Radio Times

Review by:

David Gillard

Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius was premiered (rather badly, much to the composer’s chagrin) at Birmingham Town Hall in 1900. Expect a much more definitive performance from Birmingham tonight as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and three fine soloists bring Gerontius home under conductor Edward Gardner. Cardinal Newman’s famous mystical poem about a lonely soul’s journey to heaven moved Elgar (brought up a Roman Catholic) to one of his most stirring, sensitive and heartfelt masterpieces. “This is the best of me,” he wrote on the score. And so it is.

About this programme

Live from Birmingham's Symphony Hall, Edward Gardner conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a performance of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius, a work that has been associated closely with the orchestra since its première in Birmingham 112 years ago. Presented by Tom Redmond. Sarah Connolly (mezzo), Robert Murray (tenor), James Rutherford (baritone), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conductor Edward Gardner. Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius.

Cast and crew

Crew

Producer

Rebecca Bean

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