A New Take on an Unlikely Classic: Edward Gardner's Dream of Gerontius Review
Alan Bennett's The Choral is centered around the iconic piece "The Dream of Gerontius," but that doesn't mean it needs a boost in popularity. Edward Gardner's vibrant new recording, captured live at the 2022 BBC Proms, is an electrifying take on this timeless masterpiece.
Gardner brings a bold and dramatic flair to the proceedings, expertly conveying the narrative with operatic panache. The London Philharmonic Orchestra delivers a propulsive performance that feels like a chorus of demons at its heels, perfectly matched by the combined forces of the London Philharmonic and Hallé choirs. The result is an immersive listening experience that draws you in from the very start.
Allan Clayton shines as the dying man whose every sensation is both terrifying and fascinating, delivering a heroic tone that sends shivers down the spine in the great prayer, Sanctus Fortis. Jamie Barton's luxurious mezzo-soprano brings a tangible immediacy to her role, while James Platt's craggy bass perfectly captures the Angel of the Agony.
While there are moments where the acoustic slightly loses its edge, stripping away the last ounce of immediacy, this is an otherwise exceptional achievement that ranks alongside Nicholas Collon's arresting Finnish account released earlier this year. Gardner and his cast have reinvigorated "The Dream of Gerontius," reminding us why it remains a classic, even in our darkest moments.
Alan Bennett's The Choral is centered around the iconic piece "The Dream of Gerontius," but that doesn't mean it needs a boost in popularity. Edward Gardner's vibrant new recording, captured live at the 2022 BBC Proms, is an electrifying take on this timeless masterpiece.
Gardner brings a bold and dramatic flair to the proceedings, expertly conveying the narrative with operatic panache. The London Philharmonic Orchestra delivers a propulsive performance that feels like a chorus of demons at its heels, perfectly matched by the combined forces of the London Philharmonic and Hallé choirs. The result is an immersive listening experience that draws you in from the very start.
Allan Clayton shines as the dying man whose every sensation is both terrifying and fascinating, delivering a heroic tone that sends shivers down the spine in the great prayer, Sanctus Fortis. Jamie Barton's luxurious mezzo-soprano brings a tangible immediacy to her role, while James Platt's craggy bass perfectly captures the Angel of the Agony.
While there are moments where the acoustic slightly loses its edge, stripping away the last ounce of immediacy, this is an otherwise exceptional achievement that ranks alongside Nicholas Collon's arresting Finnish account released earlier this year. Gardner and his cast have reinvigorated "The Dream of Gerontius," reminding us why it remains a classic, even in our darkest moments.
by Edward Gardner! he's totally brought this masterpiece to life in such a bold and dramatic way. the orchestral performance is insane 
, like they're chasing that poor guy around the stage ( Alan Bennett would've loved it!) The soloists are on point too - Allan Clayton's got some serious vocal chops 
, Jamie Barton brings this huge emotional depth, and James Platt just sounds like he's about to fall off the edge of a cliff 
. minor quibble with the acoustics, but who cares when it's this good?
I mean, this new recording by Edward Gardner is literally breathtaking, and I love how he's brought this piece to life with all that drama and flair... but, at the same time, I think it might be a bit over-the-top? Like, don't get me wrong, I adore Allan Clayton's performance in "Sanctus Fortis" - those chills are real! 
But sometimes, when I listen to classical music, I just want to chill out and relax, you know? And that bold performance might be a bit too much... 
Still, I guess it's hard to deny the magic of "The Dream of Gerontius" - it really does remain a classic for a reason! 
. I don't know how they did it, but Gardner's taken a classic and made it feel fresh again 
he's like the conductor version of a superhero saving the day with his dramatic flair 
. And Alan Bennett's play explores that duality so beautifully. I love how Gardner brings this dramatic flair to it, it's like he's taking us on a journey through the human experience. But what does that mean for us? Is it comforting or is it terrifying? It makes me wonder if our biggest fear isn't death itself, but not knowing what comes after 
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. can't wait to listen to this on repeat all day 
! he brought so much energy & drama to this piece it's like u can feel the emotions radiating from the speakers 
i love how allan clayton's voice just sends shivers down ur spine in the Sanctus Fortis part 
his heroism is REAL 
and jamie barton's mezzo-soprano was SO lush & rich it felt like u were right there with her 
. The way the choirs blend together is like magic 
. I've had this piece on repeat since hearing Gardner's version - it gives me goosebumps every time 
. Allan Clayton's performance in Sanctus Fortis had me feeling like I was right there with him, you know? And Jamie Barton's voice just draws you in... have they ever performed live? 
. The choir work is insane 
. Definitely worth a listen for anyone who loves music or just wants to experience something truly special 
, especially with those demons at his heels 
️! Allan Clayton's tone in Sanctus Fortis gives me CHILLS 
! Only minor issue with acoustics but that's a tiny nitpick 
. Overall, an EPIC achievement 
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. And the choirs? Wow, just wow! They sound so powerful and intense, I felt like I was right there with them in the darkness 
, and Jamie Barton's mezzo-soprano voice is SO lush and rich 
. I love how this recording reminds us why "The Dream of Gerontius" remains a classic, even in our most difficult times 
I'm all for supporting classical music like this, but let's be real, who's footing the bill here? Is it just the BBC or are there strings attached to get a recording made live at the Proms? It feels like we're bailing out the art world with public money again. Meanwhile, what about the creators' vision and artistic freedom? Are they getting a fair shot of profit from their work? It's all about who's pulling the strings behind the scenes...