Handel's Messiah - Saturday 3
December 2005
Review:
York
Musical Society and the Boyce Chamber Orchestra, Handel's Messiah,
York
Minster
by Sam Southgate
THE
Minster was a fitting setting for this superb performance of Handel's Messiah.
From
the first chorus it was clear that the ranks of the York Musical Society choir
and the Boyce Chamber Orchestra - conducted by Philip Moore - were in fine form.
Tenor
Mark Chaundy solidly led the four soloists, but soprano Lynne Dawson stole the
show with a superlative performance.
She
sang with conviction, energy and power, and her dazzling voice resonated through
the Minster's great nave long after she hit the highest notes.
Bass
soloist Howard Reddy and alto Tim Mead performed ably, but did not wow the
audience in the same way.
At
times the choir, and especially the soprano and contralto sections, struggled to
be heard over the energetic orchestra seated between them and the audience.
But
when they were in full voice, they filled the Minster with a vast sound that
swept the audience into the moment.
After
the interval, the performance seemed to gather pace and volume as it headed
towards its crescendo.
The
delicate duets in the second half, especially when accompanied by first violin
Jean Fletcher, were outstanding.
As
always, the Hallelujah Chorus towards the end of the piece proved a highlight,
with the choir and orchestra being joined by trumpeter Adam Wright to create a
spine-tingling sound.
The
performance was met with a fully-deserved and extended ovation from the
audience.
Source:
www.thisisyork.co.uk
Reprinted by kind permission of the York
& County Press
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