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Article from Henley Standard, 20th May 2005
SONGS OF ROSES WERE DELIGHTFUL
Last Saturday Goring Chamber Choir presented
Chansons des Roses at St Mary's Church, Streatley; an enchanting
concert with the theme of roses intertwined with thoughts of spring and
love.
Under the inspired musical direction of
Frances Brewitt-Taylor, the concert opened with a selection of three
pieces from the Chansons des Roses series — composed by Morten Lauridsen
to the poems of Rainier Maria Rilke (1875-1926).
The words describe the delicate beauty and
sensuousness of the rose, which is reflected in the lilting harmonies. The
sound was graceful and controlled. The second cycle, La rose complète
proved a little challenging, but was followed by Dirait-on, a
swelling, rhythmical setting, when the voices blended beautifully.
In Ravenscroft's In the merry spring
the choir split to form two choirs and related the amusing dialogue
between a shepherd and his lady. The first half finished with arrangements
by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and John Ireland exhibited the choir's balance
and control most effectively.
Janet Pound accompanied the choir, and opened
the second half with two piano pieces, capturing the magic of the moment.
To a wild rose (MacDowell) and To spring (Greig) were played
with such feeling one could almost feel the gentle spring breeze.
The choir continued with a pleasant selection
of pieces by Roger Quilter, Britten and Finzi and concluded the concert
with Trois Chansons by Debussy. The choral programme was
interspersed with a selection of solos and amusing readings by members of
the choir. All deserve credit, but of particular merit was in Quant
j'ai ouy le tabourin by Debussy, where the voice of Mary Rollinson
rose hauntingly over the harmonies of the choir, capturing the spirit of
the concert.
The programme was carefully presented with a
balance of familiar songs and an interesting introduction to less familiar
pieces. It left one feeling calm, and wistfully looking forward to the
roses this spring!
Rebecca Russell
Article from Henley Standard, 6th May 2005
MUSIC TO SUIT THE TIME OF YEAR
Goring Chamber Choir's spring concert, Chansons des Roses, takes place in St. Mary's Church,
Streatley, on Saturday,
May 14th, starting at 7.30 p.m.
Three songs by the Canadian composer Morten Lauridsen entitled Chansons des Roses will open the
evening.
The programme of music that follows has been specially
chosen for this time of year by the choir's musical director, Frances
Brewitt-Taylor, and includes music by Byrd, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and
Britten.
The choir's music will be interspersed with
readings, vocal solos, and piano music from the choir's
accompanist, Janet Pound.
And the evening will conclude with more French
songs, the
Trois Chansons by Debussy followed by refreshments in
the
Morrell Room.
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