The Leicester Bach Choir’s 2011 summer concert was an exquisite showcase of 20th-century French music, impressively conducted and performed. The program opened with Gabriel Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, a serene and meditative piece. The choir’s interpretation was exceptional, emphasising the elegant and subtle qualities of the music. The highlight of this opening performance was the mesmerising contribution of a young tenor, whose voice brought a unique and almost otherworldly quality to the piece, setting a high standard for the rest of the evening.
Following this, the concert shifted focus to a more intimate and delicate performance with Fauré’s Romance for cello and organ. The cello’s rich and soulful tones paired harmoniously with the organ’s fulsome sound. The interplay between the two instruments provided a sublime musical experience, filling the venue with warmth and emotion. This piece stood out as a perfect example of how music can evoke both simplicity and depth, allowing the audience to experience the softer, more delicate textures of the evening’s program.
César Franck’s Panis Angelicus followed, a well-loved work often performed for its spiritual beauty and emotive power. The choir’s performance was accompanied by cello and organ, but there were occasional moments where the cello’s more subtle voice was overpowered by the louder sections of the choir. Despite this, the performance retained its sensitivity and emotional weight, giving the audience a deeply moving rendition of this iconic piece.
The concert continued with Poulenc’s Two Motets for a Time of Penitence, pieces composed in the shadow of personal tragedy for the composer. These motets cover a wide range of emotions, and the choir’s performance did justice to Poulenc’s complex, deeply human music. The shift from the serene tone of earlier pieces to the more anguished and intense emotions in the motets was palpable. The choir successfully navigated the intricate harmonies and sudden changes in mood, drawing the audience into a deeply reflective state.
A particular standout of the evening was Bach’s aria Erbarme Dich from St Matthew’s Passion. Accompanied by cello, organ, and violin, the performance was nothing short of stunning. The lush, flowing harmonies of the string and organ arrangement were delivered with remarkable intensity, and the emotional depth of the aria resonated powerfully in the venue. The balance between the instruments and the vocal performance was perfect, creating an immersive and moving experience for all in attendance.
The final piece of the evening, Louis Vierne’s Messe Solennelle, brought the concert to a vibrant and thrilling close. The mass is known for its dramatic and passionate nature, and the Leicester Bach Choir delivered on every level. The organ played a vital role in creating the powerful, booming sound that resonated throughout the venue, while the choir matched the intensity with its dynamic and robust performance. This final piece was truly the crowning moment of the concert, leaving the audience both exhilarated and deeply enriched by the music they had just witnessed.
Overall, this concert was a testament to the Leicester Bach Choir’s skill, musicality, and ability to interpret a wide range of emotions, making it a truly memorable evening.