Figure 1LBC Programmes and Press Cuttings from the LBC Archive
LBC Archivist: Dr Jennifer Wilkinson
© Dr Jennifer Wilkinson
On the 29th March 2025 the LBC will perform George Dyson’s “Hierusalem”. We are honoured to be supported by the Sir George Dyson Trust in performing this work, particularly as it requires a 16 piece orchestra which would be beyond the current capacity of the LBC were it not for this generous backing. “Hierusalem” is an extraordinary work with a soaring soprano solo which will doubtless leave our audience with goosebumps – do join us for this rare opportunity to hear such a beautiful piece.
The choir is no stranger to this 21st century English composer: in 1934 the LBC was the second choir to perform Dyson’s “St Paul’s Voyage to Melita”. First performed at Hereford Cathedral on 7th September 1933 this work depicts the journey of St Paul to Rome, to the point where he is shipwrecked on the island of Malta and dramatically features the storm at sea. Reviews on the LBC performances in 1934, 1936 and 1967 would suggest a mixed reception, from triumph and excitement to a more muted response on the second hearing. Read on for a flavour of what was reported in the local press…
Reports on the 16 December 1934 Concert
GOOD WORK BY LEICESTER CHOIR “George Dyson’s setting of the thrilling drama of the sea… was delightfully interpreted by the Leicester Bach Choir… The events of the voyage, the calm sea, the storm, and St. Paul’s message of hope, were well portrayed.” Leicester Evening Mail(2)
Bach Choir’s Triumph NEW WORK BY BRITISH COMPOSER “THOSE of us who occasionally ask plaintively: ‘Where are the modern composers with something to say?’ got a real thrill ‘out of… George Dyson’s “St Paul’s Voyage to Melita” strikes me as the product of a musical intelligence of the first rank, conceived and written at the white heat of inspiration, and as such a possible landmark in the history of British music. This is high praise but I cannot put it lower than that… Dr Dyson seems to possess an instinct for transmuting emotion into significant melody that was possessed by such diverse composers William Byrd and Hugo Wolf.” Leicester Daily Mercury(3)
Reports on the 13 December 1936 Concert
Realism In Cathedral Music LEICESTER BACH CHOIR INTERPRETATIONS “With three composers only on its programme the Leicester Bach Choir… showed us once more how wide is the emotional range of music… George Dyson, the Winchester College music-master who hurling preconceived ideas of “church music” to the winds, seems to have set out to prove to us that the cinema has not said the last word in exciting realism. In fact… “St Paul’s Voyage to Melita” has much in common with “Mutiny on the Bounty”. When the orchestral waves are rolling mountains high and St Paul is quarter-deck-voicing messages of good cheer to the over-driven underfed sailors, we are taken right out of the Cathedral into the one-and-sixpennies – the more so because Bruce Flegg in action has more than a hint of Charles Laughton. I am a little doubtful though, on second hearing of this work whether it is the sort of music that has permanent value. Its vigour and skill carry you away at first, but when you consider it in cold blood you begin to wonder, as you do when you see films a second time, what message it has to give beyond that of consummate showmanship. And yet it is not all on the surface – there is insight and a touch of austere beauty in St Paul’s description of his vision and the closing scenes. The very unusualness of the musical presentation – a sustained choral recitative with orchestral background and solo interjections conceived almost operatically – is a handicap to swift judgment. Time will show.” Leicester Daily Mercury(4)
Splendid Finale to Leicester Bach Choir’s Programme “The exciting story of St. Paul’s voyage to Melita, set to George Dyson’s music, was a splendid finale, well pleasing to the large congregation.” Leicester Evening Mail(5)
Report on the 19 November 1967 Concert
Contrasting Works for Bach Choir “Mr Gray and the Bach Choir had given this setting of words from the Acts of the Apostles its second performance… and yesterday one had the impression that acquaintance was being renewed with an old friend, absent from the scene for too long. Be that as it may this vivid sound picture shipwreck couched in what 30 years ago must have seemed a very modern idiom was given a fine reading, Mr Gray controlling his forces with great skill to bring the afternoon’s music-making to an exciting conclusion.” Leicester Daily Mercury(6)
We hope that our performance of Hierusalem on the 29th March at St James the Greater will be as spectacular as St Paul’s Voyage and as well received – why not join us to hear this rarely performed work and make up your own mind?
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- MusicWeb, https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2003/Sept03/DYSON_paul_lace.htm. Last accessed 14/3/25
- Leicester Evening Mail (1934), “GOOD WORK BY LEICESTER CHOIR” 17 December 1934
- Leicester Mercury (1934) “Bach Choir’s Triumph NEW WORK BY BRITISH COMPOSER” 17 December 1934
- Leicester Daily Mercury (1936) “Realism In Cathedral Music LEICESTER BACH CHOIR INTERPRETATIONS” 14 December 1936
- Leicester Evening Mail (1936) “Splendid Finale to Leicester Bach Choir’s Programme” 14 December 1936
- Leicester Daily Mercury (1967) “Contrasting Works for Bach Choir” 20 November 1967