Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad at Music Hills.com

Music CD 1

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Prelude
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Jesu, Maria - I Am Near To Death (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Kyrie eleison
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: I Can No More; For Now It Comes Again (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Rescue Him, O Lord
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Novissima hora est (Gerontius)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Proficiscere, anima Christiana (The Priest)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Go, In The Name Of Angels
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Introduction: I Went To Sleep
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: My Work Is Done (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: All Hail, My Child (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Low-Born Clods Of Brute Earth
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: It Is The Restless Panting Of Their Being (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: The Mind Bold And Independent
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: I See Not Those False Spirits (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To The Holiest
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: The Sound Is Like The Rushing Of The Wind
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Glory To Him
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: They Sing Of Thy Approaching Agony (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: And Now The Threshold (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To The Holiest

Music CD 2

The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Thy Judgment Now Is Near (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Jesu! By That Shuddering Dread (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To His Name! (The Angel)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Take Me Away (Take Me Away)
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge
The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Softly And Gently
Blest Pair Of Sirens
I Was Glad

Music reviews of Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad

Music Review: A deeply involving performance of Elgar's masterpiece.
Rating: 5 Stars

Newman's libretto may be stilted in places, but it rises to an eloquence greater than that of many operas, and a number of composers, including Dvorak, considered setting it to music. Often the words are stunningly right. When Gerontius dies and finds himself in another world, he describes his condition like this: "I hear no more the busy beat of time ... Nor does one moment differ from the next." This may not be the way someone today would say it, but it is graceful and memorable English, and Newman's words inspired Elgar to create his finest work.

Gerontius combines superb writing for solo voices and chorus with orchestration of great power and delicacy. In this recording, Richard Hickox conducts a glowing performance by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, whose association with Elgar's music goes back to their earliest years. The soloists are excellent, with Davies and Palmer both convincing in the leading roles. Barbirolli's legendary performance on EMI--due for re-release in January 2000--is still the benchmark by which others are measured, but, with clear, vivid sound from Chandos, this recording is a leading choice, too.

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad