And what a wonderful way to say arrivederci to Chicago and its musical scene. Tonight we heard a dynamic performance of Haydn's Creation conducted by the incredible Jane Glover. I humbly bow before her talent and wish I could see her conducting from the front as the chorus and orchestra does. From the back, her grace, precision, and musicality flow effortlessly into the voices and instruments under her baton. She simply lives the music and brings that inspiration to the group.
The Creation is a marvelous work, filled with drama, joy, and even humor. Ms. Glover got every bit of those emotions out of her chorus and orchestra. With a minimum of motion she conveys mighty musical ideas.
The solo singers were Elizabeth Futral, soprano, Nicholas Phan, tenor, and Christopheren Nomura, baritone. They all have good voices but Mr. Phan was the only one whose diction could be understood. This was a shame, especially in Part III, which is mostly duets by Adam and Eve. Mr. Nomura could use a couple of low notes and Ms. Futral needs more centering in her middle and low voice. This would take care of the flutter. She often disappeared in the trios and some parts of the duets. The chorus was prepared by William Jon Gray and is wonderful.
I was interested to hear how different the sound of the chorus was both last fall in the St. John Passion and tonight under Ms. Glover's command, compared to the sounds they made under the man who conducted the December concert. It was in a different room, but the result was not good and the difference very apparent.
Ms. Glover apparently has magic hands!
Tonight Ms. Glover and the entire ensemble were perfection.
