“Right from the start of the Jerusalem Prelude the musicians displayed real urgency and that supple response to every orchestral thrust and sigh that only committed Elgarians such as the Hallé can command... nothing budged the wonderful glow of the Hallé sound, the orchestra’s mastery of Elgar’s moods — from full Edwardian regalia to delicately scored rapture — or Elder’s endless understanding of the composer’s heart and soul.” - The Times review of Bridgewater Hall concert 17th October 2009 Live recording of Elgar’s last oratorio, taken from the acclaimed 2009 performance at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. With a text by the composer, and music which is at turns lyrical, mystical and magical, The Kingdom is ecstatic in its glorious choral depiction of the events.
"...Especially noteworthy is the solo singing, some of the mos exquisite he [Elgar] ever wrote, as lyrical as any of his many wonderful songs. So consequently the soloists are vitally important, and this is a very fine group... For those who love Elgar or this work, this new release will fill the shelf nicely." ***½
Steven Ritter - Audiophile Audition - 27 March 2012
Winner of the Choral section of the 2011 Gramophone Awards 2011
