Bliss: Fanfare for the Lord Mayor of London
Butterworth: The Banks of Green Willow
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
"Efficient rendition of Elgar masterpiece"
"Efficient and enjoyable rather than inspirational was the feeling I was left with at the end of this performance of Elgar's visionary work.
After a slightly hesitant start, as if they were feeling their way with conductor Stefan Hofkes, the chorus gained in confidence and the quality of their performance rose throughout.
One or two of the entrances were still a little ragged but some excellently controlled quieter passages provided a fine platform for the more passionate outbursts.
The soloists can make or break this oratorio and whilst David Barrell (tenor), Valerie Reid (mezzo-soprano) and Niall Hoskin (bass) rarely made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, they did display a deep knowledge and true understanding of the work, which painted a fine, clear picture of Elgar's vision.
The Bristol Concert Orchestra, having earlier shown off their brass section in Bliss's Fanfare to the Lord Mayor of London and the woodwind and strings in Butterworth's The Banks of Green Willow, were always fully supportive under the watchful baton of Stefan Hofkes.
The concert, given in aid of the National Autistic Society, provided an evening in which singers and players combined their talents to share their enthusiasm of Elgar's wonderful work with the audience.
Star rating: ***
(Gerry Parker - Bristol Evening Post - 7 July 2003)
Last updated: 07 July 2003
