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LEICESTER MERCURY 26/04/10
Verdi Requiem, conducted by Keith Smith DE MONTFORT HALL, LEICESTER
Review by Peter Collett
Raw power of Verdi's Requiem Leicester connections abounded in this performance of Verdi's Requiem. The city's two oldest musical institutions, the Leicester Symphony Orchestra and the Leicester Philharmonic choir joined forces under the baton of Leicester-born Keith Smith. More usually associated with Opera, Verdi allows that medium to influence his requiem, but this powerful work is a far cry from grand opera, its religious themes strongly in evidence in the nature of the music. The opening Requiem and Kyrie were exquisitely quiet and clear. The Dies Irae that followed was almost terrifying, full of raw power from choir and orchestra. I was particularly impressed by the shimmering strings and the imaginative and effective touch of using trumpeters on the balconies at the side of the stage. Soloists Denise Leigh (soprano) and Amy Payne (mezzo-soprano) complemented each other beautifully, while the quiet but honeyed tones of tenor Philip Cartwright contrasted with the authoritative bass of Sion Goronwy. A shaky start to the Offertorium soon found its way to a beautifully liquid tenor solo, accompanied by the most delicate of strings. The choir made a clear, transparent start to the Sanctus, ending it in a swirling frenzy which was one of their finest moments. The Libera Me seemed to bring one exquisite moment after another, the choir in particular were on excellent form during the quiet passages. An impressive performance by all.
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