Perfect Gerontius tenors are rare. Philip Langridge, who recorded it with Andrew Davis in 1997, was the last. Stuart Skelton, so different in voice colour, fuller and more heroic but similarly human, modest and touching, is every bit as brilliant. David Soar (bass) urges him onward on his journey at the end of Part 1 with urgency and sternness. Part 2 , always more difficult to bring off, theologically if not musically, gives chorus and orchestra a chance to show their strengths – which they do, generously. Sarah Connolly shines as the Angel and gives a warm, vivid performance of Sea Pictures. Davis, recently awarded the Elgar Society Medal, conducts this music from the heart. A disc of the year.
