24 February 2026
Dear Singers,
We did it! We worked in detail on nearly all of the Dies Irae (pages 17-51). Still lots to do obviously, but we've made good inroads. All that's left is a repeat of the opening tune (pages 60-63) then the Lacrymosa (64-75) which we will tackle next week.
If you missed this week's rehearsal, please listen or look through it to keep in touch.
We spent some quality time working on placing final consonants precisely, together, exploring what's involved in creating the right sound ('too splashy'? 'not clear'? etc). This was useful and gives us a 'benchmark' for reference in general rehearsal.
Thinking ahead to the Sanctus (p92-103):
This section is for TWO CHOIRS, it's FAST, but quite short! The music is similar in character to the Libera me, and each choir is SATB with the same demands on each other.
We will sort out the membership of each choir on March 10, so full attendance please!
The seating plan for this concert is very important to allow everyone to be with their sections and also manage the 2-choir divisions. We will set up our rehearsal space each week in 'concert formation' so everyone can get used to where they are, make any changes, and keep folks happy.
WHAT WE DID ON 24.02.26
We indulged in a silly warming up song which gave our bodies a good work out, followed by exercises placing consonants.
We sang these on one note, with a rest where the final consonant was placed:
Amen Spirit This church Such bliss Birthday
Note that birthday presents the common challenge of ending a word with no definite consonant sound, more of a vowel. This needs extra care so the sound finishes together.
During the rehearsal there was a great improvement in the endings being tidier, sounding really good, and like a well-honed choir!
Dies irae (p17-51) - Excellent work, well done.
We ended with a sing through the Agnus dei which felt appropriately prayer-like and reflective.
WHAT WE WILL DO ON 03.03.26
Continue the Dies irae Lacrymosa section (p60-75) then connect it to the rest from p17-51.
Libera me return, page 117-126. This is a repeat of the opening Libera music but with a different ending from page 125.
Enjoy the fading of February.....
Happy singing
Peter