Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Edward Elgar with "Elgar from America, Vol. 3," a captivating live recording released by SOMM Recordings on March 18, 2022. This album is a testament to Elgar's enduring legacy, featuring the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra in a powerful performance that spans nearly two hours of sublime classical music.
The album opens with the Introduction & Allegro for String Quartet & String Orchestra, Op. 47, a piece that showcases Elgar's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create intricate, engaging musical narratives. The heart of the album, however, lies in the excerpts from "Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf, Op. 30" and the full performance of "The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38." These works are among Elgar's most profound and moving compositions, blending dramatic intensity with deep spiritual reflection.
"The Dream of Gerontius" is a particular highlight, offering a journey through life, death, and the afterlife. The piece is performed with such conviction and precision that it's easy to forget you're listening to a live recording. The orchestra's dynamic range is on full display, from the hauntingly beautiful "Prelude" to the triumphant "Praise to the Holiest."
Elgar's music has a unique ability to evoke a sense of place and time, and this album is no exception. The live setting adds an extra layer of authenticity, allowing you to feel the energy and passion of the performance. Whether you're a longtime fan of Elgar or new to his music, this album offers a compelling introduction to his work and a reminder of his enduring influence on classical music.
(C) 2022 SOMM Recordings(P) 2022 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Introduction & Allegro for String Quartet & String Orchestra, Op. 47 (Live)Edward Elgar, John Corigliano, Leopold Rybb, William Lincer, Laszlo Varga, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf, Op. 30 (Excerpts): No. 2, The Challenge of Thor [Live]Edward Elgar, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, J. Spencer Cornwall, Alexander Schreiner
Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf, Op. 30 (Excerpts): Epilogue. As Torrents in Summer [Live]Edward Elgar, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, J. Spencer Cornwall, Alexander Schreiner
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1: No. 1, Prelude (Live)Edward Elgar, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1: No. 2, I Am Near to Death (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1: No. 3, Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1: No. 4, Sanctus fortis, sanctus Deus (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1: No. 5, I Can No More (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1: No. 5, Proficiscere, anima Christiana (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 6a, Introduction (Live)Edward Elgar, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 6b, I Went To Sleep (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 7, My Work Is Done (Live)Edward Elgar, Maureen Forrester, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 8, Low-Born Clods of Brute Earth (Live)Edward Elgar, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 9, I See Not Those False Spirits (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, Maureen Forrester, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 10a, Praise to the Holiest (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, Maureen Forrester, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 10b, And Now the Threshold (Live)Edward Elgar, Richard Lewis, Maureen Forrester, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 11, Thy Judgment Now Is Near (Live)Edward Elgar, Maureen Forrester, Richard Lewis, Morley Meredith, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 12, Be Merciful (Live)Edward Elgar, Maureen Forrester, Richard Lewis, New York Philarhmonic, Westminster Choir, Sir John Barbirolli
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 2: No. 13, Softly and Gently, Dearly-Ransomed Soul (Live)Edward Elgar, Maureen Forrester, Westminster Choir, New York Philarhmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
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