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‘Dream’ given|
~ effective
performance
AN inspiring performance of
Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius-
was given by Guildford Phil-
harmonic
Orchestra
and
Choir on Saturday at the Civic
.
;
w
Hall.
keU
Vernon Handley the perform-
Under conductor emeritus
ance was both sensitive and effective.
‘
The opening section found
the intricacies of the string
writing well handled, accurate
and tidy and some unfortunate tuning difficulties in the
wind were quickly resolved.
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Tenor Arthur Davies captured well the tension felt by
Gerontius, meeting his death
with human apprehension.
Davies’ more relaxed performance in the second half
reflected Gerontius becoming
less fearful and accepting the
reassurances of the Angel.
The Angel’s role was taken
by mezzo soprano Linda
Finnie who sang with sensitiv-
ity, although her words were
rather unclear at times.
Michael Pearce, baritone,
sang the part of the priest in
the first half and the, Angel of
the Agony in the second. His
assistants were sung by the
choir, which also became de-
mans, “angelicals” and souls
later in the work. Their performance was most atmospheric as they portrayed emotions ranging from the depths
of despair at death to the joy
of the glory of Heaven.
A repositioning
of the string
sections, by the second violins
and cellos swapping their nor'mal positions, gave effect to
the sound as the cellos gained
brightness and richness and
the
violins
an
Elgarian
warmth under Handley’s direction. Former director of
music in Guildford, Handley
is a recognised expert in the in-
~ terpretation of Elgar’s music.
The performance was well
received by a sizeable audience.
Sarah Greinig
ey