Romsey Choral Society
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From the Romsey Advertiser... |
"Romsey Choral Society, conducted by David Truslove, presented a highly suitable programme for their Abbey Concert on November 13th, the eve of Remembrance Sunday. Also taking part were soloists Adey Grummet (soprano), Julia Batchelor (mezzo-soprano), Simon Irwin (tenor), Stephen Foulkes (bass) and the excellent Chameleon Arts Orchestra. It was particularly appropriate on this occasion to find the performance of Poulenc's Litanies à la Vierge Noire dedicated to the memory of Karen Hobbs, killed recently in a road accident, whilst Mozart's great Requiem marked the passing Robert Goddard, brother of one of the choir members.
Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus is an absolute gem and, with the choir singing from memory, Mr Truslove was able to bring exquisite finesse to a wealth of subtle nuance. The Poulenc had a special significance, as the composer was mourning the death of a friend killed in a road accident when he received inspiration from this well known shrine. The three-part female voices with strings and timpani offered a moving account enhanced by clear enunciation of the French text and great attention to detail.
Elgar's beautiful Serenade for Strings in E minor gains immeasurably when played in relatively intimate surroundings and the small number of players brought out the charm and clarity of the writing. Especially well served was the central poignant Larghetto, a masterpiece of beguiling introspection. During his youth Handel spent three years in Italy and his setting of Psalm 127 - Nisi Dominus reveals influences he absorbed. Tenor, mezzo, soprano and bass soloists are allocated a verse each and these, all splendidly sung with firm, clear projection, were framed by two sections from the ever alert choir.
Mozart's Requiem , left unfinished at his death but completed by Sussmayr and others, occupied the second half of the evening. Mr Truslove's strong direction inspired the choir and soloists alike, and with the vitality of fast sections offset by more tranquil passages, this was a deeply satisfying performance.
The Chameleon Arts Orchestra, which specialises in the accompaniment of choral works, supplied invaluable contributions during solos and choruses at all times.
Such was the appreciation of the large audience that the motet Ave Verum Corpus was repeated at the conclusion as an encore."
Review by Eric and Joan Wood.