Choir, ensemble delight audience

The Herald
August 2006
Ruth Stieger

THREE CENTURIES (for Choir and String Ensemble) presented by NMMU Choir and Arts and Culture. (Summer Strand NG Kerk)

USING the clever concept of a “three-century” concert, Junita Lamprecht-Van Dijk directed choir and string ensemble in a variety of sacred choral works from Baroque to the present day.

Monteverdi's Beatus Vir, a setting of Psalm 112, was a wonderful choice of Baroque music. Textural variety in the concertato style of the work was well achieved.

Vocal soloists were also responsive to the meaning of the text and conveyed a fine sense of rhythmic pulse and dexterity.

The augmented Sontonga String Quartet, with invited musicians such as Colin Campbell on harpsichord, added authenticity to this dramatic work.

Two Handel arias were superbly sung by mezzo-soprano Lucretia Geswint, her resonant tone and excellent control complemented by sympathetic accompaniment, allowing for added meaning both in the sombre mood of Pompe vane du morte and the sustained joyfulness of Bel contento.

The Magnificat for Mixed Choir and String Quartet, written for this specific ensemble by Peter-Louis Van Dijk was premiered. Based on a Catholic text – The Canticle of Mary – Van Dijk aptly described a variety of emotions ranging from awe to disbelief. From the dramatic chordal sections to the mystical atmosphere of quieter sections, the choir gave a spirited and energetic performance.

The Rhodes Chamber Choir again joined forces with NMMU for the Faure Requiem, written for mixed choir and orchestra of low strings, harp and organ. Through this intimate work, Lamprecht demonstrated her excellent attention to detail.

The eloquent soprano solo of Pie Jesu, a central part of the structure, was well handled by Geswint while baritone Hendre van Zyl acquitted himself well in two movements.

It was impossible for an audience not to be moved by this interpretation of Faure's ethereal work.