UNIVERSITY RECITAL

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30793, 3 July 1965, Page 22

UNIVERSITY RECITAL

Mass In G Minor The University of Canterbury Madrigal Singers gave a performance of Vaughan Wil'iams’s Mass in G minor in the University Hall. Mr Brian Barrett conducted and drew from his singers sensitive response in the finer points of tone, phrasing, and expression which brought out the mystical atmosphere of the music. This work was of significance in the evolution of church music in this century and is an excellent model of what is suitable liturgically, in length, in atmosphere, and in style. The Kyrie began softly and mysteriously with intense appeal. The quartet in the Christe Eleison did not achieve quite the desired blend of tone. The movement ended with controlled pianissimo. The Gloria was interesting for its antiphonal effects of contrasted soft and tenuous music and strongly affirmative singing. Mystery and appeal were cleverly brought out in the Qui toilis section and the ending was blaringly triumphant. Strong confidence marked the opening of the Credo with a lovely falling sound at “descends de coelis.” The “et incamatus” was sung with movingly beautiful tenderness. Some highly effective singing by the quartet was followed by a powerful ending by the full choir. The Sanctus began ethereally with well-controlled soft tone, and the Benedictus had searchingly beautiful appeal. The Agnus Dei was sung with immaculate refinement which brought out the verified at mosphere.

Mr Barrett and his singers are to be congratulated on their performance and upon their careful preparation for it Heather Taylor, Nancy Russell, Anson Austin, and Rodney Macann were the soloists.