The Dream of Gerontius Recording Review: Edward Gardner and the London Philharmonic Orchestra Present a Bold and Dramatic Rendition
While The Dream of Gerontius may be an surprising focus of Bennett's The Choral, the masterpiece scarcely needs a popularity boost. Edward Gardner's vibrant latest album is among several issued in the last two years, with an additional one expected in January.
Captured in a live setting at the 2022 BBC Proms, the propulsive reading boasts a great deal in its favor. Allan Clayton captures the febrile essence of the protagonist near death whose every sensation is both a fear and a intrigue. Clayton's valiant tone thrills in the magnificent prayer, Sanctus Fortis, while an expressive use of text highlights the philosophical question and answer section in the second part. Barton's rich voice has a tangible immediacy as well as providing ample reserves of solace. James Platt's rugged bass is ideally matched to the angel character.
Gardner is highly dramatic, conveying the narrative with an nearly operatic audacity. The London Philharmonic performs as if a chorus of evil spirits was at its back, paralleled by the joint efforts of the LPO and Hallé choirs. In places, the sound environment deprives the recording of the final bit of immediacy, but all in all it's a fine achievement to place with Collon's gripping Finnish version issued earlier this year.
