℗ 2015 Chandos
Released February 24, 2015
Duration 1h 51m 36s
Record Label Chandos
Catalogue No. CHSA5149-50
Genre Classical (Choral - Secular)
 

Elgar: King Olaf - The Banner of Saint George

Emily Birsan, Barry Banks, Alan Opie, Bergen Filharmoniske Kor, Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen, Edvard Grieg Kor, Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester, Andrew Davis

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Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf, Op. 30: As Torrents in Summer  
1.1
Introduction: There Is a Wondrous Book (Chorus, Bass, Soprano, Tenor)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Barry Banks; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
3:07
1.2
Summon now the God of Thunder (Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
0:57
1.3
The Challenge of Thor (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
4:01
1.4
King Olaf's Return (Tenor)
Edward Elgar; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
6:42
1.5
Recitative: Tell How Olaf Bore the Cross (Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
0:38
1.6
The Conversion: King Olaf's Prows at Nidaros (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
3:07
1.7
The Conversion: Behold Me, My People (Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
4:58
1.8
The Conversion: As Leaps the Lights of Winter (Chorus, Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
3:02
1.9
The Conversion: Then o'er the Blood-stained Hog-stone (Chorus, Tenor)
Edward Elgar; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
5:30
1.10
Recitative: Now the Child of Ironbeard Dead (Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
0:44
1.11
Gudrun (Soprano, Chorus, Tenor)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
6:05
1.12
Recitative: How the Wraith of Odin Old (Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
0:48
1.13
The Wraith of Odin (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
5:40
1.14
Recitative: Sisters, Sing Ye Now the Song (Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
0:43
1.15
Sigrid: Sigrid Sits in Her High Abode (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
2:23
1.16
Sigrid: Sigrid, Hail! With Royal Hand (Tenor, Soprano, Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Edvard Grieg Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
4:30
2.1
Recitative: Hark! She Flies From Wendland Forth (Bass)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
0:41
2.2
Thyri (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
4:48
2.3
Duet: The Gray Land Breaks to Lively Green (Soprano)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
2:19
2.4
Duet: Thyri, My Beloved (Tenor, Soprano)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Barry Banks; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
6:06
2.5
Recitative: After Queen Gunhild's Death (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
1:30
2.6
The Death of Olaf (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
6:41
2.7
Epilogue: In the Convent of Drontheim (Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
1:29
2.8
Epilogue: It Is Accepted (Soprano, Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Barry Banks; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
3:19
2.9
Epilogue: Stronger Than Steel (Soprano, Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
Edward Elgar; Emily Birsan; Barry Banks; Alan Opie; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
4:37
The Banner of Saint George, Op. 33  
2.10
Scene 1: Within Sylene's walls no sound is heard
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
2:41
2.11
Scene 1: The women of Sylene rend their hair
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
1:37
2.12
Scene 1: Forth from the palace, beautiful as day
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
3:18
2.13
Scene 1: O calm your hearts
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
3:12
2.14
Scene 2: Without a fear beside the dragon's tarn
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
2:46
2.15
Scene 2: Hark! 'tis the ringing hoof of steed
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
2:38
2.16
Scene 2: Loud cry the people
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
5:25
2.17
Epilogue: It comes from the misty ages
Edward Elgar; Bergen Filharmoniske Kor; Collegiûm Mûsicûms Kor Bergen; Edvard Grieg Kor; Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; Andrew Davis
5:34
Digital Booklet
"Four Stars ... the orchestra plays with a keen ear for colour and dramatic flux ... (the chorus) makes the narrative live and breathe in suppleness, expressive sensitivity and lusty power ... three fine soloists ..." - The Daily Telegraph "Four Stars ... has a dramatic sweep and concern for detail ... the Bergen orchestra and choir play and sing Elgar as though it were part of their regular repertoire, while the soloists all cope well with what is sometimes strenuous vocal writing ..." - The Guardian After his previous highly-acclaimed recording of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, Sir Andrew Davis turns to two of the composer’s most popular early choral works: Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf and The Banner of Saint George. This recording was made soon after a successful live performance, featuring the same excellent Bergen Philharmonic and outstanding vocal forces: imposing baritone Alan Opie, high, incisive tenor Barry Banks and American soprano Emily Birsan.
96 kHz / 24-bit PCM – Chandos Studio Masters

