Thursday 9 October 2003
All Saints' Parish Church, Market Place, Kingston
Faure Requiem
Faure Cantique de Jean Racine
Handel Organ Concerto
Organ music by Langlais and Bach
Thames Festival Orchestra
Thames Philharmonic Choir

Congratulations to all concerned in this concert

Thames Philharmonic Choir provided once again one of the highlights of Kingston Arts Council's Autumn Arts Festival when it performed to a capacity audience at All Saints' Parish Church last Thursday. A varied first half put the focus firmly on the church's magnificent Frobenius organ and upon distinguished guest organist Stephen Disley.

It opened with a fine account of Bach's rarely performed Prelude & Fugue in C Major (BMV) and was followed by Fauré's miniature masterpiece 'Cantique de Jean Racine'. The reduced forces of the Thames Festival Orchestra in tandem with the organ provided a sensitive, understated foundation for the ebbing and flowing and the gradual crescendo of the choir, which demonstrated remarkable clarity and balance. The delicate punctuation of the harp was particularly oustanding in the 'Cantique'.

Stephen Disley then treated us to several superb works for the organ, commencing with three pieces by Jean Langlais (1907-91). The opening of 'Chant Héroique' with its angular and almost breathless texture set the tone for this "song of revolt" commemorating the death on active service of his distinguished musician friend, Jean Alain. In contrast the 'Chant de Paix' was a beautifully reflective work. The 'Triptyque' provided further contrast. Both playful and ebulient it is a true test of the organist's technique. The first half finished with a typical Handelian flourish closing the Organ Concerto in F Major, Opus 4, a work that was originally performed between the acts of 'Athalia'.

Fauré's 'Requiem' has become one of the most popular works in the choral repertoire but its beauty and power seem to increase with repeated listening, especially under the baton of John Bate. From the deep, dramatic opening chord of the organ followed by the gradually swelling choral forces and through to the tranquil concluding 'In Paradisum', this performance employing the original instrumentation was masterful. John Bate retained exemplary control of the hundred-strong choir, chamber orchestra and organ with the lightest of touches. Most of the work is understated but this only serves to give added emphasis to the more dramatic moments.

The two soloists make brief appearances, but James Harrison (baritone) and Katherine Manley (soprano) complemented the ethereal nature of the work with precision, warmth and economy. The pair of horns herald a burst of excitement towards the end followed by a pizzicato string passage with gospel overtones before settling down into the tranquility of the final 'In Paradisum'. Fauré's 'Requiem' is a work of great intimacy and it was a joy to hear the vast ranks of the Thames Philharmonic Choir retain this with such clarity and sensitivity. Kingston University and Kingston Arts Council are to be congratulated for their continued support for this glorious musical institution.

Colin Bloxham, Richmond and Twickenham Times, October 2003