Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Edward Elgar with this captivating album, "The Dream of Gerontius & Sea Pictures." Released in 2014 by Chandos, this two-hour masterpiece showcases Elgar's unparalleled ability to blend orchestral grandeur with deeply personal and spiritual themes. The album features two of Elgar's most celebrated works: "The Dream of Gerontius," a dramatic and introspective oratorio, and "Sea Pictures," a cycle of songs that paint vivid maritime landscapes.
"The Dream of Gerontius" is a monumental work that explores the journey of the soul from death to judgment, featuring powerful choral and solo passages that highlight the human struggle and divine mercy. The album benefits from the stellar performances of Stuart Skelton and David Soar, who bring depth and intensity to their respective roles. The BBC Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Andrew Davis, delivers a performance that is both technically flawless and deeply moving.
"Sea Pictures" offers a contrasting yet equally compelling experience, with its lyrical settings of poems by various authors. Each song in this cycle evokes a different aspect of the sea, from the tranquil to the tumultuous, providing a rich tapestry of musical and poetic imagery. The combination of these two works creates a cohesive and engaging listening experience that showcases Elgar's versatility and genius.
This album is a testament to Elgar's enduring legacy in the classical music world, offering a rich and rewarding experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to his music. The meticulous recording quality and the exceptional performances make this a standout release in Elgar's discography. Whether you are drawn to the dramatic intensity of "The Dream of Gerontius" or the lyrical beauty of "Sea Pictures," this album promises a deeply satisfying and enriching musical journey.
Tracks
Sea Pictures, Op. 37: I. Sea Slumber SongEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
Sea Pictures, Op. 37: II. In Haven (Capri)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
Sea Pictures, Op. 37: III. Sabbath Morning at SeaEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
Sea Pictures, Op. 37: IV. Where Corals lieEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
Sea Pictures, Op. 37: V. The SwimmerEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Prelude. Lento, misticoEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Jesu, Maria - I am near to death (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Kyrie eleïson (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Rouse thee, my fainting soul, and play (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Be merciful, be gracious, spare him, Lord (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: I can no more; for now it comes again (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Rescue him, O Lord, in this his evil hour (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Novissima hora est; and I fain would sleep (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Proficiscere, anima Christiana (The Priest)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, David Soar
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Go, in the name of Angels and Archangels (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: Introduction. I went to sleep; and now I am refresh'd (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: My work is done (Angel)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: It is a member of that family (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: I ever had believed (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: But hard! upon my sense comes a fierce hubbub (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Low-born clods of brute earth (Demons)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: The mind bold and independent (Demons)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: I see not those false spirits (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Praise to the Holiest in the height (I) (Choir of Angelicals)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Glory to Him, who evermore by truth and justice reigns (Choir of Angelicals)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: But hark! a grand, mysterious harmony (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Praise to the Holiest in the height (II) (Choir of Angelicals)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Thy judgment now is near (Angel)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Jesu! by that shuddering dread which fell on Thee (Angel of the Agony)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, David Soar
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: I go before my Judge (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: …Praise to His Name! (Angel)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Take me away, and in the lowest deep there let me be (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Lord, Thou hast been our refuge: in every generation (Souls in Purgatory)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Softly and gently, dearly-ransom'd soul (Angel)Edward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: Prelude, concert versionEdward Elgar, Andrew Davis, BBC Symphony Orchestra
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