Andrea Gabrieli and Orland di Lasso
Majesty and Magnificence: Andrea Gabrieli and Orlando di Lasso
VOICES & INSTRUMENTS
Tutor: James Weekes
Location: Didsbury Baptist Church
Reviewer: John Huthnance
Nine players and thirteen singers met on a fine day that at last felt like spring. After James had put the day’s works in context, we celebrated this arrival of spring with the first work tackled, Lassus’ Surge Propera, welcoming the passage of winter rain and arrival of flowers. This piece, as Lassus’ Oscultur me (tackled later), was based on the Old Testament Song of Songs (Song of Solomon). James emphasised the importance of the text (especially with Lassus), as well as the musical line, as a basis for singing and playing expressively. Although the six pieces tackled had very varied character – spacious, fluid, rapid-fire – this emphasis on expression was a continual theme through the day.
For the record, the other pieces worked on and then “performed” were: Andrea Gabrieli: Jubilate Deo a 8; O sacrum convivium; Vieni, Vieni Himeneo a 8; Lassus: In Monte Oliveti.
Throughout, James was encouraging, energetic and enthusiastic, and is to be warmly thanked for his leadership and for coping with the mixed forces: singers plus two recorders, two curtals, three sackbuts, a cornett and a violin. Rearranging of singers and instrumentalists between items was quickly and efficiently carried out, which kept us all busy, and helped engender the feeling that a lot had been successfully worked on, a lot learnt, and all with much enjoyment.
During the AGM, which was efficiently carried out during the lunch break, the treasurer’s report implied NWEMF had well over 100 members, so over 80% of them missed this well worth while workshop. They can’t all have been at the Grand National, or frightened of being collared by the AGM. Please do support these well-run, excellent events, tutored by talented experts in their field.
I was much encouraged by being handed a folder of parts appropriate to my instruments before the session started. Singers had all their music in a booklet. No doubt a lot of work for someone (Bob Foster) but this time saving expedient is much appreciated. We thank Bob Foster, for arranging the printing of vocal scores and production of instrument parts in various clefs, and Anna Wright for making us welcome at Didsbury Baptist church, a favourite NWEMF venue.
John Huthnance
First published in June 2023 Newsletter
