|
Cantemus at SS. Peter & Paul, Gosberton on 20th May 2009 A Review by Mike Callaghan
|
||||
| We were rewarded
with a varied concert by this highly professional and entertaining
choral group, plus extras from the violin and guitar of David Malkin and
Charlie Pell. Four of our villagers are participants, not least Eric
Wayman, their conductor, director and probable inspiration. The chosen programme proved an excellent demonstration of the varied talents of this 'a capella' group, ranging through a variety of musical genres, styles and tastes. Delivered not only with technical aplomb, but also enthusiasm and enjoyment. This was music making of the highest quality, which was recognised by an enthusiastic audience. From the opening item - Mendelssohn's setting of the 43rd Psalm, Richte mich, Gott, (Do me justice, God) Opus 78, No. 2, one of three German language psalms that Mendelssohn wrote, here was evidence of feeling and masterfully crafted, choral music. Rachmaninov's Bogorodirsye Dyevo - Ave Maria from his Vespers Op.37 - was rendered with moving eloquence and sincerity. Bruckner who was known as the 'Master builder of cathedrals in sound', wrote over thirty choral motets, of which Os justi, a gradule, written for the dedication of a chapel at Linz cathedral, provided simple but spare delight. Poulenc's O magnum mysterium one of four Christmas motets, written in 1952, moved the senses, in its exquisite contrapuntal harmonies. The secular parts of the programme, included a song by Saint-Saëns op.68 No.2, Les fleurs et les arbres (The flowers and the trees), and Debussy's delightful setting of When I heard the tambourine call us to go a maying, a poem written by the Duc d'Orleans (1394-1465). But more was to follow, including fascinating and virtuostic string playing by David Malkin and Charlie Pell - and some superb rendering of old favourites - Night and Day by Cole Porter. Shenandoah, arranged by John Charlesworth, Cry me a river by Arthur Hamilton, The Bare Necessities by Terry Gilkyson, Cape Cod Shanty by Alan Paynes. Quality diction, crisp, clean sound epitomised delightful choral singing. |
||||