The Song Company
Eamonn Dougan, guest director
Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest June 8
Reviewed by Len Power
From indescribable bliss to unbearable torment, the romantic experience has created strong emotions that have long been explored in music and the arts. In the Song Company’s latest concert, the enduring power of love was traced against the four seasons of the year.
In a cleverly devised program, madrigals from the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods were juxtaposed with works by five British composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The early composers – Claudio Monteverdi, Carlo Gesualdo and Barbara Strozzi – were distinct figures whose works reflected the evolution and diversity of the madrigal tradition.
The differing styles of the five contemporary composers – Howard Skempton, Healey Willan, Jonathan Dove, Kim Porter and Bernard Hughes – added a broader expression of love’s emotions against the changing seasons of the year.
For Spring, there were songs of longing and courtship. Summer was represented by songs of passion and fulfillment. The songs of Autumn focussed on doubt and separation and Winter’s loss and mourning brought the program to an end.
Internationally acclaimed guest conductor and baritone, Eamonn Dougan, is renowned for his work with The Sixteen, I Fagiolini and Britten Sinfonia Voices. He is music director of the Thomas Tallis Society and Chief Conductor for Jersey Chamber Orchestra.
From left: Amy Moore (soprano), Susannah Lawergren (soprano), Eleanor Adeney (soprano), Tom Herring (bass), Tim Reynolds (tenor) and Eamonn Dougan (baritone and guest director)
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| The Song Company with Eamonn Dougan (2nd right) and Tommie Andersson (far right) on theorbo |
The differing styles of the songs on the same themes provided a fascinating contrast between the early and contemporary composers. There was powerful as well as sensitive singing by the whole group as well as smaller group and solo songs that showcased the individual fine voices of this company.
The choice of songs and composers, as well as the theme of the program and the excellent performances by the singers, made this a memorable and enjoyable experience.
This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 9 June 2025.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.
