Edward Elgar's "The Dream of Gerontius," set to be released on November 21, 2025, by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is a monumental work in the classical music repertoire. Composed in 1899, this choral masterpiece is a profound exploration of the soul's journey after death, based on the poem by John Henry Newman. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 27 minutes, the piece is divided into two parts, each offering a rich tapestry of orchestral and choral textures that showcase Elgar's distinctive compositional style.
The album features a stellar performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, known for their precision and expressive depth. Elgar's score is a blend of dramatic intensity and serene beauty, with the orchestra and choir working in harmony to create a transcendent musical experience. The work is notable for its complex harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and the evocative use of the orchestra to depict the spiritual and supernatural realms.
"The Dream of Gerontius" is a cornerstone of British choral music, and this recording promises to be a definitive interpretation. The piece is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the death of Gerontius and his soul's initial journey, and the second part delving into the soul's purification and ultimate redemption. The choral writing is particularly striking, with the choir often taking on the roles of different spiritual entities, from angels to demons, adding a theatrical dimension to the music.
Edward Elgar, one of the most celebrated composers of the late Romantic era, brings his unique voice to this profound work. His ability to convey deep emotional and spiritual themes through music is evident throughout "The Dream of Gerontius." The album is a testament to Elgar's genius and his enduring contribution to the classical music canon.
This recording is not just a performance but a spiritual journey, inviting the audience to reflect on the mysteries of life, death, and the afterlife. The combination of Elgar's inspired composition, the poetic text by Newman, and the superb execution by the London Philharmonic Orchestra makes this album a profound and moving experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Dream of Gerontius" offers a deeply rewarding listening experience.
2025 London Philharmonic Orchestra Ltd2025 BBC
Tracks
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 1, Prelude. Lento, misticoEdward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 2, Jesu, Maria - I am near to death (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 3, Kyrie eleison (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 4, Rouse thee, my fainting soul, and play the man (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 5, Be merciful, be gracious' spare him, Lord (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 6, Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 7, I can no more; for now it comes again (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 8, Rescue him, O Lord, in this his evil hour (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 9, Novissima hora est; and I fain would sleep (Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 10, Proficiscere, anima Christiana (The Priest)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, James Platt
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part I: No. 11, Go, in the name of Angels and Archangels (Assistants)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, James Platt, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 1, IntroductionEdward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 2, I went to sleep; and now I am refresh'd (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 3, My work is done (Angel)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 4, It is a member of that family (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 5, I ever had believed (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 6, But hark! upon my sense comes a fierce hubbub (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 7, Low-born clods of brute earth (Demons)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 8, The mind bold and independent (Demons)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 9, I see not those false spirits (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 10, Praise to the Holiest in the height (Choir of Angelicals)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton, London Philharmonic Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 11, Glory to Him, who evermore by truth and justice reigns (Choir of Angelicals)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 12, But hark! a grand, mysterious harmony (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 13, Praise to the Holiest in the height (Choir of Angelicals)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 14, Thy judgment now is near (Angel)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 15, Jesu! by that shuddering dread which fell on Thee (Angel of the Agony)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 16, I go before my Judge (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 17, …Praise to His Name! (Angel)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 18, Take me away, and in the lowest deep there let me be (Soul of Gerontius)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Allan Clayton
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 19, Lord, Thou hast been our refuge: in every generation (Souls in Purgatory)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Part II: No. 20, Softly and gently, dearly-ransom'd soul (Angel)Edward Elgar, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Barton, London Philharmonic Choir, Hallé Choir
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