Edward Elgar - Dream Of Gerontius - Op.38 - New Choral Edition

Litany is the first chorus from Edward Elgar’s ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ scored for SATB Voices and Organ or Piano accompaniment in this Novello edition.The Dream of Gerontius Op. 38 is a work for Voices and orchestra in two parts composed by Edward Elgar in 1900 to text from the poem by John Henry Newman. It relates the journey of a pious man's soul from his deathbed to his judgment before God and settling into Purgatory. Litany is sung by the chorus (‘Assistants’) after Gerontius’ deathbed prayer. Elgar disapproved of the use of theterm 'oratorio' for the work though his wishes are not always followed. The piece is widely regarded as Elgar's finest choral work and some consider it his masterpiece.Sir Edward Elgar was an English composer many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations the Pomp and Circumstance Marches concertos for Violin and Cello and two symphonies. He was appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924.

Edward Elgar’s The Dream Of Gerontius is a splendid oratorio for Mezzo-soprano Tenor and Bass with Chorus and Orchestra. It is based on the epic poem The Dream of Gerontius by John Henry Newman written in 1865. The original vocal score of Gerontius was actually printed before Elgar's had even finalised or completed his final orchestration and as such it was printed without many of the markings that were added in the later full score. This new edition brings vocal and full scores into agreement for the first time having been authentically and effectively edited by Hywel Davies and Bruce Wood and also includes helpful notes on thebackground to the work as well as an outline of the editorial procedure and list of sources. This New Novello Choral Edition of the Vocal score with Piano reduction of the orchestral materialincludes a detailed foreword listing history sources and editorial proceedure.

The Dream Of Gerontius was composed in 1900 for the Birmingham Music Festival. It was a large-scale work for chorus soloists and orchestra setting a poem by Cardinal John Henry Newman. The section of the text beginning Praise To The Holiest had already been set and popularised to an Anglican hymn tune but Elgar shunned this version preferring to write his own melody. This has been arranged here for female chorus with Piano accompaniment. Edward Elgar (1857-1934) is one of England’s best-known and most-loved composers. He was self-taught as composer coming from outside the musical and social establishment whichallowed his music to be fresh and unencumbered.

According to Elgar the concert overture came to him in a single moment of inspiration while visiting Italy with his family in the winter of 1904. It was given its premiere by the Hallé Orchestra in March of that year with the central Viola serenade winning particular acclaim. Elgar then adapted the work as a song then for Viola and Piano and then for other instruments.At the time this piece was written Elgar had achieved universal renown with his Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius and was established not only as a composer at the peak of British music of that time but also as a major Romantic composer. The Italianate rendering of the work is a nod to thepiece?s beginnings on the Adriatic coast. The work is full of the unrequited yearning of Elgar?s lyric work and a very effective sonatina for performance.

The Chanson de Nuit was originally entitled Evensong though it is difficult to discern any religiosity in the work. And although published in 1897 scholars suggest that these works may have been written in the 1880’s. The contrast of the two melodies which Elgar then intertwines yield a satisfying short work especially with the composer’s fine Orchestration.Elgar published the Chanson de Nuit and its partner Chanson de Matin at the time of his life when he was also creating the Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius. This work was originally created as a Violin and Piano duet but Elgar then Orchestrated the work and it was presented at the Proms. Sincethen other arrangements have been created.

The latest book in this popular series features the music of Sir Edward Elgar, in honour of his 150th birthday in 2007.<br>Includes solo-piano arrangements of Elgar's best-loved works, including selections from Sea Pictures, the Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations, Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, and much more.<br>Arranged for intermediate solo piano. An essential addition to your piano library. / Classique / Partition /