“The diction, intonation and ensemble is impeccable, and their dynamic range is magical – I have seldom heard quiet singing quite like it – barely audible but with an intensity of line and sound that is truly wonderful. They have the ability to work the acoustics of St John’s like no other group I know, and their obvious enjoyment of everything they perform is palpable and mesmeric.”
A very generous review of last Friday’s ALBION AND ALES concert by the Buxton Festival Fringe team. Fifth one down – bit of scrolling needed. Oh, and we won the Fringe Award for Vocal Performance. Not a bad day’s work!
Full Review
After a short informative introduction from the Musical Director, arranger and composer, who clearly appreciates his beer as much as his music, the 11 strong choral group began the concert with an arrangement of “Scarborough Fair”, for solo baritone and choir with piano accompaniment, which was a pure delight, apart from the piano which sadly was a little too pronounced. To my shame I have never heard this group before, but I shall make sure I go again because they are very special.
The diction, intonation and ensemble is impeccable, and their dynamic range is magical – I have seldom heard quiet singing quite like it – barely audible but with an intensity of line and sound that is truly wonderful. They have the ability to work the acoustics of St John’s like no other group I know, and their obvious enjoyment of everything they perform is palpable and mesmeric.
Frazer Wilson’s arrangements are often out of this world, but yet the harmonies have a logic to them that I imagine makes them good to sing, though not always easy, and splendid to listen to. Frazer’s ability to not use a perfect cadence at the end of a piece is often mystical and always just right, as is his easy light touch when talking to the audience.
We had a range of styles from ‘in your face’ “Oliver Cromwell”, through “Vidi Aquam”, Greensleeves, and an own composition “Invocation”. This latter was amazing and again used the acoustics of the building to great effect. The Dives & Lazarus melody “I heard the voice” was a gem. The straight production (almost), of the Butterworth setting of Houseman’s “Is my team ploughing?” made me realise more than normally what a very clever setting this is – poignant and evocative.
Placing the singers in different parts of the church, including the balcony, was truly inspired, and the mix of such accomplished singers sent shivers down my spine more than once – super! I’m sure Parry would not have recognized Frazer’s harmonies for “Jerusalem” but he couldn’t really object too much, after all it did give the melody new life and gave us a chance to realise what a really splendid tune it is.
I can’t pick out any songs as being my favourites of the evening, because I adored them all, but the new life that was breathed into “Greensleeves”, Crimond, and “Sally Gardens” made the whole performance even more memorable. They are back at Christmas – don’t miss them.
Andrew Hodkinson
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