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Edward Elgar: The Apostles / Canterbury Choral Society / Philharmonia Orchestra / Richard Cooke
Edward Elgar, David Flood, Richard Cooke
Edward Elgar: The Apostles / Canterbury Choral Society / Philharmonia Orchestra / Richard Cooke
Genre: Classical
 
A rare and long-awaited new recording of one of Elgar?s greatest and most important choral works. The only version recorded in a cathedral, as Elgar intended, and the first in a series of releases of Elgar?s major choral ...  more »

     
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Album Description
A rare and long-awaited new recording of one of Elgar?s greatest and most important choral works. The only version recorded in a cathedral, as Elgar intended, and the first in a series of releases of Elgar?s major choral works recorded at Canterbury Cathedral. The massed Canterbury choirs are accompanied by the legendary Philharmonia Orchestra together with a glittering array of critically acclaimed young British singers. As conductor of Canterbury Choral Society since 1984, Richard Cooke has included over 50 concerts in Canterbury Cathedral, including the final concert each year of the Canterbury Festival. Cooke is one of Britain?s foremost choral conductors. He has led the University of Essex Choir for more than 20 years and is also music director of the Royal Choral Society. Elgar wrote four oratorios. Although The Dream of Gerontius is the best known, many critics consider The Apostles to be his choral masterpiece.
 

CD Reviews

Involving new "Apostles"
Roger Oakley | Melbourne, Australia | 10/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"No one who loves this work should miss this recording, made in Canterbury Cathedral (UK) following concert performances.

The performance has spontaneity, commitment and a compelling warmth, while the sound is magnificently (and appropriately) engulfing.

Led by the excellent New Zealand soprano Anna Leese, the youthful cast sound completely immersed in the work and Roderick Williams makes a fine Jesus (some listeners find John Carol Case in the Boult recording a touch sanctimonious, though I don't agree).

Sir Adrian's classic 1973 recording holds its place for its wisdom and experience but it sometimes sounds stately beside this newcomer.

Richard Cooke directs with confident flexibility and the various

Wagner-ish motifs glow with warmth and intensity.

Elgar himself would surely approve.

I hope these forces will record "The Kingdom".

"