Edward Gardner takes charge of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in a bold, dramatic rendition of Edward Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius'. The latest addition to the album, following hot on the heels of another recording released last year, Gardner brings an intense energy to the stage with his vibrant performance.
The entire ensemble rises to the challenge, each member imbuing their part with life and passion. Allan Clayton shines as the dying man whose every sensation is both a terror and a fascination. His voice soars in the great prayer 'Sanctus Fortis', bringing out the emotional intensity of Elgar's words. Jamie Barton provides luxurious warmth to her mezzo-soprano, while James Platt brings gravity to his bass role.
The conductor's vision is unflinching and uncompromising, delivering a reading that is both propulsive and deeply affecting. The orchestra plays as if driven by some unseen force, conjuring the image of a chorus of demons at their heels. The combined forces of the London Philharmonic and Hallé choirs create an overwhelming sound, perfectly capturing the philosophical and spiritual themes that underpin Elgar's masterpiece.
If there is one criticism to be made, it is that the acoustics of the recording venue sometimes conspire against the performers, stripping them of some of their natural intensity. However, this is a minor quibble in what otherwise proves to be an outstanding achievement.
Gardner's 'The Dream of Gerontius' ranks alongside other distinguished recordings of Elgar's work, including Nicholas Collon's stirring Finnish account from earlier this year. With its bold and dramatic reading, this latest interpretation joins the pantheon of notable 'Gerontius' recordings, a testament to Gardner's skill as a conductor and his orchestra's unwavering commitment to the music.
The entire ensemble rises to the challenge, each member imbuing their part with life and passion. Allan Clayton shines as the dying man whose every sensation is both a terror and a fascination. His voice soars in the great prayer 'Sanctus Fortis', bringing out the emotional intensity of Elgar's words. Jamie Barton provides luxurious warmth to her mezzo-soprano, while James Platt brings gravity to his bass role.
The conductor's vision is unflinching and uncompromising, delivering a reading that is both propulsive and deeply affecting. The orchestra plays as if driven by some unseen force, conjuring the image of a chorus of demons at their heels. The combined forces of the London Philharmonic and Hallé choirs create an overwhelming sound, perfectly capturing the philosophical and spiritual themes that underpin Elgar's masterpiece.
If there is one criticism to be made, it is that the acoustics of the recording venue sometimes conspire against the performers, stripping them of some of their natural intensity. However, this is a minor quibble in what otherwise proves to be an outstanding achievement.
Gardner's 'The Dream of Gerontius' ranks alongside other distinguished recordings of Elgar's work, including Nicholas Collon's stirring Finnish account from earlier this year. With its bold and dramatic reading, this latest interpretation joins the pantheon of notable 'Gerontius' recordings, a testament to Gardner's skill as a conductor and his orchestra's unwavering commitment to the music.
I mean, I love a good dramatic reading as much as the next person, but when it starts to feel like the players are fighting each other more than the music, that's when things start to go wrong. And yeah, the acoustics of the recording venue can really suck the energy out of things... still, this one's no bad effort, but I'd need to hear it a few times before I'm fully convinced 
He totally killed it with Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius'!!! I'm low-key obsessed w/ that intense energy he brought 2 the stage! Allan Clayton's vocals are EVERYTHING in that Sanctus Fortis part, and Jamie Barton's warmth is giving me LIFE 
. James Platt's bass is so deep & rich, it's like u can feel the gravity of the piece 
. I'm not even mad about the minor acoustics issue, coz this album is still a MASTERPIECE 
. Can't wait 2 c what Gardner does w/ other Elgar pieces!
jamie barton & james platt r amazing 2! 
i was worried bout the acoustics in some parts but overall its defo a masterpiece 
. alan clayton's voice is SO emotive in 'sanctus fortis' - i felt like i was right there with him, experiencing every terror & fascination 
. and that choir performance? 
perfection! minor quibble about acoustics aside, this is a MASTERPIECE 
. It's crazy how fast technology has advanced! Anyway, I just listened to this latest recording of Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' with Edward Gardner conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra and man, it's some serious stuff 
. The energy on that album is infectious, especially when Allan Clayton's singing like he's possessed by a demon 
. I mean, I'm no classical music expert but even I can appreciate the passion and emotion in that performance 
. Minor quibble, though – it's still an outstanding achievement! 
'The Dream of Gerontius' is just so hauntingly beautiful... it gives me chills every time! 
but yeah, sometimes those acoustics can be super harsh on the singers. ugh, I hate when that happens! 
still, this latest recording with Edward Gardner is like, totally on point 
That's faster than most professional sports teams can score goals!
. And can we talk about Jamie Barton's warmth? 
. The acoustics might be a minor issue, but honestly, I'm not even mad about it 
. I mean, he's basically the conductor god 
️! 
Okay, maybe one tiny thing - sometimes I felt like the acoustics were getting in the way of some of the performances, but overall, this is just pure gold 
.
, and with Gardner at the helm, it's like he's speaking straight to your soul 
. The way the orchestra and choir come together is pure magic 
, I felt chills down my spine when Allan Clayton's voice soared in 'Sanctus Fortis' 
my only gripe would be the acoustics in some parts, but honestly it's a minor quibble when the music is this good...gardner and co are on fire 
and it's so inspiring to see him pushing everyone to give their all 
. Still, this is an outstanding achievement and solidifies Gardner's rep as a top conductor