OUT AND ABOUT: No Gore Please We’re British

4 April 2004, 7.30pm

Barbican Hall, London

ELGAR: The Apostles

LSO, Richard Hickox, conductor 

John Mark Ainsley, St John 

Alastair Miles, Judas 

Alice Coote, Mary Magdalene

Claire Rutter, Blessed Virgin/Angel 

Teddy Tahu Rhodes, St Peter 

James Rutherford, Jesus (Brian)

London Symphony Chorus


Several years ago in Chicago, Sara and I dropped in to hear the CSO even though we didn’t know the piece, Elgar’s FALSTAFF. I’m no big Barenboim fan, but it was an INCREDIBLE evening of music: he conducted without a score, which is dicey no matter how brilliant you are, and it was some of the most passionate and effective music-making I’d ever heard. We sat right on top of the orchestra, and it brought me a whole new appreciation of Elgar. One of those composers who, when done right, can be surpassing; done with only slightly less skill, seems somewhat lacking. So a new credo was born: never miss a chance to hear an Elgar piece live no matter how obscure — even if it means singers.


Last night at the Barbicon, situated conveniently near a tube station near my dorm, I heard THE APOSTLES, and consider it my substitute for seeing THE PASSION. It was glorious. I don’t know the piece, I don’t recognize any of the singers, and pretty sure I’ve never heard Hickox on tape or live. I simply closed my eyes and drifted off to the kind of heaven Schubert usually promises. Place was buzzing as well, so I congratulate myself for figuring out which concert to catch on a night off research. And it recharged my melodic batteries for weeks to come. Off to Liddypewl.