Step into one of Elgar’s greatest works, described on the manuscript by the composer as “the best of me.” This is a BBC recording captured live at the Royal Albert Hall during the 2022 BBC Proms season. Edward Gardner conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir, with the Hallé Choir, in what was described by The Guardian as a “perfectly judged performance.” The Dream of Gerontius is Elgar’s setting of Cardinal Newman’s poem about a dying man’s journey from his deathbed to his judgment before God and his placement in Purgatory. The work is not a traditional oratorio; instead, it is a hauntingly beautiful and transformative journey of the soul. Elgar himself said of it: “I’ve written it out of my insidest inside.” The recording features a cast of three world-class soloists celebrated for their individual excellence and compelling interpretation of their roles. Allan Clayton (Gerontius, tenor) was lauded for his dramatic power as well as his vocal prowess, The Guardian noting that he is “now the definitive interpreter of the role.” MusicOMH noted “Clayton’s Gerontius was a masterpiece... his floated ‘Novissima hora est’ was as moving as his agonised ‘Take me away’.” with their four-star review. Jamie Barton (Angel, mezzo-soprano) was praised for her stunning vocal range and emotional depth. “Jamie Barton was as stirring in her stupendous alleluias - a top A to shake the rafters - as she was consoling in her exquisite final solo, ‘Softly and gently’.” - The Times (★★★★★) James Platt (Priest and Angel of the Agony, bass) brought a commanding presence to his dual roles. “Platt’s contribution as the priest and the Angel of the Agony were as sonorous and implacable as anyone could want.” - The Guardian (★★★★) Powerful direction from Edward Gardner, masterful playing from the London Philharmonic Orchestra and ‘electrifying’ singing from the London Philharmonic Choir and Hallé Choir unites with three outstanding soloists in a landmark recording of Elgar’s masterpiece. “Edward Gardner conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra with magisterial assurance... combined theatricality, believability and sheer orchestral and choral beauty into one wonderfully complex tapestry.” - The Times (★★★★★) “And special praise to the sopranos of those two wonderful choirs: their cry of ‘Praise to the holiest’ as Gerontius crosses the threshold into the divine presence was absolutely electrifying - a nuclear explosion of dazzling light that could have blown the National Grid.” - The Telegraph (★★★★★)