Music
Plymouth Philharmonic Choir at the Guildhall (review)
22nd March 2010It’s always good to see a sell-out and Plymouth Philharmonic Choir certainly deserved this, and their subsequent ovation from the packed Guildhall.
It was, of course, a popular programme featuring two works from the classical period, and probably one of the best-loved settings of the Requiem, but it was clear that a lot of hard work and thought had gone into the performance, especially Mozart’s Requiem which, like any frequently-sung piece, always needs to sound fresh each time.
Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass proved a good opener, allowing choir, soloists and orchestra, led by Mary Eade, time to settle into a strongly-shaped reading which finely mirrored Haydn’s attitude to religious music – praising God doesn’t always imply sombre and reflective writing.
Paradoxically the choir, under conductor, Christopher Fletcher, really seemed to come to life in the Requiem.
Visually there were less signs of stress, and the whole performance flowed seamlessly by, with the singers giving their all to the performance.
Catherine Hamilton (soprano) emerged in a class of her own, soaring effortlessly to her top notes, whilst appearing equally controlled at the softest dynamic.
Mezzo-soprano, Louise Mott projected less well, whilst Richard Rowntree (tenor) never suffered from lack of volume, even if this occasionally added a slight edge to the voice.
Bass, Nicholas Merryweather, really needed an overall richer bottom register, and especially for his famous Tuba Mirum.
PHILIP R BUTTALL
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