Elgar The Dream of Gerontius
ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, LONDON
Orchestra - Philharmonia Orchestra
Conductor - David Hill
The Bach Choir
Mezzo Soprano - Kitty Whately
Tenor - Andrew Staples
Baritone - Neal Davies
Cardinal Newman’s poem The Dream of Gerontius tells the story of an old man’s experience of death and his soul’s journey towards God. The poem was a well-known and much-loved work in its own right by the time Elgar came to set it to music in 1900. From it he created his greatest choral work – if not the greatest by any English composer. Writing for two choirs, orchestra, organ, and soloists, Elgar composed music that seemed to come from the depths of his own soul – he inscribed the score A.M.D.G. (Ad maiorem Dei gloriam), ‘To the greater glory of God’.
Acclaimed British tenor Andrew Staples sings the moving title role, and Kitty Whately is the Angel who supports him on his journey.
This concert is presented in partnership with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
