On a chilly December evening in 2011, the Leicester Bach Choir delivered an unforgettable concert at St. James the Greater Church, undeterred by a nearby performance of Handel’s Messiah. The dedicated audience was treated to a night of contrasts, where the grandeur of Felix Mendelssohn’s Hymns was followed by the deep, evocative tones of Sergei Rachmaninov’s All Night Vigil, commonly known as Vespers.
The concert began with Mendelssohn’s Hymns, a piece that perfectly matched the resonant acoustics of St. James the Greater. From the moment soprano soloist Claire Bartrum introduced the piece with her rich, warm voice, the audience was captivated. The choir’s passages interspersed with the soloist’s sections filled the church with bright, joyous tones that reverberated beautifully in the space. There was a palpable energy throughout the performance, as the choir’s precision and power brought Mendelssohn’s work to a vibrant conclusion. It was a moment of sheer musical delight, setting a high bar for the rest of the evening.
The transition to the main event, Rachmaninov’s Vespers, was marked by a powerful performance of Mendelssohn’s Sonata No. 2 in C minor, performed by organist Ivan Linford. His interpretation of the grand sonata was both flowing and expressive, making excellent use of the tonal range of the St. James organ. The richness of the organ’s sound filled the church, bridging the gap between the lighter energy of Mendelssohn’s hymns and the deep, atmospheric tones of Rachmaninov’s Vespers. Ivan’s performance was a stunning showcase of his talent and the instrument’s power, heightening the audience’s anticipation for what was to come.
The choir returned, accompanied by soloists Claire Bartrum and tenor Kelvin Steele, to deliver Rachmaninov’s All Night Vigil (Vespers). From the first notes of O Come Let Us Worship, it was clear this was going to be a standout performance. The choir navigated the complex harmonies and multiple parts with clarity and precision, delivering a performance that was both technically impressive and deeply moving. The transition from the bright, welcoming opening to the more sombre Bless the Lord O My Soul was masterfully handled. The dark, rich harmonies evoked the solemn atmosphere of a Russian Orthodox service, making the audience feel as though they were enveloped in incense and candlelight.
Throughout the piece, the basses stood out, delivering the deep, resonant tones required for Rachmaninov’s choral masterpiece. Their performance added depth and weight to the music, giving the harmonies a thrilling sense of power and intensity. Conductor Richard Laing was at the helm of this breathtaking performance, guiding the choir through the intricate and demanding score with apparent ease. His clear direction allowed the music’s beauty and complexity to shine through, resulting in a performance that was nothing short of captivating.
The Leicester Bach Choir’s December 2011 performance was an evening of striking contrasts—joyful, bright hymns paired with the haunting, spiritual depth of Rachmaninov’s Vespers. It was a night that demonstrated the choir’s versatility, precision, and ability to evoke deep emotion, leaving the audience in awe of their collective talent.