Classical Music: Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Sir Edward Elgar The Dream of Gerontius, Op 38

Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano – The Angel),
John Findon (tenor – Gerontius),
Roderick Williams (baritone – The Priest/The Angel of the Agony)

Helsinki Music Centre Choir, Cambridge University Symphony Chorus, Dominante, Helsinki Chamber Choir, Alumni of the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge,

Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Nicholas Collon

Recorded live, 5 April 2024, Helsinki Music Centre, Finland.

Ondine ODE1451-2D
https://www.ondine.net/

This live Ondine recording of The Dream of Gerontius challenges the notion that only British ensembles can truly understand the composer's distinctive musical language. Among the plethora of recordings of Elgar's masterpiece The Dream of Gerontius—a work I first fell in love with at the Three Choirs Festival in the 1980s— this terrific new release from Ondine stands apart. It offers something genuinely distinctive: a Finnish orchestra under British direction, with a chorus blending Finnish and British voices, recorded live in Helsinki.

One might reasonably question whether a Finnish ensemble could authentically capture this quintessentially English work, yet under Nicholas Collon's assured baton, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra delivers an endearing performance that reveals a profound understanding of the score.

Collon has trimmed the timing compared to other recordings, yet his rendition feels entirely natural – an interpretation that resonates through its meticulous attention to detail and expressiveness. Collon judges the tone of the oratorio perfectly, ensuring its spiritual meaning is conveyed without descending into sentimentality.

The Part 1 Prelude immediately persuades through its commitment. The orchestra's elegant playing captures the sentiment with perfectly judged expressiveness; explosions of sound are carefully balanced, while the crystalline tone boasts remarkable warmth. The subtle shadings of light and dark in the dynamics serve as connective tissue throughout the piece.

Scottish tenor John Findon brings strength and clarity to the role of Gerontius, with a particularly captivating opening in the 'Jesu, Maria' section. He manages the demanding passages with power while demonstrating impressive vocal versatility. Although Gerontius's fear could occasionally be more palpable, Findon more than compensates in the tender, softer moments.

Christine Rice's Angel proves utterly convincing. Her mezzo-soprano possesses a diaphanous quality perfectly suited to this otherworldly guide, with an affecting catch in her voice at pivotal emotional moments. When she bids farewell to Gerontius's soul as it enters Purgatory, the warmth and compassion in her delivery lingers hauntingly in the memory.

Roderick Williams brings solid craftsmanship to the Priest, though his interpretation, while beautifully phrased and resolute, might benefit from exploring deeper into the shadows and complexities of the role.

The combined Finnish-British chorus proves a revelation. Their diction cuts through with striking clarity, which is particularly impressive given the multinational makeup of the ensemble. In the demons' chorus, they conjure a genuine menace, while the famous 'Praise to the Holiest' erupts with controlled magnificence— those unmistakably Elgarian chords delivering their full emotional impact.

What surprises most is how Collon has achieved this without any sense of haste. His approach feels considered, with every detail of Elgar's rich orchestration given space to breathe. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra responds with playing of exceptional refinement – thrillingly precise during the score's more dramatic moments yet sensitive in quieter passages.

The engineering deserves special mention, capturing both the intimacy of solo passages and the full dynamic range of the combined forces with remarkable fidelity. Every texture remains distinct, even in the work's most complex climaxes.

For those who treasure The Dream of Gerontius, this recording offers both reassurance and reveation – proof that Elgar's masterpiece has truly transcended its cultural origins to speak universal truths. This is certainly a Dream of Gerontius recording to savour – a worthy addition to any collection and highly recommended.