Immerse yourself in the profound and spiritual orchestral work of Edward Elgar with "Elgar: The Kingdom, Op. 51." This album, set for release on May 9, 2025, via Signum Records, presents a masterful composition that showcases Elgar's unparalleled ability to blend orchestral grandeur with deeply moving narrative. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 29 minutes, featuring 11 tracks that delve into the rich tapestry of Elgar's musical storytelling.
"The Kingdom, Op. 51" is a choral and orchestral work that centers around the life and teachings of St. Peter, offering a rousing orchestral prelude that recapitulates leitmotifs from Elgar's earlier work, "The Apostles." The composition is divided into several sections, each exploring different aspects of St. Peter's journey and the early Christian community. From the intimate settings of "In The Upper Room" to the dramatic moments of "Pentecost" and the healing miracles depicted in "The Sign of Healing," Elgar's music paints a vivid and evocative picture.
The album features the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the London Mozart Players, conducted by David Temple, who bring Elgar's score to life with precision and passion. The performances are marked by their clarity and depth, allowing the intricate details of Elgar's composition to shine through. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Elgar's work or a newcomer to his music, "Elgar: The Kingdom, Op. 51" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring power of his musical vision.
(C) 2025 Signum Classics(P) 2025 Signum Records
Tracks
The Kingdom, Op. 51: PreludeEdward Elgar, London Mozart Players, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: Ia. In The Upper Room (Seek first the kingdom)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: Ib. In The Upper Room (Men and brethren)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: II. At the Beautiful Gate (The singers are before the altar)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, London Mozart Players, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: IIIa. Pentecost (And when the day of Pentecost was fully come)Edward Elgar, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: IIIb. Pentecost (And suddenly there came from heaven)Edward Elgar, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: IIIc. Pentecost (Ye men of Judea)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: IVa. The Sign of Healing (Then they that gladly received his word)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: IVb. The Sign of Healing (And as they spake)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, Ruth Rogers, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: Va. The Upper Room (The Voice of Joy)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple
The Kingdom, Op. 51: Vb. The Upper Room (Give thanks first for the Cup)Edward Elgar, Francesca Chiejina, Sarah Connolly, Benjamin Hulett, Ashley Riches, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus, David Temple