This afternoon, the RWC Chorale presented their spring concert along with the RWC Women's Choir. What a delightful afternoon of joyous music. I was so impressed with the Women's Choir. They sang from memory - kudos to them. It was a delightful program with a wide variety of styles and genres. From the very first sounds of Alice Parker’s piece to
the final beat of Greg Gilpen’s they presented a mature sounding,
engaging, enjoyable musical feast. My heart soared with the Alleluia, despite
the Lenten taboo, and rocked cozily with the Dobrú Noc (a favorite of mine for
some long time, though I have not heard this particular setting). I could
almost smell the rose in Juneau’s setting, and I certainly felt the peace of
Agnus Dei.
This was followed by the Chorale. Under their new director, Dr. Spillane, I was delighted to encounter so many of my favorites – Byrd and Bach especially (how appropriate for this season of the Church
year!) and Mozart, which was shimmering (what else can one do with Mozart?). I
always appreciate hearing Lauridsen settings.
Such soul-satisfying music. I know that just as I
thoroughly enjoy hearing pieces I have come to know intimately (having either
sung or conducted them), these students too will find that these works will continue to live
and breathe for them, bringing joy for many years to come. Every hearing
of a familiar piece touches the heart and plays the memory’s strings. And sometimes, if they are
as fortunate as I am, they will have an afternoon such as today that touches the soul
as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment