The Dream of Gerontius

Elgar's sublime setting of Cardinal Newman's famous poem, which follows the dying Gerontius on his spiritual journey from judgment to purgatory, was the realisation of a long-cherished ambition. On its completion in 1900, he declared the work to be "the best of me". His disappointment when it was panned by the critics, after its dismally sub-standard and ill-prepared premiere in October that year, can well be imagined.

Happily, no such criticisms could be made of Friday's performance at the Sheldonian, for this was a highly polished, immaculate rendition of Elgar's epic masterpiece. Under the decisive conducting of James Burton, the combined choirs of Aylesbury Choral Society and Schola Cantorum - together totaling well over 100 singers - became a force to be reckoned with. Tackling the piece with energy and flair, they achieved a finely balanced sound, and clearly relished the diversity of Elgar's melodic and dramatic demands. An equally positive contribution came from the Oxford Philomusica, the University's resident orchestra, currently celebrating its fifth anniversary. It is a cause for celebration indeed, for in this short period the Philomusica has molded itself into one of the city's musical treasures. Friday's inspired performance was another triumph to add to its portfolio.

The central role of Gerontius, a demanding one for any singer, was skillfully handled by William Kendall - who, incidentally, recorded the part for Naxos in 1998. Kendall sustained a fine quality throughout, drawing distinction between the expressiveness of the first part, and the more urgent nature of the second part. He was joined by the equally proficient Margaret McDonald, who sang the part of the Angel with great tenderness and warmth. Baritone Timothy Mirfin, a former chorister of Christ Church Cathedral, was sadly wasted as first the Priest and later the Angel of the Agony; for such a glorious, rich voice, two solos just wasn't enough.

This was a wonderfully satisfying performance, which did full justice to Elgar's extraordinary genius. Expect a spate of Elgar performances in the months ahead, as the 70th anniversary of the composer's death looms in February 2004.

Nicola Lisle

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