Music

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir presents Messiah at the Guildhall (review)

14th December 2009

Premiership managers are often in a dilemma as to who to leave on the bench.

Performances of Messiah can create a similar problem as invariably something needs to be omitted, to avoid a late finish, and something even Handel did. The art, in both instances, is to field your best team.

Tenor David Webb certainly deserved his place, singing with much expression, clear diction, unfussy ornamentation and the right tonal quality for the role.

It therefore seemed bizarre that a good deal of his contribution from Part Two was cut - particularly when he was back singing in his home town.

On the other hand mezzo-soprano Louise Mott had an additional aria, which is sometimes not included, and she emerged the weakest soloist.

Despite the very occasional pitch problem, Louise Merrifield (soprano) sang with overall clarity, making an effective contribution in both recitative and aria.

John Hobbs proved a commanding bass soloist, with the ability to engage his listeners in fine declamatory manner, even if the vibrato was felt excessive at times.

The orchestra, led by Malcolm Latchem, accompanied sympathetically throughout, forceful when required, but without overpowering the voices.

Again, conductor Christopher Fletcher had drilled his singers to perfection and although the men, particularly basses, appeared somewhat depleted on the night, this didn’t detract from a most enjoyable performance, which thoroughly pleased the packed audience.

PHILIP R BUTTALL

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