Gloria & The Armed man

This two-part concert by Stourport Choral featured ‘Gloria!’ by Antonio Vivaldi written in 1715 as  a setting of the hymn ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ whose words probably date back to the 4th Century AD, and ‘The Armed Man’ - A Mass for Peace, by Karl Jenkins. The latter composed in 1999 was commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum, for the Millennium Celebrations and to mark the Museum’s move from London to Leeds.

The choir of 35 or more were as usual well dressed in black, the ladies with red scarves, the gentlemen with red ties, along one side of the St. Michaels & All Angels Church, a very pleasing venue. Initially  I thought the opening number ‘Gloria in Excelsis’ was so powerful it must be the helpful acoustics of the building but soon appreciated, that whilst that might be so to some extent, the whole programme was quite an uplifting experience under the new musical directorship of Bradley Barlow, appointed in January.

The second item ‘Et in Terra Pax’ (And on Earth be Peace unto all men) by the full choir, was I felt a complex piece but well sung, and this was followed by an accomplished duet ‘Laudamus Te (We Praise Thee Lord) sang by Pam Craven (Alto) and Sharon Toy (Soprano). There were some really rich tones amongst the choir for ‘Gratias Agimus Tibi’  (We give thanks unto Thee)/ ‘Propter Magnam Gloriam’ (All for Thy Great Glory O Lord) and this was followed by the aria ‘Domine Deus’ well sung by Jenny Parsons. Caroline Worthington led ‘Domine Deus, Agnus Dei’ well, joined by the chorus  and after a strong ‘Qui Tollis Pecata Mundi’ from the chorus, Mary Sinclair sang an impressive ‘Qui Sedes ad Dexteram’. The final two numbers in Part 1, by the chorus, were very powerful.

The opening number of Part 2 ‘The Armed Man’ by the full choir was stirring and accompanied by percussion and organ and this was followed by ‘Kyri (Lord have Mercy)’ with a solo piece by Mary Sinclair. The tenors and basses gave a strong positive rendition of ‘Save me from Bloody Men’ and Santus (Holy Holy Holy)’ by the choir with some organ accompaniment was also strong. I thought ‘Hymn before Action’ from text by Rudyard Kipling was very good, as were the two quartets sang by Phil Smith, Jim Parker, Caroline Worthington and Sharon Troy, that followed.

‘Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)’ enabled the choir to demonstrate their softer side and Sharon Troy sang ‘Now the guns have stopped’ with great control. There was a gentle opening to ‘Benedictus’ (Blessed is He) with piano and organ and this number with the full choir was quite moving, and the choir concluded the concert well with ‘Better is Peace – God shall wipe away al tears’.

I felt there was a crisp distinction between the different voices and was left wondering if Bradley had been spreading some magic vocal energy dust, which clearly was working on this well-established choir. I look forward to attending Stourport Choral’s  ‘July Jamboree’, a programme of popular music, on 22 July, this time at Arley Kings Village Hall.

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