Lighthouse Poole Wednesday 8th February 2023 19:30
The chorus sang
Sergei Taneyev’s ghostly cantata St John of Damascus which is a
deeply expressive choral adaptation, with music of rare beauty, at times
bordering on the sublime. The atmosphere is so charged that, as its
final moments slip into a dark and cleansing silence, you may feel the
need to hold your breath.
the performance from the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus ensured that it made an impression.
The Bournemouth Symphony Chorus sang with warmth and firm conviction
The Fine Times Recorder Review
The chorus, well prepared by Director Gavin Carr, handled the dynamic range with aplomb, and sang with intense feeling.
The most substantial work in the first half was the cantata John of Damascus by
Sergei Taneyev, a contemporary and friend of Tchaikovsky. The
Bournemouth Symphony Chorus seemed to relish the three atmospheric
movements and the demands of singing in Russian. After an Orthodox
chant-like opening depicting a death scene, sections led up to the
trumpet sounding for the saint with the hope that his soul will be taken
into heaven. Heavenly love was certainly suggested in a resonant blend
of voices and instruments.