Dream of Gerontius & Sea Pictures;

The peerless Elgarian Sir Andrew Davis conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this new recording of Elgars choral masterpiece, The Dream of Gerontius, recognized today by many as the greatest choral work by any English composer. Joining conductor and orchestra are star soloists Stuart Skelton, David Soar and Sarah Connolly, who also sings here in the Elgar song cycle Sea Pictures. This recording was accomplished in the run up to a triumphant Gerontius live performance in April, 2014, after which Mr. Skelton was praised as the ideal Gerontius tenor and Mr. Soar was described as an implacable, dark-sounding Priest and Connolly, a consummately polished Angel (The Guardian). Sea Pictures sets a collection of poetry by different authors all on a single theme. Inspired by his love of nature, Elgars songs explore the emotional resonances of the sea, from serene still waters to a mighty ocean storm. Sir Andrew Davis was awarded in 2014 the prestigious Elgar Society Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the composers music.