Concert review March 2012
At their concert on 24 March 2012, Aylesbury Choral Society presented a programme of French music by composers of the late 19thand early
20th Centuries. This was unfamiliar territory, even to lovers of choral music, with the exception of Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine.
It is easy to see why this is – the beautiful melody over the undulating accompaniment, similar in style to the “In Paradisum” of Faure’s Requiem, was performed with immaculate taste. Conductor Peter Leech is also an
enthusiastic musicologist and in understanding the harmonic language of the Dupre “Quatre Motets” he produced some well-balanced choral
sounds.
The triumphant nature of Cesar Frank’s Psalm 150 saw the tenors and basses giving more-than-adequate support to the upper voices. Whereas most choirs struggle to attract tenors particularly, this choir has a strong section.
The remainder of the concert was devoted to Louis Vierne. Colin Spinks gave a well-crafted performance of the 3rd Organ Symphony, seemingly comfortable with the St Mary’s registrations, which are not always rewarding to
manage.
Finally, the main work, Vierne’s “Messe Solonelle” was a treat to hear. So many Choral Societies stick to the regular repertoire but Peter Leech is to be congratulated in presenting this programme and discovering a good-sized
audience appreciating his efforts.
David Berdinner
20th Centuries. This was unfamiliar territory, even to lovers of choral music, with the exception of Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine.
It is easy to see why this is – the beautiful melody over the undulating accompaniment, similar in style to the “In Paradisum” of Faure’s Requiem, was performed with immaculate taste. Conductor Peter Leech is also an
enthusiastic musicologist and in understanding the harmonic language of the Dupre “Quatre Motets” he produced some well-balanced choral
sounds.
The triumphant nature of Cesar Frank’s Psalm 150 saw the tenors and basses giving more-than-adequate support to the upper voices. Whereas most choirs struggle to attract tenors particularly, this choir has a strong section.
The remainder of the concert was devoted to Louis Vierne. Colin Spinks gave a well-crafted performance of the 3rd Organ Symphony, seemingly comfortable with the St Mary’s registrations, which are not always rewarding to
manage.
Finally, the main work, Vierne’s “Messe Solonelle” was a treat to hear. So many Choral Societies stick to the regular repertoire but Peter Leech is to be congratulated in presenting this programme and discovering a good-sized
audience appreciating his efforts.
David Berdinner
