By Justin Whyte,
Entertainment Editor
THE ADVENTIST Praise Chorale presented a concert, 'Season Of Excellence' at the University Chapel, Mona, on Sunday, featuring Christ On The Mount of Olives by Ludwig Van Beethoven, as well as several anthems, gospel and spiritual songs.
The first part of the concert was almost marred by toddlers who were left to roam the concert venue and make a nuisance of themselves, while their parents watched with delight. And the emcee and choir director both 'turned a blind eye'.
The major work performed by the chorale was Beethoven's Christ On The Mount Of Olives (1803). This work was composed by the maestro in the 18th century, a time in music history when audiences were more interested in structural form than in emotional content. Judging by today's standard the music of that century was considered delicate and restrained, with emphasis largely on lines and form.
However, the music makes great demands on it's performers and has an even greater effect on the listener. The work is one of the well-loved Passion Cantatas, with arresting musical accompaniment. It engages choral and solo singing with beautiful instrumental intermezzos.
The choir presented beautiful modulated tones, which were pleasing, but enunciation was unsatisfactory. An intelligent reading of the work was given by Yanique Leiba, pianist, who played with confidence and at times was accommodating to choir, director and soloists. The most endearing moments of the work came at the concluding sections and was well handled by accompanist and soloists. However, there could be more "fire", or gusto in the treatment of "warning phrases". My disappointment, however, was with the final chorus. The reading was careless, probably, because it is ....well known.
The maestoso at the beginning of the Hallelujah which set the character of the piece was hurried. Probably organ inclusion would have added another arresting dimension. There was not that mark difference between allegro and piu allegro sections. A very ordinary rendition.
The award-winning performance for me was soloist Pauline Forrest-Watson's colourful and dramatic reading of O Triumph All Ye Ransom'd. Her presentation was astounding, though at times heavy on her melismatic lines. Her breathing and phrasal thinking were commendable. She was tamely supported by the chorale which could have done better especially on pages 23, bars 1 to 5 and again page 26, from bars 1 through to page 27.
Over a very artistic presentation, Orville Manning, tenor, was also superb in recits., especially in duet for soprano/tenor - On Me, O Seraph, Now Declares and recit. All Pain Will Soon be Over. These were done with amazing intent and panache.
I also liked Curtis Watson's reading of Mine Inmost Heart Is Burning in trio for soprano, tenor and bass. He engaged a very expressive style and his reading projects the usual responsive profundity.
The choir presented a number of other choral presentations, which lacked variety. However, there were some beautifully harmonised, spiritual singing. Curtis Watson's presentation of Old Man River and Swing Low Sweet Chariot found favour with the audience and so too did Yanique Leiba's interpretation of Claude Debussy's Images - Reflection On The Water.
Carlos Hunter also accompanied some of the pieces on piano and organ.
