The Blagovest Ensemble & Last Night of the Proms

So as it turns out, I'm not really that good at this blogging business...I sort of forget to write things down as soon as I think them. Play me a good tune and I'LL TALK ABOUT IT IN CAPS LOCK WITH YOU FOR AN ETERNITY - but give me time for it to all sink in and I get a bit boring and pretentious. So here's to trying again - I am determined to not let this fail!

As it turns out, not even sitting cosy with a cup of tea watching the well known Conservative propaganda called 'The Last Night of the Proms', can keep the classical music lovers of the tiny little village of Belbroughten away from a bit of the live stuff. The Blagovest Ensemble from Russia for some reason included the Holy Trinity church in their UK tour - and as the translation of Blagovest may suggest, it was 'good news' for all who attended - including the youngest members of the audience - my good friend Anna and myself.

With a mixed programme of Russian Orthodox sacred music and folk song, the 6 singers worked wonderfully together - especially after the interval, when someone must have suggested to the mezzo to turn the volume down. I just LOVE the Bass in Russian music, it's so rich and colourful, which works so wonderfully with the pious sacred music; the two seem inseparable - the rich sound conjuring images of the ornate interior of a Russian cathedral so vividly - even in a tiny protestant church in the West Midlands. The single Bass in this ensemble was fantastic. Though it has to be said, the highlight where he was concerned was simply hearing him speak - NO ONE has a speaking voice lower than Miroslav Alexeev. No one.

As we drove home from our Russian experience, constantly pressing replay on a 27 second clip of Joyce DiDonato singing some Rossini, it dawned on us just how cool we really are. ESPECIALLY as our night wasn't over...that a recording of the Proms was waiting for us at our destination! Ah, technology... As expected, all of Renée Fleming's contribution was just wonderful; my general disdain for the Proms and all things British turning into a faint flame of patriotism with her rousing rendition of Rule Britannia.

So from a truly ancient, exotic and Orthodox tradition, to a very British, unruly and Tory one...who can guess who comes out on top I wonder...

"Drop in the Ocean"

It's safe to say, that I'm really jealous of Latvia. It's literally overflowing with choirs. Virtually every company, society, school sings. Singing seems to be an intrinsic part of their culture, and the quality that comes from this is outstanding. The 'Kamer...' choir that recorded this disc are a youth choir...once you listen to the piece you'll understand how unbelievable this is.

I listened to what is apparently the best track on a disc bursting with virtuosity; and that is the effervescent and haunting, "Drop in the Ocean". Using text from Psalms and The New Testament, the composer, Esenvalds has succeeded in creating an arresting and original sound, that often mirrors it's title - each sound creating a ripple, that gradually builds into a full blown wave, before dying down once more.

The piece is basically unaccompanied, a backing of eerie, haunting sounds being the only addition to the choir - and it doesn't exactly serve as a musical starting block for the choir anyway, who seem to have a magical ability to pick out the correct pitch from thin air. The pure sound of the choir really suits the religious theme of the text, and the pious sound is whipped into the 21st century with a good dose of chromaticism here and there. It's really breathtaking when the entire choir comes together, in a raucous, brilliant climax - which is set off by some great counter rhythm in what sounds like the tenor section. And this somehow disappears into thin air, as the phrases repeat, each time gradually thinning, before vanishing completely with some magnificent diminuendo. Though, this is far too complex for me to fully understand I think, unfortunately. It's beautiful to listen to though...and at least, thankfully, I can appreciate that.

"Ye boundless realms of joy"

I've just got back from Evensong rehearsal - and all I can say is - Anthem 18 from Handel's 'Chandos Anthems' is LOTS of fun to sight sing. In the frantic effort to get in notes and words, it was a surprise I came through alive. But I did! Hurrah!

Unfortunately we don't have a Baroque orchestra accompanying us, but I think I'd trade them any day for the wonderful acoustics we get in a Cathedral. One of my teachers has said that it's best to have lessons in a 'dead' room so that you're pleasantly surprised at even a slightly better acoustic - but there's nothing like the vaulted ceiling of a Cathedral to put a singer at ease!

This, kids, is contrapuntal to the extreme...it was so mental to sight read whilst everyone was doing their own thing around you...though, that's a choir for you! Matters weren't made all that much better due to the interesting publication we had, which had a lovely octave G over the page turn...oh HI! However, no amount of moaning can detract from the fact that this is a lovely anthem.

One of my particular highlights, is how every part comes from their different winding paths for certain important phrases such as 'His praise your song employ', 'above the starry frame'...and so on. Very simple, but has a very poignant effect on singer and listener alike I think. Though it's the weaving of the vocal parts that really pulls the listener along, and gives it that lovely baroque bounce :)

"Priveghiati si va rugati"

Before I begin, I don't pretend to know anything about the Romanian Orthodox Church and its music; but a friend recommended this sacred aria to me, and I'm very glad he did. So though I might not have anything worthwhile or insightful to say about it, it's definitely worth a listen.

This recording of "Priveghiati si va rugati" by composer Gheorghe Popescu of course includes the internationally acclaimed Romanian soprano, Angela Gheorghui, singing alongside The Romanian National Chamber Choir. It seems to me that something magical happens when people sing material from their homeland. Angela and her counterparts seem to have such a strong passion and affinity with this music, which is perfectly conveyed to the listener. Of course this is aided by the fact that they are perfectly comfortable in the language, and can focus entirely on its sacred meaning.

The new orchestral introduction, written for this recording, is an odd choice, (as it seems it would have worked just as well as a purely choral piece, as it always has been) however, it's works as a perfect introduction to the peaceful Romanian National Chamber Choir. The choir's sweet, effervescent sound is the perfect contrast to Gheorghui's slightly darker tone. She sounds like an Angel, coming to declare some Divine advice, as she somehow powerfully caresses her first line; 'Priveghiati si va rugati', or 'Watch and Pray'. The two vocal elements blend beautifully, with a superb bass pedal being held almost constantly to create a wonderfully ancient and holy sound.

Listen carefully and close your eyes. I was transported directly to somewhere that looked a little something like this:

I was taken to a specific building, half way across the globe with this stunning music. The power of the voice endlessly fascinates me.

Tomorrow: Either something from La Donna del Lago or Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra...haven't quite decided :)