• Liverpool Philharmonia, conductor David Holroyd
• Soprano: Harriet Williams
• Tenor: Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts
• Baritone: David Kempster
• Birkenhead Choral Society, Formby Choral Society, boys from Merchant Taylors' School.

It was a real pleasure to be at this concert. The Hall was filled to capacity and the same could be said of the stage! Three choirs, orchestra and soloists, all of whom had worked so hard over the last few months, pulled off a superb performance of Elgar’s choral masterpiece, under the expert leadership of David Holroyd. It left many in the hall very moved at the end, with the dulcet tones of Soprano Harriet Williams still ringing in one’s ears ... “Farewell! Farewell!”. Her rich, warm voice was comparable with that of Dame Janet Baker, in her role as soloist in ‘The Music Makers’ (LPO under Sir Adrian Boult, 1967).

Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts’ Gerontius was Absolute Inspiration. He didn’t just sing the notes, he Lived and Breathed the role. It was one of the most passionate, powerful, awesome, heartfelt and fervent renditions I’ve heard (and seen) for a long, long time. His plea to “Take me away” was so convincing, there must have been some in the audience wishing to join him in his incredible journey to the afterlife. David Kempster’s Priest / Angel of the Agony was delivered with true conviction. His rich, resounding voice is to be considered one of the finest today, with a stage presence suggesting that of Willard White.

Most refreshing was the Demon’s Chorus being taken at a steady, manageable pace, resulting in discernible attack and no loss of diction. ‘Faster’ doesn’t necessarily lead to ‘Better’ nor ‘More impressive’. Result: increased effect and enhanced dramatic content. On countless occasions, one has been so disappointed at how this important section is ruined by over enthusiastic conductors who should know better than to crash along and lose the plot (and half the choir). On the other hand, David Holroyd did a grand job and didn’t let the red mist spoil his view, the “Ha! Ha!”s delivered with passionate, acerbic and gratifying contempt. Indeed, the choirs had the last laugh ...

How satisfying indeed, to see young people being introduced to Elgar. It is most unusual for schoolchildren to be seen in a performance of ‘The Dream’, but the pupils of the Merchant Taylors' school were most welcome, singing professionally and beautifully. In the “Go Forth” section, attaining the high ‘B’ Elgar wrote (optionally) into the Sopranos’ part is no mean feat. Their contribution was brilliant. In these days of ‘dumbing down’ in education, especially in art and music, the cultural aspect of our children’s future seems assured at this school!

Most definitely worth mentioning, is how Elgar’s wish for a 5 minute pause between Parts I and II was honoured, rather than a standard 20 minute interval with the usual desire to down a quick ‘arf. This resulted in continuity and was a very wise move. To interpret music performance is one thing, to deliver silence correctly is quite another and is very commendable! John Cage (4’33”) eat your heart out! Well done and congratulations to all concerned. With organisations such as the Birkenhead Choral Society, the Formby Choral Society, the Merchant Taylors' School and the Liverpool Philharmonia, good music making is well and truly thriving in the North West.

Darren Niman
Editor, North West News
North West Branch
The Elgar Society

www.elgar.org

© Darren Niman, March 2004

Those interested in the activities of the North West Branch of The Elgar Society should telephone Mrs Pat Hurst (Secretary) on 0161 998 4404 in the first instance.

Reviews