(I
apologize for my lack of accent marks, but that keyboard is back in
Sandisfield)
The
program opened with Notre Pere, Opus
14, #4, followed by the Fugue sur le
Carillon de la Cathedrale de Soissons (organ solo), Opus 12, then the Quatre
Motets sur des Themes Gregoriens, Opus 10, an organ Scherzo, Opus 2, ending
with the Requiem Mass, Opus 9.
The program was beautifully sung by the Cathedral Choir of about 30 voices. Their overall sound was sweet and accurate. Their pitch was commendable. Mr. Barber conducts with elan and clear gestures. Mr. Ryan plays musically and with a splendid technique. At times the organ over-shadowed the choir, especially in forte sections of the choral works.
Evan
Bravos was the excellent baritone soloist and Alexandra Tanico was the mezzo.
The
room itself is worth a visit with or without music. The walls are covered with
stenciled Christian symbols, in the way some old French cathedrals had entire
walls painted, displaying biblical scenes.
I
think that the balance problem was caused by the fact that the very large organ
(Electro-Pneumatic) had chambers placed in various parts of the room.
Essentially, the choir sang in the north crossing and the bulk of the organ is
placed in the south crossing. Without someone listening in the center of the
nave, it must be very difficult to achieve a balance.
The
music of Durufle reflects that of some of his predecessors; Louis Vierne, for
example. It is mild-mannered, with occasional bursts of joy. It is not too far
removed from Gabriel Faure. It was a
very pleasant evening. We were happy to be there.
