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LEICESTER MERCURY 27/11/00
LEICESTER
PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, MESSIAH, DE MONTFORT HALL, SAT 25 NOV REVIEW byJOYCE PARKIN
Last
Saturday saw the traditional annual performance of Handel’s Messiah by the
Leicester Philharmonic Choir.
On
this occasion they were accompanied by the Manchester Camerata, an excellent
orchestra. The very able conductor was Andrew Greenwood and superb soloists were
Gillian Flinter (soprano), Susannah Self (contralto), Ivan Sharpe (tenor) and
Jeremy White (bass).
Messiah
was not a success on its first appearance in Dublin, sacred music sung in a
theatre not being appreciated by the people, but of course it is now a
favourite.
In
1788 Mozart was commissioned to arrange this work and his was the version chosen
for this year’s performance, and a wonderful account it proved to be.
Beginning
with a delicate interpretation of the Overture, the whole work was given a
lively and light treatment and the soloists added to this mood.
The
Philharmonic is now a much improved choir providing fine ensemble and great
flexibility. It gives a well balanced sound, although inevitably the men are
still fewer in number. Entries were precise and there was great range of
dynamics with some very fine piano (c) singing.
This
proved to be a delightful experience setting the atmosphere for Christmas. |
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