HEARTFELT PERFORMANCES AT ST. CECILIA’S DAY CONCERT

ST. CECILIA’S DAY CONCERT, Cathedral of the Madeleine, Nov. 17

Sunday’s St. Cecilia’s Day concert served two purposes: to commemorate the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and celebrate the 100th birthday of English composer Benjamin Britten.

In the months after Kennedy’s death, Herbert Howells was commissioned to write a work for a memorial service. He chose as his text the English translation of a work by the fourth century poet Prudentius, Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing. With a nod to its ancient origins, Howells captures the poignancy of the text by using a rich musical palette that frequently incorporates some pungent harmonies.

Scored for a cappella chorus, the work seems tailor made for the cathedral’s singers, both the adult and children’s choirs. Under the direction of Melanie Malinka, the singers captured the beauty of the musical lines and the nuanced expressiveness of the words. It was quite powerful in its impact.

Robert Breault (Photo: Courtesy Mirshak Artists)

Balancing the Howells in the first half was Arvo Pärt’s instrumental Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten. Written for strings and a bell, the evocative piece is built on repetitions. It builds a gradual climax on a few thematic motives, and its effect is stunning. Conductor Gregory Glenn brought depth to his account that emphasized the tender expressiveness and quiet lyricism of the music.

After a brief intermission, the choirs and orchestra returned for the evening’ main work, Britten’s captivating cantata, St. Nicolas, a work that details the life of the fourth century Greek saint Nicholas.

Tenor Robert Breault joined the ensemble and Glenn to sing the role of the adult Nicholas. He gave a magnificent account, singing with depth, feeling and conviction. His rich, lyrical voice captured the essence of the role. It was a vibrant and heartfelt portrayal.

The choirs gave another remarkable performance, singing with passion and feeling and gorgeously crafted expressiveness. The orchestra, too, sounded wonderful. Glenn brought a fine balance to the proceedings and captured the emotional scope of the music with his sensitive direction.

Special mention must be made of the young singers in solo roles. Henry Poppe as the young Nicholas sang with wonderful clarity and expression, as did William Selfridge, Airam Alvarez and Jossan Arano as the three small boys.

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About Edward Reichel

Edward Reichel, author, writer and composer, has been covering the classical music scene in Utah since 1997. For many years he served as the primary music critic for the Deseret News. He has also written for a number of publications, including Chamber Music Magazine, OPERA Magazine, 15 Bytes, Park City Magazine and Salt Lake Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in composition from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He can be reached at ed.reichel@gmail.com. Reichel Recommends is also on Twitter @ReichelArts.

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