Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius – Sir Adrian Boult (2DVD Set)

UPC: 5060244551404

Product Features

• Title: Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
• Composer: Edward Elgar
• Conductor: Sir Adrian Boult
• Performers: Dame Janet Baker, Peter Pears, John Shirley-Quirk
• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Choir: London Philharmonic Choir
• Recording Location: Canterbury Cathedral, 29 March 1968
• Bonus Documentary: A.C.B. - A Portrait of One of the Century's Greatest MusiciansTV Format: NTSC 4:3
  • Presented by Vernon Handley
  • Broadcast on the BBC, 8 April 1989
• Sound: Stereo
• Region Code: Region Free (0)
• Run Time: Approx. 100 minutes (Feature), 60 minutes (Bonus)
• Publisher: ICA Classics / BBC

Overview

This 2DVD set captures the only existing film of Sir Adrian Boult conducting Elgar's iconic oratorio The Dream of Gerontius. Recorded in 1968 at the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, this is a historic performance featuring some of the greatest soloists of the time, including Dame Janet Baker, Peter Pears, and John Shirley-Quirk. Boult, a lifelong champion of Elgar’s music, leads the London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Philharmonic Choir in this profound and deeply spiritual work.

The second disc offers a 60-minute documentary, A.C.B. - A Portrait of One of the Century's Greatest Musicians, celebrating the life and career of Sir Adrian Boult. The documentary, presented by Vernon Handley, originally aired on the BBC in 1989 to mark the centenary of Boult’s birth, providing invaluable insight into one of Britain’s most influential conductors.

Interesting Facts

• The Dream of Gerontius is widely considered one of Edward Elgar's masterpieces, depicting the journey of a soul after death.
• Sir Adrian Boult was closely associated with Elgar’s music, having received a letter from Elgar himself, entrusting Boult with his musical legacy.
• Janet Baker, one of the world’s most respected mezzo-sopranos, delivers a stunning performance in this recording, cementing her reputation as a leading interpreter of English music.
• This 1968 performance was filmed in colour, making it a rare visual document from the period, particularly for an oratorio.
• The documentary provides a personal look into Boult’s life, featuring interviews and rare footage, making it essential viewing for fans of British classical music.

Track Listing

DVD 1

• Edward Elgar – The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38
  • Performed by Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano), Peter Pears (tenor), John Shirley-Quirk (bass-baritone), London Philharmonic Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Conducted by Sir Adrian Boult
  • Recorded live at Canterbury Cathedral, 29 March 1968

DVD 2 (Bonus)

• Documentary: A.C.B. - A Portrait of One of the Century's Greatest Musicians
  • Presented by Vernon Handley
  • Broadcast on the BBC, 8 April 1989
  • Duration: 60 minutes

Publishers

• ICA Classics
• BBC

Hashtags

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