The Leicester Bach Choir excelled themselves last week with a fine performance of the Bach B Minor Mass at St James the Greater. The opening Kyrie was spectacularly successful, beginning as it did with the entire choir pitching their notes perfectly from the orchestral tuning up, music copies firmly closed and totally focused on their excellent conductor, Richard Laing. The effect was stunning, and the commitment of everyone to accuracy and detail was notable throughout the evening.
The whole performance demonstrated an impressive array of light and shade, dramatic contrasts which really brought the music to life. Gratias agimus tibi, for instance, was beautifully sustained with some lovely legato singing and sensitive dynamics, whereas Domine deus was very light and delicate, and the Qui tollis fantastically atmospheric, with some great orchestral playing.
Full credit must be given to Richard Laing, whose attention to detail brought choir and orchestra together with a high degree of sensitivity, while excitement of Cum sancto spiritu was heightened visually by the apparently imminent prospect of the conductor physically taking off..!
The pace of this would have daunted a less able choir, but Leicester’s Bach Choir rose magnificently to the challenge, and the Gloria positively erupted into glorious exuberant action. Other highlights in the performance included the high quality of tone from the tenors in the Credo especially, and the evident enjoyment of the basses in the Sanctus, which was regal and magnificent, while swirls of angels were conjured up by the sopranos.
In all of this, the choir was ably supported by four exceptionally well-matched soloists: Katie Trethewey, Cathy Bell, Edward Goater, and Angus McPhee, whose voices blended beautifully with the choir, adding an extra layer of richness to the performance. Their contributions were essential in elevating the music and ensuring the emotional depth of each piece was fully conveyed. Equally impressive was the fine playing by the Bach Camerata, whose skilful musicianship added warmth and texture to the overall sound.
The continuo was consistently pleasing, especially the string section, which brought a delicate and nuanced touch to the Agnus Dei, heightening the reverence and serenity of the moment. However, it was the trumpets that truly stood out throughout the evening. Their bold and brilliant tones provided a vibrant contrast to the more subdued sections, adding a celebratory flourish that felt like the icing on the cake. The brass gave the music a triumphant, almost regal quality that resonated powerfully with both the performers and the audience, leaving a lasting impression and rounding off an already unforgettable evening with a sense of grandeur and exultation.
The B minor Mass is an exhausting work, and just occasionally there was a slight sense of weariness leading to a momentary lapse of concentration, but such instances were rare and well compensated for by the fire and passion in a quality performance of a clearly much loved choral work. I look forward to the Bach Choir’s next concert, but they have set themselves a hard act to follow.
Susan Paterson.