The Dream of Gerontius (Elgar)

PART 1

Gerontius (tenor) is an old man on his deathbed. He sings of his thoughts and feelings, interrupted three times by the voices of his friends and family praying by his bedside. After the words "novissima hora est" he dies.  

The priest (bass), accompanied by Gerontius' friends and family, says prayers to send the soul on its journey.

PART 2

The Soul of Gerontius sings of how he feels now he is released. An Angel (mezzo-soprano) comes to take him to Heaven. After a dialogue, they reach the judgement court, where the demons assemble to claim souls destined for Hell. 

After the sounds of the demons fade into the distance, the soul asks if he will see God, and is told that he will, just for a moment. 

Now Angelicals are heard singing praise. The Soul and the Angel pass through the gate to the house of judgement. The Angelicals are louder now, singing of glory.

Finally the Soul and the Angel pass the threshold into Heaven, and the full Angelical choir bursts out in a lengthy hymn of praise. 

The Angel brings the Soul near the Throne to meet the Angel of the Agony (bass), who pleads with God on behalf of tormented souls. 

As the Soul approaches God he can hear the voices of the people of Earth still praying for him. The Angel introduces God with the words "Praise to his Name!" Shortly afterwards we hear the Soul slowly, inexorably approaching God. In one blinding flash the Soul gets a momentary glimpse of God. 

Afterwards, he is dejected at the knowledge that he will not see God again, and asks the Angel to take him away. We hear the souls singing in Purgatory as the Angel takes the Soul there and leaves him for his night of trial, promising to return for him later. As she leaves, we hear the Angelicals again in the distance.