We were promised a musical treat and Choir18 did not disappoint.
From the opening of Monteverdi’s Cantate Domino to the final note of Turner’s Tequila Samba, the audience was thoroughly entertained with a selection of 12 pieces spanning five centuries of musical composition. Given that it was written at least four hundred years ago and for use in Christian worship, Cantate Domino may well have resounded from the walls of our beautiful and historic Church building in the past. Other songs were perhaps gracing our hallowed halls for the first time, but this seems entirely appropriate; Cantate Domino is the Latin translation of some of the words of Psalm 98 – the first line being, “Sing to the Lord a new song.”
In this short concert, there were plenty of new songs to accompany the old, and the selection showcased the ingenuity and creativity of centuries of composers. The repertoire included some beautiful traditional harmonies but also some complex arrangements where words were replaced with vocal noises. “Ooh”, “shhh” and “bom” sounds were imaginatively interposed alongside melody and counter-melody lines weaving a fascinating spell which entranced and delighted hearers.
Different members of the audience will have had their own favourites. One person spoke about the wonderful arrangement of Le Baylère from Chant d’Auvergne. Another went away having been deeply impressed with the choir’s rendition of Vincent Clark’s “Only You” (popularised by Yazoo and then the Flying Pickets). In fact, they complained – in jest – that they would be singing it for the rest of the day!
Once the music was finished, people stayed behind with friends, catching up and rejoicing together over the experience they had just shared. Tea and coffee (Fairtrade, of course) was served with scrumptious scones and couldn’t-resist cake. (Yes, I should probably have used the word, “irresistible” but I was looking for some alliteration!)
It was a wonderful afternoon. We are so grateful to the members of Choir18 for coming to entertain us again and we look forward in hope to the possibility of another similar event in the future. Check out the calendar for all of our events.
Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay
