6th December 2014

The Wiltshire & Glos Standard
Cirencester Choral Society
6th December 2014 – Cherubini and Haydn
Review by Theresa Finzi

“Choral treats with classics at Christmas”

Yet again the Cirencester Choral Society, under their conductor Carleton Etherington, provided a packed parish church with a real Christmas treat in their concert on Saturday evening.

Starting with  Insanae et Vanae Curae by Haydn, the choir enhanced the music with a wide variety of dynamics as well as a range of choral colours that supplemented and supported the music. Following the first piece was a Trumpet Concerto, also by Haydn. This was beautifully played by Richard Colquhoun, who employed a delightful singing tone throughout and brought real clarity and character to the music. Continuing in the Imperialistic religious vein, Haydn’s Te Deum provided us all with another choral masterpiece, again delightfully sung by the choir. However, after the interval the choir really showed their true colours. Cherubini’s Requiem in C minor, written to commemorate the anniversary of the execution of King Louis XVI of France, was a real treasure trove of choral singing. The detail accorded to the performance was huge, giving the whole evening an extremely polished edge. The icing on the cake was the orchestra, led by Andrew Court, which was at all times sympathetic and supportive to the choir and most precise in its execution of the music. In all a thoroughly enjoyable evening, shared with a large and appreciative audience!

Theresa Finzi