From: mgresham@dscatl.UUCP (Mark Gresham)
Newsgroups: rec.music.classical
Subject: Re: recommandation for good performances of choral works.
Date: 10 Sep 92 05:39:30 GMT
Reply-To: mgresham@dscatl.UUCP (Mark Gresham)
Organization: Digital Systems Co,  Atlanta, Ga

In article <5605@blue.cis.pitt.edu.UUCP> genetic+@pitt.edu (Dr. Dave) writes:
>Thus spake dmnhieu@riemann.math.purdue.edu (Duy-Minh NHIEU):
>>
>>   If I were to study performances on choral music (ie: What constitute a 
>>good choir or choral group?)
>
>>     big groups:  The King's college choir
>>                  The Cambridge singers (John Rutter)
>
>(Insert shrug here)
>
>I find these groups to be very wimpy; there's a very English sound about them
>that is (to my ears) weak and shrill.

I agree on the wimpiness, particularly on Rutter/Cambridge Singers
from what I've heard.
BUT IS THAT REALLY "THE ENGLISH SOUND" as touted, cooed and
gurgled over by too many groups in the Northeast U.S.
IF THAT is indeed "THE ENGIGH SOUND" then WHAT may I ask would you
have to call the sound of Sir David Willcocks' Bach Choir of
London?  The real question is, is what Americans call "the
English sound" actually a promotional hoax?

(I don't suggest that the school of training amongst Anglican
choirs is a hoax, but that the promotional representation
in America of what is THE Engish sound perhaps is.).)

>>                  The kings' singers
>
>Blreah.  I used to think they were cute; now I simply avoid them.

Unfortunately, their very popularity has ham-strung their
repertoire.  You should hear some of the really hairy music they
can do when not worrying about the audience.  I was looking
forward to them singing John McCabe's "Scenes from American
Deserta" (which I had not heard) in their recent Atlanta concert
and some idiot in the GaTech theater's promotions had decided to
advertise them as an "Pop Vocal Ensemble" -- which spooked them,
so the Singers, ever truly sensitive to the expected audience, took it
off the program.  (They realized later that the audience that DID show
up was sophisticated enough to handle McCabe after Josquin.)

>	Hilliard Ensemble
>
>		Very very very good.  Incredibly tight ensemble, amazing
>		range of periods and styles.  Their recordings of Arvo
>		Pa:rt are stunning.

True.  I have the "St. John" Passio.

>	Tallis Scholars
>
>		Unmatched for English Renaissance music; also superb for
>		other music of that period.

And ever on the lookout for new angles on repertoire.  I have an
interesting anecdote which I won't repeat here... :-)

>	Robert Shaw, various groups
>
>		Atlanta symphony and chorus, Robert Shaw chorale, whatever
>		the group, Shaw knows vocal music.  His work with the group
>		of vocal musicians and teachers that perform the Rachmaninoff
>		Vespers on Telarc is superb.

That's the new Shaw Festival Singers.  Essentially, persons who
spent years in the ASO Chamber Chorus.  They have a two-year
residence at Spivey Hall.  Heard them (live) do a part of Stephen
Palus' "Visions from Hildegarde" as well as Ive's "Psalm 90"
(which I haven't heard in some time!) and Britten's "Rejoice in
the Lamb."  Oh, yes, the Durufle "Requiem" -- and THREE other
choruses in Atlanta have programmed it this year (WHY do they do
that?).


Cheers,

--Mark Gresham

dscatl!mgresham@gatech.edu

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Newsgroups: rec.music.classical