7 January 2025
Dear Singers,
Happy New Year to you all.
Welcome to the first MD Notes of the year; thank you for a very positive and focused first rehearsal this week.
I was delighted to be able to welcome so many new members, in every section of the choir. Thank you for coming along - we wish you a happy and enjoyable term.
Apologies for these notes being so late after the rehearsal. I have been at Launde Abbey in Leicestershire, singing Epiphanytide music of the Spanish Golden Age, with the outstanding conductor and expert on the repertoire, David Allinson. Composers included: Alonso Lobo, Cristobal Morales, Melchor Robledo, and the more prolific Francisco Guerrero. Every choral conductor should sing in a choir occasionally, to keep learning and refreshing their craft and discovering new music. The three days were one long masterclass in effective rehearsal technique, with much humour and enthusiasm for the music which was shared in an engaging way, supported by deep scholarship, helping singers to understand the composers' craft. I was reminded about the value of warming up voices sufficiently before rehearsing - so beware!
Launde Abbey was the home of the Cromwell family, but sadly Thomas never lived there as Henry VIII beheaded him in 1540. I'm sure you have all been watching Wolf Hall!
NOTICES
Half term week is February 17-21 - There WILL be a rehearsal on Tuesday 18th for those who can make it
We will enter the Devon Performing Arts Festival 'Large Choirs' class which takes place on Saturday 8 March pm. Everyone who can make that date is welcome participate. Details to follow and we will sing a chorus from one of our pieces + a contrasting short piece to be decided.
The revamped website is nearly ready for launching....
WHAT WE DID ON 07.01.25
We warmed up with 2 sections of a round Matthew Mark Luke and John - Can you remember it?!
The clarity with which you sang it - all 70 voices! - was impressive.
Hummel: Credo (p29-35)
Mozart: Agnus dei (p72) and the Hosanna (p63)
Very encouraging progress for the first week back - well done.
WHAT WE WILL DO ON 14.01.25
Hummel:
Credo (p29) Recap
Mozart:
Hosanna (p63) + Agnus dei (p72) Recap
Requiem (p1-5)
Dies irae (p13)
Happy singing,
Peter