Synopsis

"This is the best of me," Elgar penned at the conclusion of his score, and despite a calamitous debut in 1900, his setting of Newman's poem is now widely considered one of the composer's most accomplished works. During the intermission, James Hamilton Paterson, author of the novel *Gerontius*, shares his enduring fascination with this enigmatic composer. Tonight’s concert from the Royal Albert Hall, London, marking the commencement of the 97th season of Promenade Concerts, is held in the presenc