Strathaven Choral Society
The Guest Conductor was Marco Romano. Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius" was performed at Glasgow City Halls on Saturday 21 November 1998, and at Hamilton Town Hall on Sunday 22 November 1998. The solists were Alison Barton (Mezzo Soprano), John Treleaven (Tenor), Alan Watt (Baritone). The Semi-chorus parts were be sung by the Glasgow Chamber Choir, with Strathaven Choral Society and The Good Shepherd Chorus combining to sing the main Chorus sections.
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For this large-scale oratorio, Strathaven Choral Society were joined by the Good Shepherd Chorus, Glasgow Chamber Choir and Glasgow Orchestral Society. The combined choirs produced an excellent balance and blend of tone, capable of warm soft singing as well as providing a really full-bodied sound for the uplifting climax of Praise to the Holiest. Their three musical directors had trained them thoroughly for the demands of the work. Sopranos floated their difficult top notes and the semi-chorus, placed in the balcony, kept exact pitch...... Three distinguished soloists presented the narrative of Cardinal Newman's mystical poem. John Treleavan, an experienced Gerontius, certainly had the range and stamina for his long, demanding role...... Alan Watt used his rich baritone authoritatively as declaimed his lines as Priest and Angel of the Agony. Alison Barton had a beautifully warm mezzo, perfectly suited to the Guardian Angel. Expressive legato phrasing and unstrained top notes were enviable assets in the role..... The orchestra is no mere accompanist on this work but provides an essential continuity and scene setting for the musical narrative...... The guest conductor was Marco Romano and it was no mean achievement to secure such a high standard of performance and interpretation from newly integrated forces. Tempi were carefully judged and straightforward...... I.M. Robert |