Our performance for the Scottish Federation of Organists back in May got a little mention in their latest newsletter, out this month.
First we had a concert by the Con Anima Chamber Choir, directed by Paul Mealor: beautiful singing with a programme of great variety from Tallis to Tippett, religious and secular, which held us spellbound. Bridget Black, SFO News (January 2010)
The leading music magazine, Gramophone has reviewed our recent CD, Stabat Mater – here’s what they say:
‘Mealor’s contemplative melodicism is well championed by Con Anima… Mealor is one of the new generation of composers who have eschewed ugly, unresolved dissonance in favour of melody and listener-communication. The Stabat Mater is movingly serene and beautiful. His style shows a link with the past which is welcome, for Mealor undoubtedly has a voice of his own… The Aberdeen Choir sing with consistent dedication and fine blending, and Drew Tulloch’s delicate piano accompaniments are played with great finesse.’ Ivan March, Gramophone (January 2010)
Congratulations go to our very own Paul Mealor too!
A review of the recent concert, Lux Aeterna: A Celebration of the Divine in Music, by Alan Cooper.
The lights were dimmed to a warm reddish glow and suddenly, from nowhere, and yet from all around, the disembodied voices of the choir singing wordlessly the music of the opening motet by Thomas Tallis bathed the Cathedral in the most wonderful choral sound. As the choir processed to the front of the congregation, the tones of the most famous motet by Tallis swelled in richness and in power. This was not just great singing; it was a unique emotional experience.
The performance of Con Anima complemented his [Morten Lauridsen's] music beautifully. Once again dynamic contrasts were quite glorious, and the richness of the singing inspired me. Lux Aeterna uses organ accompaniment to support the voices and the Cathedral organist Dr Andrew Morrisson was splendid, ensuring that the music flowed without interruption.
For the full review please see the Aberdeen University Music website
Download an excerpt of Con Anima performing Morten Lauridsen’s O Nata Lux from Lux Aeterna [taken from an amateur recording of the performance]
[duration 04'29, size 4.1Mb]
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