15th June 2013, summer concert
“fantastic” “choir exhibited a wonderful range of colour and expression”
“St Mark’s Church is a wonderful, resonant venue perfectly suited to the eclectic programme of 16th, 18th and 20th century sacred music. As one would expect from the Sheffield Bach Society, the performance of Bach’s Cantata 11 was fantastic. The opening was powerfully dramatic; the choir responding to Simon Lindley’s energetic, enthusiastic conducting.
The performance of Kodály’s Missa Brevis was even stronger. The choir exhibited a wonderful range of colour and expression, and there were moments of real beauty. Especially effective was the trio, performed by Peter Condry, Matthew Palmer and Charlotte Kitson. The Missa Brevis is a technically demanding piece, and there were a few inaccuracies, but these did not detract from the overall effect.
The second half programming was slightly weaker. Vidi speciosam was performed with appropriate lightness and clarity, but lacked the impact of the Bach or Kodály. It is always good to see the programming of music by living composers, and Donald Hunt’s Hymnus Paschalis contained some lovely moments. A section where the singers were required to simultaneously ring bells was intriguing, but resulted in some balance issues where the text could no longer be heard.
The soloists were excellent. Of particular note was Matthew Palmer, whose voice possesses a richness and depth unusual for someone so young. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.”
Ben Gaunt, Sheffield Telegraph
Sheffield Bach Society 