Classical music and jazz: Review: North Camden Chorus at All Hallows, Gospel Oak
Published: 29 April 2010
by SARAH DAWES
BRAHM'S German Requiem is unusual because the composer chose not to use the words of the traditional Latin requiem full of the terrors of the Last Judgement and Pleas for Mercy.
Instead, Brahms as a Lutheran preferred to use texts from the Old and new Testaments in German – hence the title.
It was finished shortly after the death of his mother in 1865 and is perhaps the first requiem to balance hope and comfort with the sadness of death.
The music is challenging for an amateur choir, especially one that welcomes new members without testing their singing skills at an audition. But the North Camden Chorus gave a creditable and enjoyable performance under conductor Ian Gibson last weekend at All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak.
Soloists were outstanding: baritone Mark Denza who accompanies the choir at their rehearsals and soprano Sarah Probert who has delighted previous NCC audiences.
The first movement was especially moving, the choir managing to emphasise the dynamic contrast between the sadness of mourning and the comfort of a peaceful death, comparing it to a joyful harvest.
The fourth movement including the well-known “How Lovely are thy Dwellings,” was impressive too, although the final section came apart a little, with the difficult runs not quite crisp enough.
The high point, however, was the penultimate movement quoting from Corinthians – “The Trumpet Shall Sound”, and “Death, where is thy sting?” – which the choir approached with great gusto.
SARAH DAWES
• The NCC welcomes new singers, providing a great opportunity to explore the choral repertoire under a patient and generous conductor. For more details, visit www.ncchorus.org.uk