Reviews

Verdi's Requiem at the Princes Theatre, Clacton

There was a most impressive performance of Verdi's Requiem on Saturday March 31 given by the combined Stour, Clacton and Dovercourt Choral Societies. There are certain major choral works where nothing less than a complete body of performers will be effective; a reduced orchestra or choir will not prove to be satisfactory. Two works, in particular, come to mind, Berlioz's Grande Messe des Morts and Verdi's Requiem, both dramatic evocations of the nineteenth century's attitude to death. The performance on Saturday spared nothing, a powerful chorus, the Colchester Symphony Orchestra on top form and four excellent professional soloists, Daniela Bechly (Soprano), Sylvia Clarke (Mezzo-soprano), Eugene Ginty (Tenor) and Timothy Dawkins (Bass). The conductor was Stephen Smith. I understand that the three choral societies had not had many rehearsals together but you would not have realised this from the way in which they performed as one - all credit to the conductor and the choirs themselves.

The orchestra has a really demanding role and the brass section deserves particular praise for faultless and spirited playing. The audience was spellbound by the Dies Irae introduction, which led to a nearly deafening entry of the chorus, enough to raise the roof of the theatre. In the interval I heard the comment that the full team would not have been out of place in the Albert Hall and I certainly agree with that. These days when we have become accustomed to the availability of excellent recordings of major works, one tends to forget that participating in a live performance is quite different. A work so compelling and moving as this gains immeasurably from being amongst the performers. There is nothing quite like a live performance. East Essex and South Suffolk were indeed fortunate to have such an excellent concert on their doorstep.

The evening would not have been such a success without the professionalism of the four soloists. It would be invidious to single out any of them as they all had such a major role in the Requiem and have to be audible in a smallish hall against a full and properly unrestrained orchestra. However, Daniela Bechly sent us away with a remarkable interpretation of the Lacrymosa, truly expressing the bleakness of Verdi's depth of pessimism. It is a shame that the mood had to be broken by the final applause but that applause was entirely deserved for giving the audience an exceptional treat.

JSC

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HANDEL'S MESSIAH

"The choir sang like professionals" (AD from Lawford)
"it was the best concert yet and I look forward to future ones" (MEHM, Cromer Norfolk)
"The contrasts of soft and loud were very effective and the soloists wonderful", B.S. Dovercourt.
"Magnificent!" (RW Manningtree)