Gerontius' Dream

Sir Mark Elder concludes his time as principal guest conductor in Bergen with one of his compatriot Edward Elgar's masterpieces, The Dream of Gerontius. Elder is regarded as the leading Elgar interpreter of our time, and we can look forward to a performance that gives life to the music. Edward Elgar's lavish, emotionally charged and expressive The Dream of Gerontius is one of Elgar's masterpieces. The composer himself felt it was the best he had ever composed. The work is about the pious Gerontius who, on his deathbed, looks ahead to the journey to purgatory with anxiety and unease. The Catholic Elgar was inspired by a poem by Cardinal John Henry Newman. The work deals with sinful man, who must wait until after death to receive his final judgement. Even the pious Gerontius cannot be certain. Both choir and soloists have large roles, but not least the orchestral sound is expressive. In England the work is regarded as a cornerstone of the national musical heritage, but it is performed less often outside the island kingdom. Programme: Edward Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, oratorio Performers: Sir Mark Elder, conductor Beth Taylor, alto Nicky Spence, tenor William Thomas, baritone Bergen Filharmoniske Kor Oslo Filharmoniske Kor Edvard Grieg Kor Håkon Matti Skrede, choirmaster Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester

• Sir Mark Elder
• Beth Taylor
• Nicky Spence
• William Thomas