A wonderous evening spent soaking in The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir's performance of Carl Orff's masterpiece Carmina Burana.
Joined by the Children's Choir, to whet the audience's appetite prior to Orff's powerful composition, we were treated to Brahms' 19th Century "Liebeslieder Waltzes" and Holst's "Choral Fantasia", composed in 1930.
The warmth in Brahms' melodic "Liebeslieder" ("love songs") shone, filling the Philharmonic Hall with the meloncholic yearning of a love uncaptured. Holst's Choral Fantasia however, quite literally, struck all the wrong chords. Although now hailed as a masterpiece, at its first performance in 1931 it was badly received by critics and remained unperformed for decades. It is with those critics I am in agreement. Although the piece was perfectly performed by the Philharmonic's musicians, and its intent to purposefully jar the senses, it warranted no desire to listen to it again.
Onward then, to the reason we were all there - Orff's Carmina Burana. The stage intimately set with the timpani, cymbals and marimba accompanied only by two grand pianos.
The unmistakable opening verse of "Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi" has been pilfered countless times by 20th Century film and television, instantly recognisable as the theme to horror film "The Omen." Forget the "evil" connotations these references have brought to the piece. It was a sheer delight to hear "Oh Fortuna" delivered with a richness of sound only the Philharmonic Hall's acoustics can achieve.
Inspired by the medieval poetry of Benedictine monks, it was a surprise then to read the raunchy lyrics from which Orff comprised the rest of his Cantata. The 24 poems move from woefully berating Fortune, to bawdy nights gamblers spend "In The Pub" to lusty yearning for the joys of the flesh in "Lessons in Love".
Three magnificent soloists, Soprano Charlotte Carter, Tenor David Douglas and Baritone Thomas Asher executed the mournful longings of a virgin girl and virgin boy. Crazy with lust, they battle their desires only to succomb to them. All three offered the most breathtakingly beautiful vocals I've witnessed in the Philharmonic.
Hats off to Graham Eccles, organ and piano, Eve Taylor on piano and the entire timpani section whose efforts gloriously accompanied the Choir, the quality of which is a credit to Chorusmaster Ian Taylor, who has held the position for the past 25 years.
9/10
For further information on listings please visit http://www.liverpoolphil.com/
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment