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Elgar, The Dream of Gerontius

17 January 2008

Edward Elgar wrote a sizable oratorio based on a religious poem that got read and discussed quite a bit back then. Cardinal Newman’s poem tells the story of a soul’s journey through death, and the music is kind of like one big long recitative. The choral moments, as we rehearse and rehearse them, have become quite an excellent experience. In rehearsal last night, we repeatedly worked on one quiet passage and ended up singing the quietest I’ve ever heard us sing, and without crescendo. A sublime moment, made more poignant by the news that day of the death of one chorus member’s husband. A moment to cherish — and to share in some sort as we perform.

At Symphony Hall on the 24th, 25th & 26th of January. I think this will be my first Friday matinee with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, though it’s a long-time tradition with the BSO. And I look forward to working with Colin Davis, another first for me. If you can’t afford tickets, tune in to WGBH on Friday. (And I may be able to get you discount tix, by the by.)