An Easter Eve Recital at St. Mary's
THE WEATHER MAY HAVE BEEN MORE SUITED TO CHRISTMAS THAN EASTER, but it did not
prevent an appreciative audience enjoying the recital given by the Cambridge
Voices on Easter Saturday in St. Mary's, Swaffham Prior.
Directed by Ian de Massini with all his usual verve, the choir gave a performance full of the quality and sensitivity we have come to expect from these musicians. The programme contained examples of sacred music across the ages, from a plain chant setting and pieces by early masters such as Tallis and Allegri, to an arrangement of Bach by de Massini himself, 20th century works by Poulenc, Messiaen and others, as well as contributions from contemporary composers. Incidentally, the Bach arrangement was being given its first performance in Holy Week.
If the inescapable chill of the church affected the choir, immaculate in their evening dress, it was not evident in the singing: nor were de Massini's fingers frozen in his beautiful interpretation of Messiaen's haunting Chant d'extase. The use of spatial effect enhanced the elegance of the singing in some pieces where separate groups of voices were placed in different parts of the nave.
If I were to make a critical observation, the programme, particularly the first half, lacked contrast to some extent. The inclusion of a Negro spiritual and perhaps something from the repertoire of South American church music would have added a different sound dimension. Nonetheless, it was altogether a fine performance on what can be a sombre day in Passion Tide.