Review: York Musical Society *****

It was appropriate that for Philip Moore's final concert as conductor of the York Musical Society we should have this quite remarkable performance of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jun 2010, 15:05 BST
Updated 25th Jun 2010, 15:06 BST

From the hushed opening bars of the orchestral prelude, his unhurried account laid bare the sadness of this story of death.

He probably had the finest trio of soloists we could hear at present, Peter Auty possibly the most eloquent tenor that has ever sung the part of Gerontius.

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We had expected the gorgeous voice of Jane Irwin to offer this superb portrayal of the Angel, and as she carried Gerontius's soul aloft, it would have been a stony heart that didn't shed a tear.

Jonathan Saunders superb bass that had awesome power, and the linked together Musical Society chorus with their visitors from Munster brought the impact that could truly thrill in Praise to the Holiest.

The young voices of The Ebor Singers brought moments of ethereal beauty, and if at times the orchestra was a little homespun, it certainly captured the spirit of the evening.

York Minster

Related topics:MunsterYork Minster