21 October 2025
Dear Singers,
Great rehearsal this week, very effective work, well done everyone.
A huge thank you to the 'Sing for your Supper' team for their delicious food beforehand.
WORKSHOP WITH FRANCISCO (Saturday 18th)
This was hugely enjoyable and very helpful, thank you to everyone who came. Francisco led us through the basic 6/8 - ¾ rhythmic patterns in a very physical way which helped us to understand and feel the phrases. We applied this to the Criolla Credo [the characteristic rhythm being 'How I love to shop in Tesco' ] and Gloria. We also did a lot of useful text work in Navidad nos 2 & 5. We ended by singing through Navidad no. 3 which sounded good.
Francisco wrote to me afterwards: 'Thank you for having me last Saturday, I enjoyed the session very much and I’m glad that people found it useful.'
NOTICES:
Public workshop - Saturday 15 November 1.30-5.00 - The Mint
Please remember to book a place asap and encourage friends and family to come along too. We will sing some of the Criolla and Navidad and also the 3 additional pieces (issued recently)
CHORAL CLINIC: I am offering extra 'rehearsal' sessions for anyone who wants to devote more time to singing through the music, helping with tricky bits, personal gremlins, or stuff they don't understand! Starting on Tuesday 4 November (after half term) I will be in the hall from 6.15, just drop in any time up to 7.00. These sessions won't replace rehearsal time, so if you don't come, you won't miss out!
WHAT WE DID ON 21.10.25
We spent most time on....
MC Credo - We consolidated what we had learnt from the workshop and increased confidence with pages 16-21
MC Gloria - REPEAT MARKS!! Look carefully at how they direct you: Sing page 7 (bottom half) twice
Page 8 once
Back to page 7 (bottom half) twice
Page 8 once - and on to the top of p9
NN No. 2 - From where you come in, up to bar 32 in detail, trying to get all parts together. T & S - be sure to sing your fragments of the melody strongly, then ease off the phrases between so it is clear that you are sharing it. A & B - sorry you don't get the tune!! You need to be absolutely rhythmic with your phrases. The rhythm matches the 6/8 - ¾ groove that we know so well..... We ended by singing through the whole movement - bravo!
TENORS NB: In bars no 32, 49, 56, 88, 104 and 112 you have a B natural marked - please change these to B flat (the music stays in G minor)
WHAT WE WILL DO ON 28.10.25
Finish the MC Credo - page 21 bar 89 to the end
End of Sanctus - page 30
NN No 4 (Los Pastores) Please note: Some of the T&B lines will be taken by the soloist, and there are a few slight note changes. Just listen to this and get familiar - all will be made clear!
Niño lindo
Here is a recording on Niño lindo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzngQruF4gU
Recording of La Huayno (again). It comes from a collection of 3 pieces called Tres cantos Andinos. Here is a youtube recording, La Huayno begins at 2'18":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4smQwsQeR8
....and finally
Francisco got us to feel the groove of the 6/8 - ¾ rhythms ('I like to be in America') at the workshop by tapping/clapping independently with both hands. The performers in this clip do that, AND use their tongues in the most energetic way.
It is Solkattu, a traditional, classical & ancient vocal percussive art form of India. Konnakol - spoken syllables - are combined with the 'tala' (the pulse) in the hands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iurhjlBum0o
Enjoy!
Happy clapping, listening and singing
Peter