On their 60th Anniversary the South West Essex Choir undertook the huge assignment of performing Verdi’s Requiem in a new orchestration by Richard Blackford under conductor Andrew Sackett.
In a remarkable career spanning six decades Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) composed nearly 30 operas at least half of which are at the core of today’s operatic repertoire. His Requiem premiered in 1874 stands as a unique testimony to his artistic and human vision and is a setting of the text for the Roman Catholic mass for the dead as it existed until its revision in 1970.
The musical score calls for a large chorus, full orchestra and four soloists. Verdi gives two of the most unforgettable passages of the score entirely to the chorus – the Dies Irae and the complex Sanctus – the text is monumental, and this is nowhere more apparent than in the final movement of the Libera Me. The generated emotional power here derives from the solo soprano part which climaxes with a run up to a high C that seems to embody the sum total of human fear and aspiration.
The performance devoted to 60 Years of this outstanding choir was an emotional centrepiece for the dedication to singing by so many of its members. Verdi himself said “I have done nothing but write note after note to the greater glory of God” and this was indeed the musical setting for the Catholic and funeral mass. But of course, it is more than that, much much more because of the power of the music. This Requiem at times is simply overwhelming and particularly affects those in the audience that might have suffered any bereavement or loss.
I had the privilege on this evening of sharing the music and emotions with my youngest 26-year-old daughter and her brand-new husband – just out of the box! – who was listening to this Requiem for the very first time. At so many points throughout the evening my daughter and I shared emotions, sensitivities and tears. Ten years ago, to the day, she lost her mother, and I lost my wife.
The splendour and intensity of this Requiem delved into the rawness of our souls and memories and thus the combination of the greatest of music and intent for which it stood played its tune with our hearts and seemed to change the way which we would perceive the world and its tragedies forever.
The expression of this emotion through music is a recognition of the very existence of life’s journey itself and the ebbs and flows that all humans face in their worldly existence. This Requiem performance was a culmination of all these ebbs and flows and a suitable memorial to bereavement as indeed Verdi wished.
It was a most interesting night musically as the new orchestration for two pianos, percussion and organ, together with soloists and the choir, was superbly performed. Perhaps this will open up the ability for more smaller groups to be challenged by the magnificence of this Requiem.
Andrew Sackett who has been a chorus master and conductor for many large-scale choirs, worked tirelessly to provide an evening of sumptuous sound and artistry in the most elegant of performances. Sound flowed religiously and inspiringly, and the four soloists were at the top of their form.
Mezzo-soprano Hannah Pedley has performed widely in the United Kingdom and has a glorious timbre to her voice. Perhaps one wished for slightly more substance in her duets with the soprano although her Lux Aeterna was fulsome in output. Dominic Natoli is an Australian tenor who has sung all over the world and had an outstanding Italianate sound with a great falsetto particularly in his solo rendition of Ingemisco, and indeed he was well matched with the lyric bass of Trevor Bowes producing a deep sonorous sound. This leaves us with the terrific performance of British-Cypriot soprano Katerina Mina whose voice produced incredible substance and artistry. She had the ability to sing pianissimo and at the same time soar above the instruments and chorus in her final mesmerising Libera Me. An exciting thrilling performance.
The Welsh percussionist Iola Edwards produced a heroic effort and sound during his performance, whilst the two Lithuanian pianists, Maria Struckova and Milana Dunauskaite, performed their musical scores triumphantly as did the wonderful organist Ian Shaw. The outstanding choir has now notched up another magnificent success to the challenges that they embrace.
As this emotional evening came to an end and the music played its final note, the audience were left stunned in silence for nearly quarter of a minute before they felt able to recognise the success of Verdi’s and indeed Sackett/Blackford’s Requiem.
May this Easter bring you and your family all the blessings you deserve.
David Buchler
