God Against Art
Donald Macleod explores Elgar’s faith and falling out with God.
Edward Elgar was a man of many passions, from cycling to chemistry. This week, Donald Macleod explores five of the composer’s greatest loves. Throughout his life, Elgar found inspiration in faith, but his relationship with religion would prove to be fraught.
In today’s programme, Donald discovers how Elgar’s Catholic upbringing both shaped his music and held back his career as a composer.
Ave Verum Corpus, Op. 2 No. 1
James Vivian, organ
The Choir of Lincoln Cathedral, conducted by Colin Walsh
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part II (excerpt)
Stuart Skelton, tenor
Sarah Connolly, mezzo
David Soar, bass
BBC Symphony Chorus & BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis
The Apostles, Op. 49: Part 1, Prologue & I. The Calling of the Apostles
Rebecca Evans, soprano
Paul Groves, tenor
Hallé Orchestra & Hallé Choir, conducted by Sir Mark Elder
The Kingdom, Op. 51: Prelude
Hallé Orchestra & Hallé Choir, conducted by Sir Mark Elder
Te Deum, Op. 34 No. 1
Jonathan Vaughn, organ
Choir of St. John’s College Cambridge, conducted by Christopher Robinson
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West
Last on
Music Played
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Edward Elgar
Ave Verum Corpus
Performer: James Vivian. Choir: Lincoln Cathedral Choir. Director: Colin Walsh.- PRIORY : PRCD-454.
- PRIORY.
- 9.
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Edward Elgar
The Dream of Gerontius, Op 38 (excerpt)
Singer: Dame Sarah Connolly. Singer: David Soar. Singer: Stuart Skelton. Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra. Choir: BBC Symphony Chorus. Conductor: Andrew Davis.- Chandos CHSA5140(2).
- Chandos.
- 16.
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Edward Elgar
The Apostles, Op 49 (excerpt)
Singer: Rebecca Evans. Singer: Paul Groves. Choir: Hallé Youth Choir. Choir: Hallé Choir. Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Mark Elder.- HALLE : CDHLD-7534.
- HALLE.
- 1.
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Edward Elgar
The Kingdom, Op 51 (Prelude)
Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Sir Mark Elder.- HALLE : CD-HLD-7526.
- HALLE.
- 1.
![]()
Edward Elgar
Te Deum, Op 34
Performer: Jonathan Vaughn. Choir: St John'S College Cambridge Choir. Conductor: Christopher Robinson.- NAXOS : 8.55-7288.
- NAXOS.
- 6.
Broadcast
- Wed 7 May 202516:00BBC Radio 3
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