Concert’s contrasts were illuminating (From Hereford Times)

Concert’s contrasts were illuminating

11:53am Thursday 29th March 2007 in Leisure

THE pairing of Poulenc's Gloria with Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony might initially seem to mirror the BBC's Invitation Concerts of long ago, in which the most disparate styles were brought together, not always helpfully.

In the event, the contrast at Hereford Choral Society's concert was illuminating and musically satisfying.

The Poulenc Gloria is the second most popular French concert work after Ravel's Boléro and it's not hard to hear why: the bouncy rhythms, the almost-naughty harmonies, and an orchestra that crackles like ice in a long drink.

The chorus were obviously enjoying themselves and Geraint Bowen's excellent tempi kept the whole thing fizzing along. I could have done with more really quiet playing in the contemplative moments and Carys Lane could not always manage the purity of tone Poulenc specifically asked for. But the choral intonation and ensemble were impeccable.

They maintained this standard right through the Sea Symphony and a special bravo goes to the tenors for their rendering of the taxing visible power and beauty' at the start of the fourth movement. Bowen again kept things moving, and any overlong moments have to be ascribed to the composer's inexperience, as must the relatively homogeneous textures.

For all the chorus' efforts, though, many of their words were inaudible. Maybe this is just the cathedral acoustic. But I did think of Richard Strauss' advice to conductors: Never look encouragingly at the brass!' Carys Lane was better suited here, and Peter Savidge gave a fine performance, blending clear diction with noble tone. The final pages were magical.