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Together this fine Christmas musical blend was assisted in its performance by a series of thoughtfully selected, nicely modulated, seasonal writings including works and extracts from TS Eliot, Dickens, Dylan Thomas; pleasant surprises too from Fanthorpe and Coward, together with an enchanting choice from Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows.The warmth of the singing was almost all that was needed to overcome the sharpness of the frosty weather outside. All very seasonal, and after the cool works of Wishart, Joubert and Warlock it was most welcome to revel in Peter Cornelius’ warm The Three Kings (arranged by Ivor Atkins) and, even more so, the smooth flow of El noi de la mare. JS Bach’s joyful Komm, Jesu, komm bought the first part to a close and audience and singers were then fortunate to be offered some very welcome refreshments.Pleasantly invigorated the audience and participants proved themselves doubly ready for the pleasures of the second half, and such pleasures came one upon another. Pierre Villette’s Hymn à la Vierge resonated beautifully above and beyond the splendid setting of the broad nave. David Hill’s arrangement of the traditional Basque carol Sing Lullaby drew upon the choir’s sweet, understated sensitive approach. The evening’s singing was rounded by the familiar though varied settings of I Saw Three Ships and O little one sweet. Peter Warlock’s Benedicamus Domino ended events but the audience, by acclamation, didn’t leave until they were sent away with the “sweet lollipop” of “Jingle Bells” echoing in their ears.Under the able direction of Daniel Spreadbury, and the unobtrusive playing of organist Margaret Jones, the total performance, thanks to an excellent choir, was a welcome delight – something to pencil in the diary for another year.
JS Bach’s joyful Komm, Jesu, komm bought the first part to a close and audience and singers were then fortunate to be offered some very welcome refreshments.Pleasantly invigorated the audience and participants proved themselves doubly ready for the pleasures of the second half, and such pleasures came one upon another. Pierre Villette’s Hymn à la Vierge resonated beautifully above and beyond the splendid setting of the broad nave. David Hill’s arrangement of the traditional Basque carol Sing Lullaby drew upon the choir’s sweet, understated sensitive approach. The evening’s singing was rounded by the familiar though varied settings of I Saw Three Ships and O little one sweet. Peter Warlock’s Benedicamus Domino ended events but the audience, by acclamation, didn’t leave until they were sent away with the “sweet lollipop” of “Jingle Bells” echoing in their ears.Under the able direction of Daniel Spreadbury, and the unobtrusive playing of organist Margaret Jones, the total performance, thanks to an excellent choir, was a welcome delight – something to pencil in the diary for another year.
The evening’s singing was rounded by the familiar though varied settings of I Saw Three Ships and O little one sweet. Peter Warlock’s Benedicamus Domino ended events but the audience, by acclamation, didn’t leave until they were sent away with the “sweet lollipop” of “Jingle Bells” echoing in their ears.Under the able direction of Daniel Spreadbury, and the unobtrusive playing of organist Margaret Jones, the total performance, thanks to an excellent choir, was a welcome delight – something to pencil in the diary for another year.