Polished chorale, organ recital

Press, 27 May 1978, Page 6

Polished chorale, organ recital

C. FOSTER BROWNE

By

- The Harmonic Chorale, conducted by David Childs, with Patricia Middleton as soprano soloist, gave a pol- ■ ished and enjoyable recital in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament last > evening. The programme began with : the Harmonic Chorale sing-'; ing two motets by Peter Philips, “Ascendit Deus,” i and “Contantibus Organis.” i These joyous motets were ! sung with clarity of partsinging. A slightly faster tempo would have brought , out their essential excite- ; ment more strongly. : “O Magnum Mysterium” : was sung with lovely blending of voices bringing out its i mystical charm beautifully. ; “Cantate Domino” by Hein- : rich Schutz was an accom- i panied motet with driving i and forceful spirit, excel- I lently brought out in performance. David Childs played four chorale preludes from the Orgelbuchlein, and the choir sang each chorale before the; prelude was played. Style, and meticulous clarity! marked both singing and the:, playing. The spirit of each, composition came brightly to' life. Mr Childs showed sensi-.

live appreciation of style and! excellent clarity of touch and of registration in his organ playing. Two Spanish pieces which began the programme) were contrasted with vary-, ing niceties, and with piquant i colourings: A Trumpet Volun-I tary by John Travers and) some delightful Variations on la Galliard by John Dowland.l by Samuel ..Scheidt, were) played with graceful and charming effect; and with Dietrich Buxtenhude’s Preludo and Fugue in A minor Mr Childs brought out the distinctive charms of this grand old organ, now so splendidly restored to its former glories. Bach’s Prelude and Fugne in C major was excellently played with shapely phrasing and clear articulation. The evening’s playing was the most satisfying I have so far heard on this organ. Patricia Middleton, who) sang two Bach arias and a) recitative, impressed deeply with the beauty of her voice and with the dramatic : vitality of her singing. “Es | ist Vollbracht,” from the cani tata “Wir gehen hmauf auf [Jerusalem,” is amongst the ) most deeply-moving of all arias he wrote. Mrs Middle- ) ton has the voice for it and 'sung it magnificently.