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www.somersetchamberchoir.org.uk © 2011 Somerset Chamber Choir Registered Charity No.1003687
Patrons: Dame Emma Kirkby and Sir David Willcocks
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Works: |
Britten Walton Plus works by: Bennett Caldbeck Dove Gardner Howells Jack Joubert Leighton Mathias Rutter |
A Ceremony of carols Four carols
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Performers: |
Somerset Chamber Choir Sally Pryce Margaret Philips Graham Caldbeck |
Harp Organ Conductor |
Review:
Few things can sustain that seasonal magic better than appropriate music in atmospheric surroundings and just such a scenario could be found at King’s College Chapel.
I have always liked the chapel's austere interior and fine acoustic. Performers do too and Somerset Chamber Choir's programme made the best possible use of the building's quality with an inspirational selection of British festive music from the last 80 years.
With Britten's Ceremony of Carols as the centrepiece and including music by Walton, Rutter, Mathias, Joubert, Howells, Leighton and more, the mixture was guaranteed to please, perfectly striking the balance between the exuberance of Christ's welcome and the mysticism of his coming. I have remarked before on the choir's unremitting excellence and so it came as no surprise to see that standard maintained.
Intelligent programming ensured we were never content to just revel in the sound but had always to explore new harmonies and dimensions through the variety of composers on offer.
Conductor Graham Caldbeck was also represented on that roster of composers and accompaniment was provided by two fine musicians: Sally Pryce on harp and Margaret Phillips at the organ. Sally's presence on stage could never be ignored and there was total silence during her two solos: the interlude in Britten's Ceremony of Carols and the Handel Prelude and Toccata in C minor. Margaret's organ solos contrasted music by Pachelbel and Garth Edmondson based on the same theme but separated by 300 years, a rewarding experience for all.
Such a diverse collection of goodies can cause a lack of coherence but not here and I departed secure in the knowledge that this had been a truly worthwhile afternoon in all respects.
Philip Knighton
Sunday 29 December 2002
‘All this time’
King’s College Chapel, Taunton
