Hallé HLD 7534
Elgar: The Apostles, Op. 49 - Rebecca Evans, Alice Coote, Paul Groves, Jacques Imbrailo, David Kempster, Brindley Sherratt, The Hallé, Sir Mark Elder
Elgar planned a trilogy of oratorios, which was preceded by The Dream of Gerontius, and which was never completed, perhaps in part because of his own faltering faith. Previously released by Hallé, The Kingdom was originally planned as the third part of the trilogy and has attracted a growing following. This new release presents the oratorio planned to open the trilogy, the lesser known and hitherto rather under-served work The Apostles, in a performance which the Guardian described as being ‘revelatory’.This retelling of Christ's Passion from the viewpoint of His followers features extensive and effective use of leitmotivs and choral writing which is arguably an advance on that of Gerontius, with the work’s closing section – depicting Christ’s Ascension to heaven – thought to be one of the most poignant ever written.
Recorded live and in rehearsal at The Bridgewater Hall on 5 May 2012.
‘Elder’s dramatic sense of the whole structure and of the significance of every detail made it all thrillingly compelling.... the choral sound was truly imposing.’
The Guardian
‘It was thrilling to experience the mingling of solos, two or three, or a dozen or so voices, with the Mystic Chorus formed by the massive and resonant Hallé Choir and the fresh-voiced Hallé Youth Choir. The culmination of the work and, indeed, every stage of it, was superbly paced and managed by Elder and his orchestra.’
The Times
Recording of the Year & Choral Award
BBC Music Magazine Awards 2013
Critics Choice 2012
"...Sir Mark Elder’s thrillingly committed and magisterially paced account of Elgar’s The Apostles with his Hallé forces - a benchmark achievement for all involved."
Andrew Achenbach - Gramophone magazine - Christmas Special Issue December 2012
Gramophone Choice "...A set absolutely not to be missed."
Andrew Achenbach - Gramophone magazine - November 2012
"...This is quite simply the best performance ever of The Apostles on disc. Those who enjoyed Elder’s Proms performance and BBC broadcast will find their favourable impressions reinforced, and indeed bettered. Those who found the Boult recording good but not overwhelming will find this an answer to their prayers, with soloists just as good and a much better chorus. Those who like Hickox’s more impetuous approach may find some of Elder’s slower speeds disconcerting, but will I think find that they pay dramatic dividends in the long run. The quality of the recording enables us to hear every detail superbly." Paul Corfield Godfrey - MusicWeb-International.com - 10 October 2012
Recording of the Month "...this superb Apostles is a mandatory purchase for all Elgar enthusiasts." John Quinn - MusicWeb-International.com - August 2012
IRR Outstanding
"... the new Apostles of choice."
Piers Burton-Page - International Record Review - October 2012
