Although The Dream of Gerontius could be an unlikely star of Bennett's The Choral, the masterpiece hardly requires a increase in recognition. Edward Gardner's lively new recording is one of three released in the last two years, with an additional one expected early next year.
Recorded live at the BBC Proms in 2022, the energetic reading has a great deal going for it. Clayton captures the feverish nature of the protagonist near death whose every sensation is simultaneously a terror and a intrigue. Clayton's heroic voice excites in the magnificent prayer, Sanctus Fortis, while an expressive handling of lyrics highlights the philosophical question and answer section in Part Two. Jamie Barton's rich mezzo-soprano has a palpable presence as well as providing ample reserves of comfort. Platt's craggy bass is well-suited to the Angel of the Agony.
Gardner is highly dramatic, expressing the story with an nearly opera-like audacity. The London Philharmonic plays as if a group of demons was at its heels, matched by the combined efforts of the LPO and Hallé choirs. Here and there, the sound environment robs the recording of the last ounce of directness, but overall it's a excellent achievement to place with Nicholas Collon's gripping Finnish version released earlier this year.
