Daily Archives: 27 August, 2019

Londinium: Time and Tide

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ChristChurch, St.Leonards-on-sea, Saturday 24th August

Never have August Bank Holiday visitors been more welcome than ‘Londinium’.  This choir’s presentation of a capella singing was as well, if not more, received than this weekends’ sunshine. The large audience had a very entertaining, interesting and enjoyable evening.

The choir’s repertoire was far reaching, innovative and exciting.  We had a wide variety of pieces from a wide variety of composers, Stanford, Grieg, Holst, Rheinberger, Ireland, Chilcott, Chatman, Vaughan-Willaims, Campion, Brahms, Gabrieli and Purcell.  There was something there for everybody.  We ranged from Sea Shanties by Holst to Rheinberger’s Mass in E flat and in between the humour of Clocks by Stephen Chatman, the romance of Lasso, amor transporta by Gabrieli  and the charm of Vaughan-Williams Shakespeare songs.  It was a superb evening.

We also heard a variety of languages; Latin, German and Italian which, as well as the English, were clearly enunciated.

The 38 member choir’s singing was balanced, distinct, harmonious, controlled and enchanting.  It is a strong body, well conducted and controlled, each part complimenting the other.  The Ave Maria by Holst was particularly well executed by the upper voices.  Using a Soprano Soloist for the first verse of Fairest Isle by Purcell (arranged by Andrew Griffith) was a magical moment. Thank you.  Oh, and there were some lovely bass and tenor voices too.

It was perceivable that the conducting of Andrew Griffith was both light and exacting. His relationship with his voices was obviously one that demanded, within the bond of friendship, respect and loyalty. And the choir did just that. It was beautiful to watch and hear.  His dress gave one the impression that he has an aspiration to become a clergyman. He would probably do very well.  If his ministry were to become half as good as his musical direction his churches would be full.

But overall, thank you for a choir that clearly, clearly looked like it was enjoying itself. Smiling, satisfied, pleasant faces. Thank you.

Rev Bernard Crosby

 

Prom 47

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Royal Albert Hall    23rd August 2019

This Prom highlighted various musical connections between Bruckner and the organ. Not only was he a keen organist but he specifically gave recitals at both the Royal Albert Hall and the Gewandhaus. The music of Bach was very important to him.

The first section of the programme was given over to a short Bach recital performed by the current Gewandhaus organist, Michael Schonheit. The opening Fantasia in G minor was a stirring introduction to the evening. A transcription of Cantata No 147, popularly known as  Jesu, joy of man’s desiring, followed. Although undoubtedly well-received by a large number of people in the hall some listeners may have detected some unevenness in this performance, compared to the clean and controlled opening Fantasia. The remainder of this recital was taken up by a magisterial rendition of Prelude & Fugue in E flat major (St Anne). Michael Schonheit here chose to insert the chorale prelude, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme in between the two movements, reflecting the layout of Bach’s publication. I would have preferred a slightly slower tempo for this, but that is just personal taste.

The selection of these familiar pieces provided a good overview of Bach’s organ writing, with contrasting styles and registration. I spoke to a number of people in the interval who had really enjoyed the programme.

The bulk of the evening was given over to Bruckner’s own revised version of Symphony 8 in C minor. This gargantuan piece has four movements. Everything is on a grand scale and the piece lasts around 80 minutes. From the outset the Gewandhaus Orchestra gave a totally committed performance, whether playing furiously at full volume or producing the most focused delicate timbres. Andris Nelsons has placed an emphasis on Bruckner’s music since taking up his role with the orchestra and it was clear that he was totally in command.

The reasoning behind this evening’s programme was very interesting but I can’t help feeling some disappointment that the opportunity wasn’t taken to include a work for the combined forces of this excellent organist and orchestra.

Stephen Page