The Dream of Gerontius by Edward Elgar is a two-part work for voices and orchestra composed in 1900 to text by John Henry Newman. Widely regarded as Elgar’s finest choral work, and by some his masterpiece, Gabrieli’s first-class performance, and McCreesh’s superb interpretation demonstrate why their recordings are seen as some of the best in classical music today. WINNER – BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE CHORAL ALBUM WINNER – GRAMOPHONE CHORAL ALBUM WINNER – PRESTO CLASSICAL ALBUM WINNER – LIMELIGHT CHORAL ALBUM “Paul McCreesh has clearly succeeded in making a reference recording of The Dream of Gerontius” – Pizzicato “The orchestration is astonishing…colours every nuance of the orchestral recitative, and the brilliance of the ensemble at full strength. An exceptional new recording” – OPERNGLAS ★★★★★ Performance, ★★★★1/2 Recording “McCreesh’s recording remains/dramatic and full of tension…Nicky Spence is a tenor with a ravinshingly beautiful voice, he sings Gerontius with a very peculiar mixture of power and vulnerability…McCreesh’s Gabrieli ensembles are a miracle of mobility and sound intelligence” – FONO FORUM ★★★★★“The period instruments intensify the emotion and textural variety in Elgar’s writing here, and Spence, Stéphany and Foster-Williams are superb in the solo roles. McCreesh steers the ship with unerring focus. Above all the choirs guide the disc to greatness.” – The Sunday Times ★★★★★ “The whole [album] is a remarkable achievement and provides an important document in our appreciation of Elgar’s masterpiece. But more than that, it’s a thrilling performance that should grab the attention of anyone who loves Gerontius.” – Choir and Organ
