'MUSICA Britannica, said the programme- a concise title for a wide ranging selection of delectable goodies given by Somerset Chamber Choir at Kings College chapel on Sunday.
Here was the perfect example of intelligent programme planning for both choir and audience. Byrd, Tomkins and Purcell allowed everyone to enjoy some fine singing yet also gave the choir time to achieve peak performance as the evening progressed.
On to John Taverner's 'Song for Athene', a glorious setting gloriously sung. I was more than envious for the chance to make such satisfying sounds. Likewise in Herbert Howell's poignant Requiem the clarity and attention to detail so long associated with this choir made the performance something out of the ordinary.
After the interval the best got better as 'Rejoice in the Lamb' reminded me just how concise and rewarding Britten can be. The ensuing motets by Stanford were outstanding in every way with thrilling sounds ideally placed to rack up the excitement a few notches prior to the Walton antiphon, 'Let all the World in Every Corner Sing', and that final and absolutely irresistible old chestnut, 'I Was Glad', courtesy of Sir Hubert Parry.
Organist Richard Pearce added his usual genius to the proceedings with solos by Elgar and Stanley- a very good time was had by all. This gives me an idea for the perfect millennium concert: would Graham Caldbeck organise a concert spanning midnight on that fateful day? If so, just let me know!
PHILIP KNIGHTON