The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 - full score

SKU: CA.2300400

ISBN 9790007240783. English/German. Text: Newman, John Henry.

This is the best of me, wrote Edward Elgar after the final measure of his Dream of Gerontius. Premiered in 1900, in Great Britain the work has long been a standard work in the repertoire of large oratorio choirs. Elgar's moving, poetic setting of the eponymous poem by Cardinal John Henry Newman is about a dying man and his journey beyond death to God. Before the eyes of the listeners, a musical image of the soul is created which flies past mocking demons to God with its protecting angel at its side, is allowed to look at God briefly, then faces the purgatory confident and comforted. The work is a real rarity in the history of oratorio, and for large choirs it is a thrilling alternative to the established repertoire of Requiem settings. Its popularity is thanks to the suggestive, often sensuous power of the music, the great choral scenes of the demons and the angels, and the three impressive solo parts.All previous editions were reprints based on the historic first printed materials, which are inconsistent. By contrast, Carus has produced a modern, newly-engraved edition, compatible in all sections, which takes all the sources into consideration and evaluates the autograph manuscript in detail. For this edition the complete orchestral material is available on sale, and the vocal score and full score contain both English and German singing texts. The full score is also available digitally.*,A milestone of late Romantic choral music, and a standard work in Great Britain*,First modern score with a full Critical Report and complete performance material- English and german singing texts

SKU: HL.14009640

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.