A TRIBUTE to Gloucestershire Cathedral was the apt title of this concert at St. Mary’s Church, Wotton-under-Edge.

The programme was dedicated to the distinguished organist composers of the cathedral and reflected the immense talent and creativity of these eminent musicians. The concert began with two pieces by Herbert Brewer written for the Three Choirs Festival. In both cases the clarity of diction and expressive phrasing of the sopranos was well supported by the rich tone of the basses.

Christopher Boodle, who had stepped in at the last moment, provided sensitive support on the organ and piano as well as demonstrating his musicality in a shortened arrangement of The Marriage of Figaro Overture and his own composition, Scherzo.

In two anthems by Herbert Sumsion, with difficult key changes, the choir responded confidently, maintaining the rhythmic complexities of both pieces through expressive singing.

Many of those present in the Church will remember with affection the contribution made to music in the cathedral and in Gloucestershire by John Sanders. His anthem, My Beloved Spake, proved to be a challenge for the choir in maintaining pitch and intonation. Mandatum Novum was written for the Royal Maundy Service and incorporates references to another Gloucestershire composer, Hubert Parry. Here the unison plainsong singing was particularly well performed.

The final pieces, Jubilate Deo by David Briggs and Ian Ball’s Nunc Dimittis, produced some rich blending of the voices and expressive unison singing. An additional Ave Maria concluded the concert, which was well directed by Ian Harrold who provided additional commentary throughout.

Julie Phillips
July 2006