The Dream of Gerontius (7/7): Sarah Connolly sings "Softly and gently, dearly-ransomed soul"

[musodavid]

@Melodiaavis We owe you a debt of gratitude for uploading these 7 extracts of a superb performance. I was a little doubtful of some of the tempos but further listening has proved them perfect. I cant wait to hear Sarah as the Angel in Birmingham UK next year. For those in London the performance is also at the Barbican 2 days later.

[polincheto]

Hi, I am in TFC and sang at this performance. It was an incredible experience. I am interested in getting a recording of the whole performance. Could you in any way send it to me (kehayova@fas.harvard.edu)? Thank you.

[mahlerman101]

She sings this beautifully. Probably my favorite Gerontius ever. Her Mahler Das Knaben Wunderhorn is also really beautiful. What a great artist!

[mezzosop1]

Conductors will go with S-L-O-W when it comes to this piece! Leaving the mezzo to fill out the long notes with sound - something Sarah does beautifully here. Many others would have died! There is an optimum speed whch when reached allows the music and words to merge effortlessly and the whole thing truly becomes out of this world - perfect to listen to and marvellous to sing. Lovely to hear somebody of stamina and control sing this whose name is not Janet Baker (my idol for this piece)

[mariandelochs]

Am listening to this again, after having heard Dame Janet's beautiful, gold-standard version. Also wonderful rendition by Sarah, a bit lighter in texture than Dame Janet's. Thanks again, melodiaavis!

[Eurofrank1]

Wonderful line shown, even at this cripplingly slow tempo - love it!! For my money, the best "Softly and gently.." on YouTube!!

[Clivejvaughan]

Gee, she can sing, this lass ! Have to look out for her in concert. Thanks for the whole oratorio.

[melodiaavis]

According to her website, Sarah Connolly is singing the Angel in The Dream of Gerontius in Dresden on 29 March 2010, and in Leeds on 15 May 2010.

[melodiaavis]

@Clivejvaughan Just noticed that BBC Radio 3 is broadcasting "The Dream of Gerontius" live from Semperoper Dresden, on Sunday 28 March at 7 pm in the context of music for Holy Week.

7pm Live from Semperoper Dresden

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Paul Groves (tenor, Gerontius)

Sarah Conolly (contralto, Angel)

John Relyea (bass, Priest)

Chorus of the Dresden State Opera

Dresden Staatskapelle

Colin Davis (conductor)

[mariandelochs]

Moving, prayerful rendition by Sarah. Her pianissimos and breath control are simply amazing. Thank you, melodiaavis !