The Dream of Gerontius (1/7): Gerald Finley sings "Go forth upon thy journey, Christian soul"

[Chrisfaecrail]

Moving beyond words

[dollynapattaya]

Quote from the Elgar Society's Commentary on Elgar's life and beliefs: 'As he grew older, his belief gradually withered. Although on his deathbed he is reported to have reaffirmed his commitment to the Roman Catholic faith and, while unconscious, received the last rites, he had not attended a church service for many a year. He claimed to have no belief in a life after death and to have taken exception to the dogma of the Catholic liturgy.'

[NihilNominis]

Writer an Oratorian priest, Cardinal, now Blessed and on the road to canonisation. Composer an Oratorian lay brother. This piece does not "transcend" religion, it expresses it magnificently. If you claim that it transcends religion, what you really mean to say is that you never thought religion could be so eloquent, or so profound. Your concept of religion, not Catholicism, is lacking in depth.

[meriomeri]

like butta

[Richythebee]

I think that "religion" has everything to do with appreciating this kind of song, whether implicitly or explicitly. You strip the song of its value and unwittingly make it meaningless by saying that it "transcends" religion. Perhaps it does, but it is birthed within religion, and must be appreciated as such. I think the composer would say as much.

It's a hard part to sing, and it was excellently executed here though!

[nboltitude]

Wow...I've heard many live performances of this piece back home in the UK (including Sir Colin with the London Symphony Orchestra and their own live recording), but this sounds so much more vivid and immediate, not only Gerald Finley but the chorus too.... A great performance. I'll have to hop on over to the Tanglewood festival sometime to hear the BSO, evidently!

[wA7racer]

i would like to speak to the Philistine who coughs at 6.03 lol...

[ravensgate341]

i love this song 

[martingadd]

This is about as good as it gets. Listen through and consider. Most of you know my views on B-Jesus and all that bollocks, but take that out and listen, percivere. If you don't agree then that's fine, on the other hand there;s more.

Not for all the time, but great to lift you up a bit.

And no, I've not gone soft and scatty in the sun.

FB

[wA7racer]

@martingadd I agree with You: i am not religious but i do like Choral music..i think because this piece says much about the human condition...

[301250]

Most moving especially after,only minutes ago, watching on BBC the live broadcast of the Mass with Pope Benedict in Birmingham of the Beatification of Cardinal Newman whose poem this glorious piece was set to. Thank you melodiaavis and God Bless. sd goh (malaysia)

[jonjuliecat]

John, even those of us who are devout athiests hope that somehow, and dispite logic, there is more to the human condition than the black and white fact of life and death. There is... it's in the music, poetry and memories.... go in peace attila's mum .. and those of us who never met you will will know you through your wonderful, poetic, and totally human son.

[attila1957]

My beloved Christian mother was carried out of the church to this yesterday, her favourite piece of music ever, one she has sung many times with the Royal Choral Society and the Brighton Festival Chorus.

I am not a Christian, but it was the most moving moment of my life.

I love you, Mum.

[57monks]

@attila1957 How blessed your Mom was to have left with this glorious music accompanying her. I heard the entire Dream 2 weeks after my mother departed, and although i am Jewish, the experience was deeply consoling. Music such as this transcends all religion. May your Mom always be a radiant light for you.

[averitas]

@attila1957 Prayers. You have help in heaven.

[martingadd]

This is probably (in my opinion) not only the definitive production of this masterpiece, but one of the best and moving piece of music of all time. Nobody has yet surpassed Gerald Finley singing Elgar. This would be be perfect with Janet Baker of course. Irronically, I am an athiest. Shame this recording seems unavailable.

[Eurofrank1]

On the whole, a very good bass-baritone performance!!