Our regular programme of visiting Sacred Spaces near and far
continues, following visits to Coventry and St Paul's Cathedrals in
2015, with visits to Lichfield and Ely Cathedrals in 2017.
In keeping with the church calendar, the Psalm appointed for the
evening at Lichfield is 23, The Lord is my Shepherd, and the
choir are delighted to return to familiar music in the setting of
the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in Bb major by Henry
Thomas Smart (1813-79) which starts with a lively brassy fanfare on
the organ, and continues in festive style. They are also reprising
Samuel Wesley's (1766-1837) motet Exultate Deo, which they
most recently performed in October 2015 at St Paul's Cathedral. The
text of the anthem is the first two verses of Psalm 81, and
it is beyond any shadow of a doubt his masterpiece. Scored for
five-part chorus with organ, its two motives are treated to much
contrapuntal ingenuity while the vocal scoring is of such brilliance
that Arthur Wills described it as "rivalling Bach himself". The
Responses are sung to a new setting by Louis Le Vuyand, and are
ideal for choirs such as ours, who only sing Choral Evensong
infrequently.
Sing we merrily unto God our strength, make a cheerful noise unto
the God of Jacob. Take the psalm, bring hither the tabret; the merry
harp with the lute!Programme:
Northampton Bach Choir
Organist: Ivan Linford
Conductor: Lee Dunleavy
Le Vuyand Preces and Responses
Smart Evening Service in Bb
Wesley Exultate Deo |
