Tag Archives: Adrian Partington

my Proms début

Posted on August 16, 2017 by vhk10

I don’t take occasions like this for granted. After many years of going to Promenade concerts I was finally on the other side of the stage in the choir stalls as an ‘extra’ with the BBC National Chorus of Wales. … Continue reading →

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Flats into sharps at Gloucester

Posted on March 18, 2017 by vhk10

Rather on the spur of the moment I decided to join a singing day at Gloucester Cathedral, organised by Gloucester Choral Society and featuring four settings of the Evening Canticles. It was a rare chance to sing this repertoire with … Continue reading →

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Belshazzar’s Feast with a pounding heart

Posted on December 22, 2016 by vhk10

On to Belshazzar (I would say ‘onwards and upwards’ but I don’t think there is any ‘upwards’, in any sense, after the Missa Solemnis). I have had terrible difficulties driving to rehearsals in Bristol this term, and tried to get … Continue reading →

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The Missa Solemnis is singable

Posted on November 24, 2016 by vhk10

So the great day finally came round, and I got to sing the Missa Solemnis with Gloucester Choral Society and the Bristol Ensemble in Gloucester Cathedral. I wrote earlier of the particular difficulties of performing this piece. It wasn’t Beethoven’s … Continue reading →

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3 Choirs (7): Mahler’s Eighth Symphony

Posted on August 26, 2016 by vhk10

Phew! Finally I get near the end of writing up my Three Choirs activities. After a rest day on the Thursday the final outing for the Chorus (and large numbers of others) was Mahler 8. In preparation, I tried not … Continue reading →

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The Three Choirs evensongs

Posted on August 25, 2016 by vhk10

I went to most of the Choral Evensongs at the Three Choirs Festival. These of course are the real Three Choirs – the Cathedral choirs of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford – and it’s clear that for many festival-goers the evensongs … Continue reading →

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3 Choirs (6): Carmina Burana

Posted on August 22, 2016 by vhk10

I promised to review my opinion of Carmina Burana after the performance. I realise I’ve been unfair on the piece in at least one respect. I alleged it was unvocal and it isn’t – even that top C is well … Continue reading →

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3 Choirs (4): Dona Nobis Pacem

Posted on August 21, 2016 by vhk10

Dona Nobis Pacem was the discovery of the Festival for me, as previously it had only been a name. It is one of those pieces invoking peace, like Give Unto the Lord or Friede auf Erden, which sadly got overtaken by events … Continue reading →

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3 Choirs (2): The Kingdom

Posted on July 27, 2016 by vhk10

First up was The Kingdom, a work new to me, though in recent years it seems to have gained in popularity. I think I will always in general prefer earlier Elgar to later works, and so this piece hasn’t overtaken … Continue reading →

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3 Choirs (1): the opening service

Posted on July 24, 2016 by vhk10

The opening day of the Festival finally arrived, the first event being the opening service. This was one of those occasions where the processions of dignitaries (which included some truly spectacular civic headgear) are an important part of the ceremony. … Continue reading →

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Call me Al (2): Ahoy!

Posted on April 11, 2016 by vhk10

Another week, another cantata by Alexander l’Estrange. This time it was Ahoy! for the Mary Rose, performed in Colston Hall as part of Bristol Choral Society’s outreach programme. Choir members were joined by a large crew from several Bristol schools, … Continue reading →

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the Evangelist jinx

Posted on March 22, 2016 by vhk10

I wonder whether I should be allowed to sing the St Matthew Passion at all, given that I seem to bring illness with me when I perform it. The first time I did so, the Evangelist was unwell and his … Continue reading →

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