LEICESTER MERCURY

23/05/03

LEICESTER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, ELGAR - DREAM OF GERONTIUS

DE MONTFORT HALL, SAT 22 MAY 2003

REVIEW by NEIL CRUTCHLEY

Dream performed with passion

You can argue about the sentiments expressed in Elgar's oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius, but one thing's for sure - it has to be performed with passion and conviction. You cannot be half-hearted about it.

Happily, this performance under Nicholas Daniel blazed with conviction.

Choirs, orchestra and soloists responded to the conductor's fervent direction with enthusiasm and dedication. It wasn't without its rough edges, but they mattered little in an account that captured the spirit of the work most effectively.

Daniel is prepared to take risks - pushing hard here, holding back there - making every bar live.

This can cause a little worry to performers as it stretches them to the limits. But it also makes for compelling interpretations.

The "Phil" was joined by the Charnwood Choral Society and the Countesthorpe Community College Choir and the singing had both great power and expressive delicacy.

Tenor Charles Daniel was an impressively passionate and intense Gerontius, mezzo Catherine King was a radiant, golden-toned Angel and bass Brindley Sherratt brought power and authority to his joint roles of Priest and Angel of the Agony.