|
Concerts are regularly previewed
in New Forest Post, Christchurch Community Magazine, Western Gazette,
'Dorset' (Dorset County Magazine), Bournemouth Echo,
Lymington Times and New Milton
Advertiser.
Reviews from the Bournemouth Echo, The Lymington Times & New
Milton Advertiser.
April 2008
- Compelling and dignified . . . privileged to have heard the
Grange Choral Society pull off one of its finest performances with Rossini
Stabat Mater. . . .
Under the direction of guest conductor Derek Goodger
the chorus responded to every nuance, every syllabic stress, with perfect
harmony and perceptive expression. Recognising the requirement for
topflight soloists the engagement of Soprano Claire Rutter, mezzo Diana
Montague, tenor David Rendall and bass Roderick Earle brought the
necessarily distinctive qualities of soaring power, Italianate timbre,
resonant depth and charismatic personalities that ravished the senses and
made this account so utterly compelling.
Mozart Solemn Vespers flowed with well-rounded,
full-bodied choral singing.
. . . wonderfully lyrical playing from the
orchestra under the leadership of Brian Howells. Mike Marsh (edited quote)
The evening began with Wagner
Siegfried Idyll, serving as a reminder of
how fortunate the Society is to have these accomplished musicians to play
for their concerts. It led gently into the first of two choral works, Mozart
Vespers . . . The choir gave a good
account of this beautiful work.
Rossini Stabat Mater . . . the whole work was
given an energetic performance by choir, orchestra and soloists. The latter
all enjoy established operatic careers . . . the Grange is blessed indeed
to be able (to) engage singers of such caliber. There was some outstanding
orchestral playing . . . some of the most beautiful moments of the evening
came in two sections sung very sensitively by the choir unaccompanied . . .
The Finale came to a spectacularly vigorous conclusion, ending the concert
in a blaze of glory. Derek Baldwin
(editied quote)
January 2008 - Leaving
by the Bach Dawe. In a fitting farewell to their musical director
Christopher Dawe, the Grange Chorus and Orchestra excelled even their
finest artistic standards with Bach
Mass in B minor.
This pinnacle of sacred music, presented here
with a team of five outstanding soloists, opened the choral floodgates with
a magnificent Kyrie Eleison . . . the great joy of rhythmic vitality
evidenced a choir thoroughly prepared for the rigorous demands of Bachs
genius.
Choral singing throughout was thrillingly
disciplined; glowing with inspired enthusiasm and supported with orchestral
brilliance . . .
The final round of cheers (from the chorus) for
Christopher Dawe reinforced their admiration. Mike Marsh (edited quote)
Back to top
Bach B minor Mass in Christchurch Priory
marked the end of an era, being the last concert under the baton of Chris
Dawe . . . This added a sense of occasion to what is, by any measure, a
truly monumental work . . . The choir rose to these challenges admirably .
. .
Although in the Crucifixus solo voices were a
poor substitute for the sense of awe generated by pianissimo massed voices
. . . using the soloists in the central section of the Sanctus, and
reserving the full choir for the beginning and end, was a brilliant touch,
even adding to its magnificent splendour. I felt Bach would have approved.
The Grange is fortunate to have such a capable
orchestra to accompany them. As well as good ensemble throughout, . . .
obligato instrumental solos were adeptly played . . .
This was a suitably memorable farewell concert
for Chris Dawe, in which he drew the best from the choir to which he has
contributed so much. Their heartfelt cheers for him at the end of the
evening bore eloquent testimony to their gratitude. D.B. (edited quote)
Elgar Give Unto
the Lord
"...made an impressive opener ...bold from the
start, turbulent when the Lord "thundereth" and "breaketh
the cedar trees", and suitably soothing when he gives his people
"the blessing of peace". The choir rose excellently to the challenges
of this exciting music." Derek
Baldwin (edited)
Benjamin Britten's Rejoice
in the Lamb
"... by turns witty, moving, or powerful is Britten at his most
approachable. The choir and soloists really got inside this work, singing
with great skill, understanding and sensitivity. And the audience loved
every minute of it." Derek
Baldwin (edited)
Back to top
"... high quality singing
under the direction of Christopher Dawe. Faure's Requiem delivered its quiet, reposeful
sanctity with sumptuous singing. There are a few moments of drama enhanced
by Geoffrey Morgan's skilfully attuned organ accompaniment, here and
throughout the concert. Abigail Hooper's Pie Jesu attained the epitome of
reverence and pure-toned beauty, the envy of all sopranos." Mike Marsh (edited)
Tippett A Child of
Our Time and Elgar's Spirit of England
"In the greatest choral
tradition, the entire corps of
musicians with the Grange Choral Society transcended the artistic ideal of
performing fine works. Everyone seems to have been inspired under the
motivating direction of Christopher Dawe to perform as if personally
touched by the heartfelt significance of both words and music." Mike
Marsh
Carl Orff Carina Burana
"Grange adds (old) spice to
Regent Show Throwing off its usual angelic alliance
with Christchurch Priory ... the Society removed its corporate voice to the
Regent Centre for Carl Orff's hedonistic and raunchy Carmina Burana.
...the musicians, two pianists
and four percussionists, set pulses racing in the opening O Fortuna and
impressively underscored the entire performance. Sung mainly in Latin and
vernacular German ... but whatever the language the spirit, both liquid and
lusty, was licked into place with tremendous aplomb." Mike Marsh
Back to top
Elgar The Dream of
Gerontius
"...undoubtedly one of the Society's best performances
More than a century has passed since Elgar wrote The
Dream of Gerontius. ...famously written on the final page of the score:
"This is the best of me". This was certainly true of the Grange
Choral Society's performance in Christchurch Priory. Under the inspiring
direction of Christopher Dawe they sang this great work with conviction and
fervour. The huge climaxes at "Go forth" and "Praise to the
holiest" were almost overwhelming in their powerful drive and
grandeur.
Of course, the success of any performance of this work depends heavily on
the soloist singing the part of Gerontius himself. Distinguished tenor
Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts ...capably matched by Roderick Earle and Jane Erwin
... and all three brought to Gerontius precisely the mixture of drama and
gravitas it needs.
... the orchestra ... From the outset it was obvious they would provide the
weighty tone needed for this piece. All sections acquitted themselves
excellently on this occasion.
This was undoubtedly one of the Society's best performances of recent years
- sensitive, powerful, moving ... in some ways unforgettable." Derek
Baldwin
Publicity Officer
Val Taylor
Meadowsweet, Pilley Hill,
Boldre, Lymington, Hants SO41 5QF
Tel: 01590 677693
Back to top
|
