wOMPOoSser
conducts his
own cantata
A stirring performance
THE Guildford Philharof Parry’s setting of Milmonic Choir and Orton’s splendid words, Blest
chestra had a rare treat
Pair of Sirens, with a nice
on Saturday, when Jonadegree of climactic tenthan Willcocks came to
sion, had opened the eventhe Civic Hall to conduct
ing.
his own cantata, Great is
the Glory.
:
Shelagh Goadwin.
It is pleasing to listen
to, technically very sound,
and the words, selected
from ‘the Psalms, are set
most
effectively,
with
striking choral and orchestral sonorities, not to mention the exquisite blending
of the solo tenor.
One could detect, particularly in the modal harmonies and echoes of
Howells,
Walton,
and
Vaughan Williams, the in- |
fluence of the cathedral
tradition on which the
composer was brought up.
If there was a criticism,
it would be that it was
too long for what it had
to say, with over-much
repetition of words and
motifs.
For all that, it was the
kind of piece that guaranteed wild applause, fully
deserved for the inspiring
and lively performance
which it received, including the lovely strains of
tenor, James Oxley.
Notwithstanding
the
sudden break necessitated
by a broken string, Alexander Baillie’s playing of
Elgar’s cello concerto, that
piece
of searing emotions
and
violent contrasts,
- reached: the heights of
inspiration as well as brilliance. The orchestra coped well with a tricky score
full of subtleties, especially
. in that gossamer light
second movement.