Unfamiliar repertoire delivered with finesse
A VERY professional recital ‘‘Unlocked’’ was presented by Octagon Ensemble yesterday afternoon in Knox Church.
This relatively new city group comprises professional and semiprofessional musicians, with repertoire varied in style and genre.
Yesterday’s predominantly choral programme maintained the impressive performance standard of their inaugural concert six months ago.
The 10 featured works and encore were unfamiliar to me, and probably to most of the audience, but everyone was full of praise and admiration for the 90minute programme.
Beginning with early Baroque, Purcell’s anthem Rejoice in the
Lord immediately launched the Ensemble’s wellbalanced beautiful harmonies. Its string and organ overture with subtle ground bass created a carillon effect, and the blending and intonation of voices was superb.
Two other short early works by Gesueldo preceded Britten’s mid20th century Rejoice in the Lamb. Luckily I had a programme with printed text, but underestimating large audience numbers meant many missed the wit and eccentricity so astutely delivered by the soloists. (Courtney Hickmott, Tessa Romano, James Adams and Scott Bezett). The only shortcoming of the group (in this venue) is maintaining strict clarity in diction.
American composer Silen Wellington (1995) was present to introduce the world premiere of his Find Me at the Horizon for female voices, with an invitation to listen and dream.
Beauty of sound and unpredictable harmonic shifts made especially pleasant listening. An absolute highlight was Esenvelds’ (1977) Only in Sleep, featuring soprano Erica Paterson, who soared magnificently above evocative a capella multilayered harmonies. A touch of string timbre added to the vocal blend in The Sun Never Says by Dan Forest (1978).
Still I Rise by AfricanAmerican composer Rosephayne Powell, performed in recognition of Black Lives Matter, ended this excellent recital in rousing gospel style.
Musical director was John Buchanan, artistic adviser and vocal coach Tessa Romano, accompanists David Burchell, Sharon McLennan and percussionist Daniel.
Other soloists were Olivia Pike, Michelle Walker and Ben Madden.