Monteverdi Vespers of 1610; NWEMF 40th Anniversary Event
VOICES & INSTRUMENTS
Tutor: Justin Doyle
Location: St Martin’s Chapel, University of Cumbria, Lancaster
Reviewer: John Pratt & Alan Jones
NWEMF 40th Anniversary Event, Justin Doyle, St Martins Chapel, University of Cumbria, Lancaster, June 3rd. Monteverdi Vespers – selected choral movements with instruments.
There follow reports from a singer and an instrumentalist.
A day working on Monteverdi’s 1610 “Vespers” to be led by Justin Doyle. What a prospect – which fully lived up to the high expectations. Justin not only obviously knows the work well but had clearly thought hard about how to organise the choral and instrumental forces within the space of St Martin’s Chapel. It took a little while at the start of the day, but thereafter each line of the instrumental parts was clearly audible to the singers on the same line, a very considerable help to getting the music to ‘come together’ in a mere few hours. As we worked through each chorus, Justin led us with an inspiring mix of insisting on ‘getting things right’; keeping us under control and letting us know when we should be trying harder; passing on a great deal of interesting information about the circumstances, both musical and practical, which affected why and how the Vespers was written; and for good measure even threw in some good advice for conductors. His sense of humour, his easy manner, his obvious enthusiasm and, not least, his unflagging energy which kept everyone alert right up to the end, will surely have had many participants hoping to work with him again before too long. We were never going achieve performance standard in the time available but we did experience just what it is that makes the Vespers one of the acknowledged masterworks in all music.
John Pratt
Could a new Member have had a better introduction to the NWEMF than this workshop on one of the greatest works in the late Renaissance repertory? The Vespers is scored for a very large choir, with soloists, organ and orchestra which set our tutor, Justin Doyle, a formidable task in just setting up, as he had to arrange two choirs with a variety of instrumentalists positioned amongst them. He set about it with good humour and efficiency so that the music-making was soon under way.
Justin showed from the outset that he was well prepared with an in-depth knowledge of the work and the various editions available, including the original edition of 1610. He quickly gave everybody confidence so that they could give of their best. His encouragement and good humour created a relaxed atmosphere which inspired one and all to achieve a high standard in the short time available for studying such a long and complex work. He concentrated on a selection of contrasting numbers, rather than just ploughing through from beginning to end, which enabled us to gain some familiarity with what was a new work for many of us. For one whose experience has been mainly in the Classical and Romantic orchestral repertory, it was a steep learning curve, even though not difficult notes. I have never before met semibreves which had to be played as fast quavers.
At the end of the workshop we enjoyed a social drink and a slice of a beautifully decorated cake made especially for the occasion. We all look forward to an even more special event for the 50th Anniversary. Many thanks to Justin and the team of people who made this event happen.
Alan Jones
First published in June 2017 Newsletter
