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LEICESTER MERCURY 30/03/03 LEICESTER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, BACH - ST JOHN PASSION
DE MONTFORT HALL, SAT REVIEW by NEIL CRUTCHLEY Tribute performance well balanced and energetic This performance of the St John Passion was dedicated to the memory of Muriel Pickering, a former chairman and vice president of the "Phil". It was a worthy tribute that deserved a larger audience and saw the choir on good form, giving a supple, well-balanced response to conductor Hilary Davan Wetton's energetic direction. There was plenty of colour and expression. Wetton kept the music moving and after a fairly restrained start, built up the emotion of this great narrative with impressive effect. The chorales were especially beautiful and the playing of the celebrated Hanover Band added period style. Outstanding among the soloists were the Evangelist, Neil Mackie (tenor), Pilate, Roderick Williams (baritone) and bass, Owen Gilhooly (Christus). Mackie's impeccable diction, musical insight and clear, almost bell-like tone meant that every word was audible and interpreted with great feeling. Williams' rich baritone gave Pilate noble authority and his arias, Haste Poor Souls and My Lord and Saviour, both sung with the choir, and in the latter an Exquisite cello obligato, were two of the high points. |
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