Conducted by Rowan
Harvey-Martin
Organist: Anthony
Smith
St Paul’s Anglican
Church Manuka
Reviewed by Len Power
7 April 2018
Just prior to flying off to Spain, the Llewellyn Choir
presented a concert with the works they will be performing in Madrid, Salamanca,
Cordoba and Barcelona.
Judging by their performance of Luigi Cherubini's Requiem
Mass in C minor and Louis Vierne's Messe Solonelle they should make quite an
impression with audiences in Spain. They
certainly impressed the audience at their Manuka concert.
Cherubini’s Requiem Mass, the most frequently heard of his
works, was written in 1816 to honour the anniversary of the death of King Louis
XVII and Marie Antoinette in 1793. It is
sung only by chorus – there are no soloists.
The choir gave a stirring performance of this dramatic
work. Their fine singing of the
Introduction and Kyrie set the atmosphere for the rest of the work. In the lengthy Dies Irae the music ranges from
quiet reflection to high drama and the choir sang it very well. They were particularly impressive in the
quiet passages, maintaining tight control at all times. The sombre ending of the work was especially
well sung.
Louis Vierne’s Messe Solonelle premiered in Paris in 1901. Set for chorus and organ, it’s a fascinating
work with moments of high drama contrasting with ethereal, introspective
sections. It was a good showcase for the
choir’s abilities. From the exciting
Kyrie at the start of the work, the choir showed a confidence that was
maintained through the rest of the contrasting sections of the work. There was a great sense of joy in their
singing of the Gloria and their heartfelt Agnus Dei with its final message of
peace was especially moving.
 |
| Rowan Harvey-Martin |
Conductor, Rowan Harvey-Martin has done excellent work with
the choir with both works, not only technically but with the emotional depth
that the choir achieved. Organist,
Anthony Smith, did a fine job accompanying the choir in both works.
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 8 April.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm.