St Cecilia’s double bill

Press, 23 November 1981, Page 6

St Cecilia’s double bill

“Ode to St Cecilia’s Day” by Purcell and Handel. Jubilate Singers, with -the. Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martin Setchell with soloists; performed at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, November 21. Reviewed by Allan Francis. With two such widely varying views of the same subject it was impossible not to draw some very notable comparisons between the quality of each composers musical thoughts, the low-, key delicacy of Purcell as against the inventive genius of Handel at his superlative best.. Whereas Purcell wove an imaginative triumph of adu; lation round allv sub-standard doggerel with great flain HandeJ posed a mighty statement in

which he expected much from two soloists, as against two counter-tenors, tenor, two basses, and a soprano employed by Purcell.* * Dinah Allison as a suitably “straight” soprano filled this role perfectly, while the counter-tenors, Barry Brinson and Paul Barrett and the basses, James Baines and Richard Cooper, plus the tenor. Alex Bartie, stated Purcell's case with distinction. The impressive choral contribution by the Jubilate Singers—alas,- too seldom used—added considerable strength to Purcell’s delightfully vague discourse on the merits of his musical instruments and lustre to the final “Hail! bright Cecilia."' Handel’s Ode was based on far superior * material . by ■John Dryden and from the outset it was apparent that

here was a more solid contribution in honour of the occasion. More like a miniature “Messiah,” the work opened with purpose which never flagged right through to the stirring “As From the Power Lays” in the exultant conclusion. ' * ‘ ’

Thrilling solos by Jillian Bartram (soprano) and Franz : Kney (tenor) assured the complete success of the work, both singers carrying out their difficult assignments as if to the manner born. It was sparkling performance by orchestra and chorus alike with perhaps the brilliant piece. "The Trumpet’s Loud Clangour." epitomising a vital composition. Comparisons, therefore, would not be in' order,' as each'were so' totally opposed* blit never lacking in interest.