CE Chapel of Merton College, Oxford 26th October 2011

[mopsus]

I'm not really an expert on Vaughan Williams, although I've sung this anthem a couple of times. If it lacked oomph (I didn't feel this at the time), I don't think this was because of small numbers, as the back row was larger than most cathedral choirs I've seen. More likely because the tenor and bass voices in student choirs have yet to reach their full weight. (Having said this, I treasure a broadcast of this anthem from King's College made on November 11th some years ago, taken rather more slowly than at Merton.)

As for the routine competence, this choral foundation has only been in existence in its current form for three years - maybe as time passes it will develop a more distinctive sound.

[DracoM]

Yes, it's not at all bad considering how recently Peter Phillips lent his considerable expertise to Merton. Which is rather why I wrote very little earlier. The start of a tradition, not fully-fledged. Do very much agree with you about student tenors and basses, so under-developed compared to the girls or pre-pubertal boys in school choirs.

[ardcarp]

Do very much agree with you about student tenors and basses

Male choral scholars have IMO sounded more and more 'mature' over recent years. The tenors at Merton sounded pretty good to me. The sad thing is that many young people (guys and gals) wanting to become 'professional' start colouring their voices too soon. I'm only really able to comment about tenors, but if they overdo it in their early twenties they lose control over their high notes by the time they are 30/40 so what ought to be an effortless English lyric tenor sound becomes an uncontolled wobble. Sorry, I'll climb off the soap-box now........