Recording venue: Grieghallen, Bergen, Norway; 16 – 19 June (Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf) & 19 and 20 June (The Banner of Saint George) 2014 Recording producer: Brian Pidgeon Sound engineer: Ralph Couzens Assistant engineer: Gunnar Herleif Nilsen, Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) Editors: Jonathan Cooper and Rosanna Fish A & R administrator: Sue Shortridge Front cover: ‘Slaget ved Svolder’ (The Battle at Svolder) by Peter Nicolai Arbo (1831 – 1892) Back cover: Photograph of Sir Andrew Davis © Dario Acosta Photography Design and typesetting Cap & Anchor Design Co. (www.capandanchor.com) Booklet editor: Finn S. Gundersen
Track title
Peak
(dB FS)
RMS
(dB FS)
LUFS
(integrated)
DR
Album average
Range of values
-5.13
-20.08 to -0.16
-28.88
-39.92 to -20.78
-24.74
-36.40 to -17.30
14
11 to 17
1.1
Introduction: There Is a Wondrous Book (Chorus, Bass, Soprano, Tenor)
-0.97-27.24-22.014
1.2
Summon now the God of Thunder (Bass)
-4.52-27.36-23.313
1.3
The Challenge of Thor (Chorus)
-0.77-20.78-17.312
1.4
King Olaf's Return (Tenor)
-4.39-31.76-27.917
1.5
Recitative: Tell How Olaf Bore the Cross (Bass)
-9.81-32.80-29.511
1.6
The Conversion: King Olaf's Prows at Nidaros (Chorus)
-1.88-26.42-22.614
1.7
The Conversion: Behold Me, My People (Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
-1.30-26.87-23.315
1.8
The Conversion: As Leaps the Lights of Winter (Chorus, Bass)
-4.22-29.87-25.715
1.9
The Conversion: Then o'er the Blood-stained Hog-stone (Chorus, Tenor)
-0.27-25.48-22.214
1.10
Recitative: Now the Child of Ironbeard Dead (Bass)
-14.56-36.04-32.112
1.11
Gudrun (Soprano, Chorus, Tenor)
-9.73-33.55-28.314
1.12
Recitative: How the Wraith of Odin Old (Bass)
-13.59-34.14-29.911
1.13
The Wraith of Odin (Chorus)
-1.98-25.66-21.314
1.14
Recitative: Sisters, Sing Ye Now the Song (Bass)
-11.22-33.75-30.012
1.15
Sigrid: Sigrid Sits in Her High Abode (Chorus)
-6.39-30.51-27.314
1.16
Sigrid: Sigrid, Hail! With Royal Hand (Tenor, Soprano, Chorus)
-1.04-25.57-21.215
2.1
Recitative: Hark! She Flies From Wendland Forth (Bass)
-7.40-31.98-27.214
2.2
Thyri (Chorus)
-2.73-26.58-21.814
2.3
Duet: The Gray Land Breaks to Lively Green (Soprano)
-8.09-30.99-26.813
2.4
Duet: Thyri, My Beloved (Tenor, Soprano)
-3.25-28.53-23.014
2.5
Recitative: After Queen Gunhild's Death (Chorus)
-0.39-22.98-18.912
2.6
The Death of Olaf (Chorus)
-0.21-24.95-20.316
2.7
Epilogue: In the Convent of Drontheim (Chorus)
-20.08-39.92-36.412
2.8
Epilogue: It Is Accepted (Soprano, Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
-6.87-31.86-27.615
2.9
Epilogue: Stronger Than Steel (Soprano, Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
-0.16-25.35-20.814
2.10
Scene 1: Within Sylene's walls no sound is heard
-4.71-29.85-24.615
2.11
Scene 1: The women of Sylene rend their hair
-12.18-36.44-32.812
2.12
Scene 1: Forth from the palace, beautiful as day
-5.52-27.72-23.513
2.13
Scene 1: O calm your hearts
-3.33-27.93-24.114
2.14
Scene 2: Without a fear beside the dragon's tarn
-4.73-31.75-26.715
2.15
Scene 2: Hark! 'tis the ringing hoof of steed
-2.57-23.68-20.414
2.16
Scene 2: Loud cry the people
-0.24-22.60-18.714
2.17
Epilogue: It comes from the misty ages
-0.25-22.21-18.813

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