Why Do So Many Choirs Just Sing Loudly Nowadays?

[Vile Consort]

Well OK, not loud all the time, which is, I suppose, what the OP was referring to, but able to raise the roof when required.

Mind you, I did usually sit right behind the choir on the south side, so as to get the full benefit of the Trompeta Real.

[Tony Halstead]

the Trompeta Real

is that the same one that was used with such brilliant effect by the late lamented Brian Runnet(t - spelling?) on the legendary 'Argo' recording of Stainer's 'Crucifixion'?
IMV that recorded performance ( 1960/1961?) has never been surpassed or even equalled, most notably in the St John's choir's ( conducted by Guest of course) 'God so loved the world'; and of course the superb singing of Richard Lewis.
More recent recordings have been variously 'louder' , more 'operatic', and less tasteful, but the Guest/ John's version uniquely conveys the nobility, the restrained pathos and the endearing simplicity of this much-maligned masterpiece of its time.

[DracoM]

Ah, the hugely lamented Brian Runnett............what a talent!

[Wolsey]

Is that the same one that was used with such brilliant effect by the late lamented Brian Runnett on the legendary 'Argo' recording of Stainer's 'Crucifixion'?
IMV that recorded performance ( 1960/1961?) has never been surpassed or even equalled

The version by Peterborough Cathedral under Stanley Vann gives the St John's recording a run for its money. I have both on my CD shelves, and wouldn't want to part with either of them.

[DracoM]

I treasure BR's accompanying of John's in 'Greater Love etc' on record. Heard them sing it live, but alas not with BR.

[yorks_bass]

The version by Peterborough Cathedral under Stanley Vann gives the St John's recording a run for its money. I have both on my CD shelves, and wouldn't want to part with either of them.

Having more recordings of this piece than I should admit to (at least 8...), I'd put Barry Rose's Guildford effort ahead of either, largely on the strength of that one chorus (no need to name). But have you heard Hickox's version? Tear and Luxon in their element. Love the John's recording, although think that Brannigan had an off-day. Shame really.

Not wishing to digress, obviously...

[ardcarp]

Whilst we're digressing, didn't BR orchestrate the Crucifixion and record it?

I used to disrespec the piece in my yoof, but having earned quite a few a few quids innit from doing them tenor bits innit I fink like like Stainer is well peng man.

Digressing further, someone mentioned Richard Lewis. OMG, he had a glorious voive. Along with Eva Turner he is maybe one of Britain's now largely forgotten voices of internatinal calibre. Anyone heard RL's Onaway Awake Beloved from Hiawatha (whilst we're on the subject of once despised pieces) ? It is breath-taking.

[Tenebrae]

I would even go so far as to suggest that a good amateur choir is more likely to be able to produce a first rate PPPP than a professional one!

Then you would be wrong!

Indeed, I too would be astounded if that were true.
To return if I may to the original question, I suspect the answer is that it's just too much effort not to. Quiet singing takes more energy than belting, or even worse the bland default mf that so many choirs and singers fall back on, but when you sing softly you hear others better in order to blend and keep in time, then when the thrilling fortissimos arrive the choir will be in better nick. Frankly I am constantly amazed that Cathedral singers who can sight read complex harmonies and rhythms somehow cannot tell the difference between a 'p' and an 'f'!

[ardcarp]

Indeed, I too would be astounded if that were true.

It is silly (of me too) to make sweeping generalisations. There are so many amateur choirs of different sizes and abilities. It is now rather a past fashion, but some really big choirs (I remember the Bath Silver Ring Choir) used to pride themselves on a whispering pianissimo. It is indeed magical to get any group of singers to make the most of a big dynamic range. The snag is that many pro singers pride themselves on voice-quality, and they worry that quality will be lost if they sing too quietly. Those of us who struggle with orchestras often have to keep reminding violinists to play down...same problem; the level keeps creeping up!

[Flosshilde]

An interesting comment in the interval for today's concert - along the lines that the Chapel Royal at Versailles is very big, so choirs had to be both large & loud - apparently visiting Italian singers commented unfavourably on the loudness of the singing.