Tallis Scholars 50th Birthday Concert keeps Douai Abbey audience rapt for nearly 2 hours
The Tallis Scholars 50th Birthday Concert
Newbury Spring Festival: The Tallis Scholars 50th Birthday Concert at Douai Abbey on Friday, May 12. Review by AMANDA HOLLIDAY
The Tallis Scholars celebrated their 50th anniversary in style by making their Newbury Spring Festival debut in the wonderful setting of Douai Abbey church. The simple yet elegant splendour of the arches and columns together with the unique acoustics, created a perfect backdrop for a cappella pieces which held the rapt attention of the audience for nearly two hours.
The programme of Renaissance sacred music was chosen by their founder and director, Peter Phillips and included favourite pieces from Gibbons, Muhly, Byrd, Palestrina, Rutter, Gombert, Josquin, Part and of course, Thomas Tallis.
the purity of the music was uplifting and soothing; its power and musicality thrilling and exhausting
Everything we heard was glorious. The 15th and 16th century works were rich in choral texture, homophony, crisp rhythms and syncopations, very much honouring the style that made The Tallis Scholars’ name.
Muhly’s more contemporary Rough Notes told the story of Robert Scott’s diaries of his doomed trip to Antarctica. It initially conjured up colourful, hopeful images of the aurora Australis, followed all too soon by the awful realisation of and resignation to impending death. The piece was performed with sensitivity and grace, inviting the audience to reflect upon the emotional investment portrayed by such powerful singing.
Rutter’s Creator of Light brought not only a change in style and energy but also in choir formation around the altar. The vibrant piece contained antiphonal exchanges between two choirs: unison from one choir counteracted by celestial harmony from the other. A slow and mysterious beginning built to an energetic central section, culminating in a calm and tranquil finale. It was a real treat for fans of this composer’s work.
Friday was an evening of contrasting emotions: the purity of the music was uplifting and soothing; its power and musicality thrilling and exhausting.
Rapturous applause from the 470 strong audience marked the end of a glorious evening for lovers of polyphony and the human voice.
