording of Elgar's monumental oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This vibrant release, captured live at the BBC Proms in 2022, stands as a significant addition to the work's discography, arriving amidst a renewed wave of interest in the English masterpiece.
A Propulsive Live Performance
The energy of the live event is palpable throughout this recording. Under Gardner's direction, the London Philharmonic Orchestra plays with intense drama and a sense of operatic boldness. The performance is propulsive, with the orchestra and the combined forces of the London Philharmonic and Hallé choirs driving the narrative forward with remarkable urgency.
Stellar Soloists Bring the Text to Life
The vocal performances are a cornerstone of this recording's success. Tenor Allan Clayton masterfully captures the febrile nature of the dying Gerontius, conveying both terror and fascination. His rendition of the great prayer, Sanctus Fortis, is particularly thrilling. Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton offers a voice of luxurious comfort with a tangible immediacy, while bass James Platt provides a craggy, well-suited tone for the Angel of the Agony.
A Recording to Rank Among the Best
While the Royal Festival Hall acoustic occasionally softens the recording's immediacy, the overall achievement is undeniable. This live 2022 BBC Proms account is a fine and cherishable interpretation that confidently stands alongside other notable recent releases, such as Nicholas Collon's Finnish version. It confirms The Dream of Gerontius as a work of enduring power and dramatic depth.
