While The Dream of Gerontius may be the unlikely focus of Bennett's The Choral, this work scarcely requires a popularity boost. Gardner's vibrant latest recording stands as among three released in the past 24 months, with another due early next year.
Captured in a live setting at the 2022 BBC Proms, the energetic reading boasts a great deal in its favor. Allan Clayton portrays the febrile nature of the protagonist near death whose every sensation is simultaneously a terror and a intrigue. Clayton's heroic tone thrills in the magnificent prayer, Sanctus Fortis, while an emotional use of text illuminates the philosophical dialogue section in Part Two. Barton's luxurious voice has a palpable presence as well as providing ample reserves of comfort. Platt's craggy bass is well-suited to the angel character.
Gardner is highly theatrical, expressing the story with an nearly operatic boldness. The LPO plays as if a group of evil spirits was at its heels, paralleled by the joint efforts of the London Philharmonic and Hallé choruses. In places, the acoustic robs the recording of the final bit of directness, but overall it's a excellent achievement to place alongside Nicholas Collon's arresting Finnish version released earlier this year.
