Sunday 31 July 2016

Something different from Restoration Consort

The twelve members of Restoration Consort gave a performance of choral works ranging from 16th century Spain to 20th century Britain. In formations from solo, quartet, sextet up to all voices including two choirs of mixed voices all the music was captivating and moving.
Hearing a latin mass by an English composer (perhaps the most English), Ralph Vaughan Williams, who said he was a "cheerful atheist", was an unusual treat, and having sung the Faure mass last winter there was a poignant link to the Pie Jesu of Lili Boulanger, beautifully sung by Vanessa Couchman, the composer being a good friend of Faure before her early death aged 26 in 1918.
Geff and Genevieve came through their struggles with the Puget organ - the restoration of which is the object of these fund raising concerts.
The encore of a piece by Thomas Tallis ended with a tremendous clap of thunder, causing this part of the audience to make a hasty retreat, but it was well worth the risk.
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