Eric Whitacre - BBC Singers - Kings Singers

[hmvman]

The planet of choral music seems to exist in a parallel universe to, pretty much, the rest of ‘classical’ music

I would certainly agree with that view, Ian. In our amateur choir people are very happy singing contemporary choral music by composers including Whitacre, Lauridsen, Stroop and Gjeilo and will attend choral concerts locally. However, when I've suggested going to a classical orchestral concert or invited them to the little music appreciation group I run I'm met with looks of horror!

[french frank]

I would certainly agree with that view, Ian. In our amateur choir people are very happy singing contemporary choral music by composers including Whitacre, Lauridsen, Stroop and Gjeilo and will attend choral concerts locally. However, when I've suggested going to a classical orchestral concert or invited them to the little music appreciation group I run I'm met with looks of horror!

But a lot (most?) of the time it isn't 'classical music', and the pleasure of singing is quite different from listening.

I was at a concert of Bristol Choral Society last night - an auditioned choir singing Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle. We were talking with a friend in the interval - it is a hugely taxing work. You have to be extremely dedicated to tackle something like that, probably a world away from what most people want from participating in a local choir.

[Adrian Partington conducting - and he was apparently really driving them!]

[hmvman]

But a lot (most?) of the time it isn't 'classical music', and the pleasure of singing is quite different from listening.

I would agree with that, FF. I think it's a moot point as to whether the choral music of Whitacre, Stroop, Gjeilo et al is 'classical'. I would say it is but others may disagree. If it isn't what is it?

[vinteuil]

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http://ericwhitacre.com/news/eric-named-tumi-global-citizen

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[french frank]

I think it's a moot point as to whether the choral music of Whitacre, Stroop, Gjeilo et al is 'classical'. I would say it is but others may disagree. If it isn't what is it?

Contemporary?

[jean]

...Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle...it is a hugely taxing work. You have to be extremely dedicated to tackle something like that, probably a world away from what most people want from participating in a local choir.

I'm surprised you say that!

I have done it with an average sort of choir, and I didn't think it was very hard at all. This choir does quite a range of composers, and the thing they're really not up to is complicated Bach choruses at the proper speed.

We have to do Rutter sometimes, and I believe some of them like Karl Jenkins. Fortunately they have to go and do him somewhere else, without me.

[french frank]

I'm surprised you say that!

I have done it with an average sort of choir, and I didn't think it was very hard at all.

I think another member of the choir posts here and may say, but the friend we were talking to mentioned (as I suggested) the speed the conductor took it at at times. As someone said, it sounded as if he had a train he wanted to catch (not literally).

[jean]

I see - I took your driving them as alluding to his firing them with enthusiasm rather than taking it at breakneck speed.

What I remember especially from our performance was the Cathedral MD (Timothy Noon at the time) and organist (Richard Lea) playing the piano parts, and the organist emeritus (Terry Duffy) playing the harmonium, all with enormous panache - and what fun it all was!

[ardcarp]

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http://ericwhitacre.com/news/eric-named-tumi-global-citizen

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Do we have a finger down throat emoticon?

[french frank]

I see - I took your driving them as alluding to his firing them with enthusiasm rather than taking it at breakneck speed.

What I remember especially from our performance was the Cathedral MD (Timothy Noon at the time) and organist (Richard Lea) playing the piano parts, and the organist emeritus (Terry Duffy) playing the harmonium, all with enormous panache - and what fun it all was!

Not necessarily breakneck, but she gave the impression they felt he was wielding the whip. The pianist probably works the hardest, providing an operatic orchestra for the entire piece - even the conductor gets to sit it out for the 'piano recital'! There was only one piano, plus the harmonium, played by the cathedral's DOM.

[Bryn]

Do we have a finger down throat emoticon?

[hmvman]

Contemporary?

Yes, contemporary classical.

[ardcarp]

Bryn. Perfect.