Sweet-sounding echoes of the past

LULLY LULLA: ROCKING THE CRADLE OF HISTORY The Song Company Antony Pitts, conductor Hobart Town Hall November 28

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treat was enjoyed by a small but appreciative audience when the Sydney-based Song Company included Hobart in its tour of eastern Australia.

Anna Fraser, Chloe Lankshear, Hannah Fraser, Richard Black, Andrew O’Connor, Mark Donnelly and Antony Pitts each possess respectable vocal credentials of the calibre of Tasmanian Jane Edwards, a former member.

Individuals and ensembles presented narrative and song, consistently well- articulated, with beautiful tone and expression. Their seasonally timed program gave a discerning look at historical events surrounding the first Christmas and its relationships to contemporary challenges.

The format was informed by pageants of 16th century England, when theatrical depictions became popular. The group used all spaces in the auditorium to dramatic effect, including the ante room when singing Calvin Bowman’s Gaudete.

They gave convincing dramatisation of the shepherds’ encounter with Mary, and the wise men’s encounter with Herod. Striking examples were Thomas Mawdycke’s As I rode out this enderes night and Doune from heaven, from heaven so hie.

Carols from modern periods were also included. Brian Kogler was best represented in A babe asleep, Weep,

then sleep and Pie Jesu. The close harmonies of John Duggan’s A Babe, born bare were executed in breathtaking accuracy by sopranos and alto, then later in equally enthralling form by tenors and bass. Pitt’s composition, a challenging

Miryam’s Lullaby, was very moving. The extensive repertoire included Dunstaple’s Gloria in excelsis, Jack’s A

Winter Warmer, and carols by Byrd.