Elgar: The Apostles, Op. 49

Inspiration for The Apostles came at an early age for Elgar who, as a child, was fascinated to learn about Christ’s disciples, ordinary men who witness the most extraordinary events. A commission from the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival gave him the opportunity to explore this theme and in 1903 Elgar wrote The Apostles, the first in a planned trilogy of works depicting the lives of Jesus’ disciples (the third, intended to follow The Kingdom, never materialised). A narrative work, it deals with the calling of the disciples and their experiences of Jesus’ preaching, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. An expansive oratorio, The Apostles calls for six soloists, lavish orchestration, and large chorus. Although often overshadowed by The Dream of Gerontius, written shortly before, it contains some of Elgar’s most inspired music, particularly in the dramatic portrayal of Judas and in the exalted, moving finale. Richard Hickox, a true champion of British music, condu