Greensboro News and Record
April 19, 2004
Column: CONCERT REVIEW
CHORAL SOCIETY MEASURES UP TO REQUIEM
Author: TIM LINDEMAN Special to the News & Record
Edition: ALL
Section: TRIAD
Page: B7
Article Text:
The Choral Society of Greensboro celebrated its 20 years of existence in grand style Saturday night by performing Verdi's mighty Requiem. Under the superb direction of Welborn Young, the 125-voice amateur choir proved to be worthy of such a massive and monumental undertaking.
The Requiem is a 90-minute work, taken without intermission in this performance, which sets the traditional Latin text of the mass, although Verdi works somewhat freely with the material. The composer never intended the Requiem for liturgical use; rather it was designed entirely as a concert piece. The text is laid out in eight sections with the music material divvied up between chorus and four solo voices. A large orchestra is also called for.
Young's direction throughout the evening was inspired. Whether calling on the chorus to give its very best, leading the orchestra in impassioned playing, or urging the soloists to sing their hearts out, he was clear in his demands with extraordinary results. The conductor's overall pacing of the work is especially to be applauded.
The hushed, intense opening can prepare no listener for the dramatic treats that are in store. The "Dies Irae" sequence, for example, setting the words "day of wrath," is a tour-de-force of horrific visions of the last day, when all souls, both living and from the grave, shall be called forth for final judgment. Here the chorus sang with grandeur and magnificence.
The chorus is also called upon to sing joyously, such as in the "Sanctus," which Verdi set as a fugue in a fast tempo. Terrific diction and clean lines were the order of the day during this section. Some of the lyric singing was demonstrated in the "Agnus Dei," where the choir responds to the pleading of the soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists. Very impressive.
The orchestra is a key element of the work, and, for the most part, their playing was first-rate. It is hard to decide which instrumental section is the most impressive, but certainly the use of t he trumpet choir, stationed in the balcony, was a wonderful effect. And then there is the pounding of the bass drum during the "Dies Irae," which shoots terror into the hearts of the listener. But the gentle playing was also impressive, as in the opening section.
The four soloists for the evening distinguished themselves in music that demands a range of emotions, often teetering between the lyric and the dramatic. Levone Tobin Scott's colorful mezzo voice was a pleasure to hear alone, as in the "Liber scriptus," or in concert with soprano Carla LeFevre, whose voice was called upon to soar above the fray, or intone a fearful "libera me" that closes the entire work. Tenor David Holley's handling of the operatic aria "Ingemisco," especially the concluding measures, was notable. Bass Sidney Outlaw's powerful and rich voice was somber in his solos and added a solid underpinning to the ensemble singing.
Before the concert opened, Mayor Keith Holliday recognized the Choral Society for its contribution to Greensboro and gave special mention to the conductors who have worked with the chorus through its 20-year history. David Pegg, William P. Carroll, Sam Doyle, Carol Burnett, Richard Cox and Young, the current music director, were all singled out for distinction.
Lynn H. Donovan, the executive director of the Choral Society and its sister ensembles housed under the City Arts' Music Center, was congratulated for her behind-the-scenes assistance. The large, appreciative audience attested to the contribution this organization makes to the quality of life in our community.
Tim Lindeman is a freelance contributor.
Copyright (c) 2004 Greensboro News & Record
Record Number: 0404190121