Handel’s Messiah was first performed in the Musick Hall, Fishamble Street, Dublin, in April 1742. It is fitting, therefore, that Witham Choral Society (WCS) chose to perform the work in Witham Public Hall. Today, most performances of this oratorio take place in churches or cathedrals. So, would this bold step to take Handel’s masterpiece back to the concert hall be a success? Well, I am pleased to say it was a resounding success, opening with an engaging and intimate performance of the sinfony by the orchestra.
Another bold step taken by WCS was their decision not to engage a tenor soloist. Instead, many of the arias usually sung by the tenor were sung by the soprano soloist. Gill Wilson rose to the occasion, giving a plaintive account of Comfort ye my people, leading into Ev’ry valley shall be exalted, which she sang with a lightness of touch. On more familiar ground, her later rendition of Rejoice greatly O daughter of Zion was a liquid delight.
The choir gave a robust rendition of And the glory of the Lord, and went on to give a lively account of For unto us a child is born. The consecutive trio of choruses in Part II was particularly effective: the mood of each was perfectly judged.
The conductor, Patrick McCarthy, also sang the bass solos, singing Thus saith the Lord of hosts with a keen sense of drama. His voice had a pleasing resonant depth, which was most evident in his stirring account of Behold, I tell you a mystery, and The trumpet shall sound.
Elaine Henson (mezzo-soprano) gave a delightful rendition of O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, which was sung with conviction throughout, and she went on to give a lush and meaningful account of He was despised.
There were many other highlights in this performance. There was great choral strength in Lift up your heads, and a rousing Hallelujah Chorus. Elsewhere, the cello and keyboard combined to good effect, and the off-stage and on-stage trumpet playing a joy.
This was a perfect way to celebrate Patrick McCarthy’s twenty years at the helm of WCS. Long may it continue! |