Concert review June 2008
Our concert on June 21st 2008 was reviewed in the Bucks Herald and the review is reproduced here:
Although taking place in the customary venue of St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury Choral Society’s summer concert on June 21st had a distinct flavour of Methodism. Not only did the programme celebrate the music of the Wesley family, but the
event also attracted a considerable Methodist contingent, which proved particularly useful in the three hymns for audience participation that were sung with enthusiasm.
The founding fathers of the Methodist church John and Charles Wesley were not just great preachers, theologians and hymn-writers but also keen amateur musicians, while Charles’ son Samuel and grandson Samuel Sebastian were both
professional musicians of some note and their compositions provided the greater part of the programme. Of particular interest were two excerpts from SS Wesley’s Latin mass, composed during a brief flirtation with the Roman Catholic
Church and written in a more elaborate style than his other work.
Two organ pieces were included, one by Samuel and one by SS, and both were excellently played by David Berdinner, who accompanied throughout.
Several hymns by other composers were also included, one by conductor Peter Leech and another from the Russian Orthodox Church.
The choir, smaller than usual, sang beautifully, and showed that they could adapt their style to suit this more unassuming repertoire in which conviction and clarity take precedence over vocal fireworks.
Proceeds from this most enjoyable concert are to go towards the imminent refurbishment of Aylesbury Methodist Centre.
Joss O’Kelly
June 21 2008
Although taking place in the customary venue of St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury Choral Society’s summer concert on June 21st had a distinct flavour of Methodism. Not only did the programme celebrate the music of the Wesley family, but the
event also attracted a considerable Methodist contingent, which proved particularly useful in the three hymns for audience participation that were sung with enthusiasm.
The founding fathers of the Methodist church John and Charles Wesley were not just great preachers, theologians and hymn-writers but also keen amateur musicians, while Charles’ son Samuel and grandson Samuel Sebastian were both
professional musicians of some note and their compositions provided the greater part of the programme. Of particular interest were two excerpts from SS Wesley’s Latin mass, composed during a brief flirtation with the Roman Catholic
Church and written in a more elaborate style than his other work.
Two organ pieces were included, one by Samuel and one by SS, and both were excellently played by David Berdinner, who accompanied throughout.
Several hymns by other composers were also included, one by conductor Peter Leech and another from the Russian Orthodox Church.
The choir, smaller than usual, sang beautifully, and showed that they could adapt their style to suit this more unassuming repertoire in which conviction and clarity take precedence over vocal fireworks.
Proceeds from this most enjoyable concert are to go towards the imminent refurbishment of Aylesbury Methodist Centre.
Joss O’Kelly
June 21 2008
