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Those who expected a traditional recital of "Carols by candlelight", as announced, heard something quite different. Philip Colls, with his great musical knowledge and scholarship, had put together a most interesting programme, spanning the years from the sixteenth century to the present day. The emphasis quite rightly was on Advent. The opening antiphon was sung from the altar, but the sound and the words were rather lost in the chancel vaulting. The choir, now nearly 30 strong, came down to the nave for the rest of the programme, which was a great improvement. The next two pieces were by Handl and by Palestrina. The full and flowing harmonies of the latter fell gratefully on the ear. Next came a dramatic setting by Grayston Ives of 'This is the record of John', very different from the 16c music to the same words by Gibbons. The choir obviously enjoyed it. The whole congregation then joined in singing 'O come, o come Emmanuel'. They would like to have sung some more! After the interval we were taken back to the 16c with 'Gaudete', and with 'Puer natus in Bethlehem' by Praetorius. Then we heard an organ chorale prelude on 'Wachet auf' and the choir then sang the Chorale itself. More Bach, with the stirring chorus from the Christmas Oratorio, 'Fallt mit Danken', and then the programme came to an end with a delightful setting of 'Silent Night' by Mark Blatchly. The music throughout was interspersed by organ solos, played by Martin Rawles, who used the splendid organ at Minchinhampton to the full. Finally, we were given a clever encore - a 'doobedoo' version of 'Wachet auf', which concluded a very thought-provoking and interesting evening, and we were grateful to Philip Colls and his choir for their gift to us. W A Brown |
Minchinhampton Church was warm
and welcoming to a large audience, who braved the fog and cold to hear the
Cappella Singers Christmas Concert on 21st December.