Programme

Edward Elgar

“The Dream of Gerontius”, Oratorio for soloists, choir and orchestra, op. 38

Performers

Sir Simon Rattle conductor

Alice Coote mezzo-soprano

Nicky Spence tenor

Lester Lynch baritone

Bavarian Radio Chorus

Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks

Information about the programme

Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius is a liminal work poised between life and death, doubt and promise, whispered intimacy and sonic power. Elgar’s setting of John Henry Newman’s eponymous spiritual poem about an old man’s death, resurrection, and redemption, becomes a profoundly human mystery that seemingly unfolds in a single sweeping phrase. Sir Simon Rattle, who has a close artistic relationship with this work, approaches it with palpable intimacy: for him, Gerontius is less an oratorio and more a spiritual monologue that becomes a shared experience in the concert hall. The Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks will create an impressive soundscape together with the outstanding BR Choir, which serves as the commenting, comforting, and stirring voice of the hereafter.