Ely Choral Society under the directorship of Andrew Parnell gave a splendid performance of Brahms' Requiem in Ely Cathedral recently. The large choir was well balanced and the parts gelled exquisitely as the Biblical texts chosen by Brahms came alive.
One of the most effective movements was the second: Denn alles Fleisch es ist wie Gras (For all flesh is as grass). The moving contrasts of darkness and light were given full reign and the large chorus gave an unforgettable spine-chilling and menacing depth to Brahms' special harmony.
This splendid choir showed tremendous ability in presenting a sustained flow of beautiful phrasing especially noticeable in the fourth movement: Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen (How lovely are they dwellings) and in the final movement: Selig sind die Toten (Blessed are the dead). The inner meditation of Brahms could be clearly seen at work.
The soloists, Andrew Mayor (baritone) and Dominique Thiébaud (soprano) rose to the occasion well. Andrew Mayor's voice was phenomenally powerful and expressive. His strong emotional colouring of the words was awe-inspiring and this special ability most apparent in the 6th movement: Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt (For here have we no continuing city).
Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra and Jonathan Lilley on organ were also vital contributors to the programme.
The orchestra gave a delightful performance of Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. With a timely sense of pace, the melancholic episodes in particular were flexibly and clearly expressed. The hushed moments in the strings were magical while serene woodwind entries contributed to a very moving performance that brought out the lyrical qualities and changes of mood and colour magnificently.
This was indeed a grand programme of well-matched kindred spirits with the skill of the conductor Andrew Parnell very much in evidence.
