Which Dream of Gerontius?

[PerfectWagnerite]

So what do you guys like? Barbirolli, Boult, Hickox, Sargent?

[Sergeant Rock]

So what do you guys like? Barbirolli, Boult, Hickox, Sargent?

You forgot Britten.

Sarge

[71 dB]

So what do you guys like? Barbirolli, Boult, Hickox, Sargent?

I have only Barbirolli and Hill. The former is better artistically, the latter has clear sound.

[PerfectWagnerite]

You forgot Britten.

Sarge

Is that the version you have?

I have only Barbirolli and Hill. The former is better artistically, the latter has clear sound.

I have narrowed it down to the Barbirolli (coupled with Janet Baker's Sea Pictures) or the Boult (coupled with The Musicmakers). Both are the recommended recordings according to our friends at classicstoday.com.

[Sergeant Rock]

Is that the version you have?

Yes. I love the swift tempos and the drama of this version. Not so thrilled with Peter Pears. I have Boult too, and would recommend that as a safe, first choice. If you are an Elgarian, or think you may become one, the EMI set is a terrific bargain that includes Gerontius, The Apostles, The Kingdom, The Music Makers, and a terrific Coronation Ode, too, all at an unbeatable price.

Eventually I'll buy Barbirolli. I've lived too long without Janet Baker's angel.

Sarge

[AnthonyAthletic]

Barbirolli for me but the Sargent, 1945 with Heddle Nash.  For Gerontius vocally, this has never been surpassed...and never will.

<ducks for cover> bit of a bold statement there 

[knight66]

The Britten is first rate except for the desiccated vocalisation of Pears. Although the character dies, I don't think he should sound like he is so near to death's door.

Barbirolli I have great affection for, the only fly in the ointment is Kim Borg as the Priest. But as usual, and as is expected with me, I advocate Janet Baker's Angel.....it is completely special. The closing pages are a balm, tenderness that other singes don't seem to get near.

Boult simply does little for me, it is fine and Watts is a fine singer. I did the piece with both Watts and Baker and there was no comparison. I also did it with Alfreda Hodgson, Gibson conducts that one, it is good, Tear is as usual a bit nasal, the chorus is especially good....but I am a bit partial there, as I am in it.

Mike

[PerfectWagnerite]

Yes. I love the swift tempos and the drama of this version. Not so thrilled with Peter Pears. I have Boult too, and would recommend that as a safe, first choice. If you are an Elgarian, or think you may become one, the EMI set is a terrific bargain that includes Gerontius, The Apostles, The Kingdom, The Music Makers, and a terrific Coronation Ode, too, all at an unbeatable price.

Eventually I'll buy Barbirolli. I've lived too long without Janet Baker's angel.

Sarge

Do you have a link for the EMI box set Sarge?

Thanks.

[71 dB]

Do you have a link for the EMI box set Sarge?

Thanks.

HERE

[karlhenning]

Sacrée vache!

[Sergeant Rock]

Do you have a link for the EMI box set Sarge?

JPC here:

http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/hnum/4317324/rk/classic/rsk/hitlist

Arkiv here:

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=146404


A lot cheaper in Germany (23 Euro) but 40 bucks isn't bad either for six discs.

Sarge

[karlhenning]

Hmm. Interesting.

Sarge, the box to which you link seems to contain 6 discs.

The box (currently unavailable) to which 71 dB links seems to contain 13 discs (hence the strength of my reaction).

[Sergeant Rock]

Sacrée vache!

Sarge

[karlhenning]

A member of the cast for The Kingdom . . . ?

[Sergeant Rock]

Hmm. Interesting.

Sarge, the box to which you link seems to contain 6 discs.

The box (currently unavailable) to which 71 dB links seems to contain 13 discs (hence the strength of my reaction).

I don't know the box dB linked too. I assume it was an earlier compilation. It includes considerably more of Elgar's choral works than the one I recommended but I assume for a much stiffer price. In any case, dB's appears to be OOP.

Sarge

[karlhenning]

In any case, dB's appears to be OOP.

Smopething tells me it wasn't a big moooover, Sarge 

[Sergeant Rock]

Smopething tells me it wasn't a big moooover, Sarge 

You're gonna milk this cow for all it's worth, aren't you Karl 

Sarge

[71 dB]

I forgot there are many boxes out on EMI.
Unfortunately the bigger box seems to be OOP.

[Sergeant Rock]

I forgot there are many boxes out on EMI.
Unfortunately the bigger box seems to be OOP.

That's too bad it's OOP. The contents look interesting. Maybe it'll resurface someday.

Sarge

[PerfectWagnerite]

Thanks guys for all your help.

I think I'll go with Barbirolli for now, it's only 8 bucks from Amazon seller. If I like it I'll go for the 6 CD Bould EMI set.