Polished concert

Press, 19 June 1979, Page 7

Polished concert

By C. Foster Browne A concert marked by high polish* and refinement of performance was given on Sunday iftemoon in St Alban’s Methodist Church by the University Singers and Orchestra, conducted by Heath Lees. It began with Bach’s cantata, “Wachet Auf This is one of his best known. cantatas, whose fourth, movement is an orchestral and choral work familiarly known in its form as an organ chorale prelude. The plaving of the orchestra. led'with distinction by Chloe Moon, was admirable and vital, cohesive and with well blended tonal shadings. In support to the choir and in accompanimental subtleties their playing was of very high standard. The choir, the sopranos and altos in - particular, produced excellent tone’ Of fine quality, eave firmness- of attack and f o r w a r d-movmg rhythm, 'pheir . words were not always clear.

Patricia Middleton, Franz Kney, and Martin Thomas were the soloists and created the joyful atmosphere of the cantata splem didly and sang with .effective phrasing and clean, melodic lines. Their work, as well as that of the chorus and orchestra, was based on fine and careful musicianship. Heath Lees showed that in him we have a conductor of stylish distinction whose work shows authority and meticulous preparation of detail. He got a unanimous response from all his forces in delicate matters of tonal blend and of exactly how much sound should be given at any particular moment. All this was patterned so exactly in “Music’s Praise,” a delightful work not heard here before. The words have been gathered from apt sources and the work . ends with Herrick’s "To Music," a poem of melting loveliness. The composer, Michael Hurd, was very well served indeed by this beautiful performance.