Harmonic Chorale concert

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32458, 19 November 1970, Page 18

Harmonic Chorale concert

The Harmonic Chorale was conducted by Dr Paul Steinetz, of London, in a concert of eighteenth century music in Christchurch Cathedral last evening. Dr Steinetz has a distinguished reputation as an interpreter of music of this period. Heather Taylor, soprano, Anthea Moller, contralto, Ross Mayhew, tenor, and Grant Dickson, bass, were the soloists and the Civic Orchestra was led by Mr Louis Yffer. Mr William Hawkey and Miss Nan Anderson played the electronic organ and the harpsichord respectively. The programme began with J. S. Bach’s setting in Dof the Magnificat, for chorus, soloists, orchestra, and organ. This work began with a joyous outburst from the orchestra, setting an arresting atmosphere. The choir generally found some difficulty in making full impact in the first chorus where the orchestral part is heavy and is reinforced with brilliant trumpet writing. Mrs Heather Taylor’s clear and well-carrying voice was beautifully suited in timbre and power to “Et Exultavit” and “Quia respexit.” Her tone rang out effortlessly and clearly. The chorus “Omnes Generationes” had an effective and confident solidity, and Mr Grant Dickson’s resonant singing of “Quia Fecit” was tellingly effective against charming accompaniment from organ and bass strings. Mr Ross Mayhew’s tenor voice had a compelling vibrancy and rich quality and his solo work showed stylish understanding; and Mrs Moller’s singing had dramatic impact in well-rounded tone and expressive control with excellent clarity. The chorus "Suscepit Israel,” sung by the women of the choir, had a charmingly ethereal effect and the work was rounded off with strong singing of the Gloria. The orchestra played with splendid finesse, especially m accompanying the soloists. Some lovely effects were heard from small groups of instruments, and Mr Hawkey’s playing of the organ was nicely calculated to give the requisite unobstrusive support

The string orchestra gave a highly enjoyable performance of Handel’s' Concerto Grosso in C minor, Op. 6, No. 8. There was good balance and blending of tone which had bright sheen and expressive flexibility. The phrasing was moulded with stylish poise and the changing levels and timbres always held the closest and most appreciative attention. The concert ended with Mozart’s “Coronation” Mass in C major. There were excellent expressive shadings in the Kyrie and rich ensemble effects from the choir, orchestra and quartet of soloists in the Gloria. The Credo was dramatic and was per-

: formed with elan, and the Sanctus, though short, had i challenge and sonorious dignity. The quartet blended richly :in the Benedictus and Mrs Taylor sang the Agnus Dei with splendidly chosen tonal qualities; and with the quartet and chorus joining in the “Dona Nobis” the work aiid the delightful concert came to a joyous end. The orchestra played magnificently in the Mass. Dr Steinetz had a mastery of nuance, rhythm, phrasing, precision and expression in all his directions to his colleagues and they rose splendidly to all that he had to give.—C.F.B. ’