Next Sunday, the Choir of St Michael and All Angels together with soloists Elsabe Richter, Lente Louw, Willem Bester and Keaton Manwaring sing one of the great works of the 20th century choral repertoire: Ralph Vaughan Williams' Mass in G minor.
Some commentators have described this mass as the vocal equivalent to Vaughan Williams' "Tallis Fantasia" as, like the earlier string piece, it draws on the traditions of Tudor liturgical settings, particularly works by Byrd and Tallis. Also, as in the earlier piece, the voices in this mass are divided into a double choir, with four solo voices providing internal contrasts.
The mass was the product of a major revival and appreciation of Tudor church music and its continuing tradition in the early 20th. century, particularly with the newly- founded Westminster Cathedral Choir under its Director, R.R. Terry. Although this choir did not give the first performance, (this was given by the City of Birmingham Choir in December 1922), Terry conducted the first liturgical performance in the cathedral in March 1923. The work is dedicated to Gustav Holst & the Whitsuntide Singers.
The Mass in G minor was one of three significant pieces that the composer wrote shortly following his service in the First World War (the others being A Pastoral Symphony and The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains) and all three bear the marks of his experience as a stretcher bearer - the writing (whilst internally complex) striking the listener as simpler, quieter and more modal in style, and creating a more reflective and calm effect than did much of his earlier vocal writing.
Also check out other Music events in Cape Town, Entertainment events in Cape Town.
|
