Saturday 19th May 2012

Our summer festival of music for choir, brass, organ and percussion includes three contrasting pairs of setting of the same texts. Setting the words of the hymn, Gloria in excelsis Deo, the settings by Antonio Vivaldi and John Rutter are amongst the most popular amongst audiences and singers alike, setting the words in very contrasting styles. Vivaldi’s includes the famous soprano duet “Laudamus te” and is composed in a number of short movements. Rutter’s setting divides into three symmetrical movements, featuring rhythmical and declamatory choral settings, and a final syncopated fugal flourish. Parry’s setting of words from Psalm 122, I was glad when they said unto me, continue to delight at National ceremonies and festivals, but former Musical Director John Bertalot’s setting is no less delightful. Where Parry’s mood is solemn and grand, Bertalot puts a swing into the text, with driving rhythms and a rag-time lilt. John Rutter’s setting of Psalm 150, O praise God in his holiness, was composed for the Golden Jubilee in 2002. This performance therefore continues our year celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II. This lively setting contrasts well with the setting by Northampton-born composer Malcolm Arnold. Here Arnold, writing for the very space in which the concert is performed, creates mystery from the outset, and in the middle places his tongue firmly in his cheek. The programme concludes with the third in the Choir’s series featuring new North American choral works. Like Craig Phillips’ Dies Gratiae: Requiem reflections and David Conte’s September Sun, the performance of Dan Forrest’s in paradisum … will be the European première of the work, and it will also be the World première of the specially-commissioned version for brass, organ and percussion accompaniment. Setting some of the most poignant texts in the Bible, the work concludes with the mystical sounds of off-stage bells, chiming into the distance. You can find out a little more about Dan Forrest here : http://blogs.jwpepper.com/?p=2495

Details Timings: Saturday 19th May 2012 7.30p.m. Venue: St. Matthews Church, Kettering Road, Kingsley, Northampton, NN1 4RY Click to Find Us Programme: Psalm 150 – Malcolm Arnold Psalm 150 – John Rutter I was glad – John Bertalot I was glad – C. H. H. Parry Gloria – John Rutter Gloria – Antonio Vivaldi in paradisum … – Dan Forrest (European première) Tickets: Prices are £15 (£12 senior citizens) and £5 students (all unreserved seating) Performers T.B.D. Box Office Northampton Bach Choir Box Office c/o 28 The Glebe Badby Northamptonshire NN11 3AZ 01327 871973   St. Giles Music 16 St. Giles Terrace, Northampton, NN1 2BN 01604 250905 Tickets: Prices are £15 (£12 senior citizens) and £5 students (all unreserved seating)

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