Review of recent concerts

Mirror of Perfection (June 2000)

quartet.jpg (16449 bytes) For their final Concert of the Season at Reigate URC, the Society chose two contrasting yet complementary pieces, scored for chorus and orchestra and with soprano and baritone Soloists.

Richard Blackford's Cantata Mirror of Perfection is a setting of text by St Francis of Assisi and explores the Franciscan ideals of poverty, and obedient service as well as his overwhelming delight in the natural world.

Richard Blackford was present at the Concert and gave a short talk about the piece. Written in 1996 during the Bosnian conflict, Mirror of Perfection presents the Franciscan message directly to its listener in a passionate and intense way.

Under Peter Farrant's dynamic direction, the Choir sang with considerable style and enthusiasm. Their pleasure in this piece was evident and they sang with a real commitment. The Canticle of the Furnace with its rhythmic changes was powerfully performed, and Part VII, the Canticle of Peace, was especially moving as the richness of the musical texture unfolded.

Particular praise must go to the Baritone, William Berger, who sang with style and commitment. He has a warm rich sonorous sound, which will undoubtedly develop further with time. The Soprano, Tracie Penwarden, has a lovely clear voice, but a more animated performance would have brought her solos much more to life. This was particularly the case when she later sang Pie Jesu in FaurÈ's Requiem.

The second half offered FaurÈ's Requiem. The Choir gave a very good account of it, again singing with conviction. In this and the Blackford the Choir was well able to realise the full dynamic range required. There were some thrilling moments particularly in the Libera me where the sustained unison pianissimo was extremely powerful.

The Choir was accompanied by their own Orchestra in both pieces. Occasionally, the balance was slightly out with the Orchestra becoming a little too loud. For the Fauré they were joined by Charles Thompson on the Organ, who accompanied the Choir with the sensitivity demanded of this piece. Orchestral Leader Andrew Laing also provided a beautifully realised Violin Solo to accompany the Sanctus.

This was an excellent evening of well-performed Choral Music. The audience was moved and uplifted by the performance.

Charlotte Dee
Surrey Mirror, 'Inside Out', 13 June 2000

For further information: call 01737 772811 or email info@rrcs.org.uk
	Reigate & Redhill Choral Society is affiliated to Making Music: The National Federation of Music Societies and gratefully acknowledges support received from the Borough of Reigate & Banstead Arts Council. Registered Charity No 280195

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