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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: |
Rachmaninov Tavener |
Vespers (All night vigil) Svyati Chant Thunder entered her |
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Performers: |
Somerset Chamber Choir Andrew Kennedy Alison Kettlewell Naomi Williams Richard Pearce Graham Caldbeck |
Tenor Mezzo- Cello Organ Conductor |
Review:
How did you spend last Saturday evening? No barbecue or television for me. I was off to Wells cathedral...lured by bright sunshine and a mouthwatering programme of music performed by the Somerset Chamber Choir, I took my place in one of the most memorable venues in the west.
As usual there was not an empty seat in the building. The choir's reputation for unalloyed excellence is legendary and John Tavener's 'Thunder entered her' proved once again that this most difficult score held few terrors. Tavener's compositions have the ability to reveal glimpses of the very stuff of life and we were soon to be drawn closer to this vision.
Cellist Naomi Williams assisted the process with Tavener's' Chant', the thread of melody subtly invading our senses and preparing us for 'Svyati', my choice of the evening. At times the choral contribution floated like clouds in the distance above the cello solo, the changing textures resolving into spiritual assertions of life and truth. In such magical surroundings the impact was undeniably powerful and deeply satisfying.
On to the Rachmaninov Vespers and music able to rouse once again that feeling of awe and wonder but often through complex choral magnificence rather than Tavener's hints of mysticism. Never for a moment was this performance ever less than outstanding. Once I might have liked a little more power in the bass line but this is the real world and those legendary Russian basses aren't that common in Somerset! Suffice it to say that I was unaware of time passing and the many glories enshrined within this score could not have been revealed more persuasively. Simply marvellous and a strong contender for my concert of the year! Perhaps I'll have the barbecue next week!
Philip Knighton
Saturday 2 August 2003
Wells Cathedral
Rachmaninov Vespers
