Final lunchtime concert in Perth

This season’s final lunchtime concert in Perth Concert Hall was given over to a visit from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Voices under their Director Timothy Dean, writes music critic Ian Hunter.

Olivier Messiaen’s Cinq Rechants from 1948 is the last of a trilogy of works, including the mighty Turangalîla Symphony, concerned with the Tristan legend.

A capella for 12 voices, three each SATB, it made much use of solos, well pitched by individual singers, and the contrast of men’s and women’s voices.

Using half surreal French, half letters chosen for their sound and attack, it included mouth sounds and ticking and, given with the right infusion of joy, was impressively performed.

More easily assimilated and of even more emotional impact was Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir.

Again a capella, the Kyrie established Martin’s antiphonal use of voices, the men of RCS Voices of good sonorous depth.

It established a supportive atmosphere of faith, more vivid in the faster Christe section.

The Gloria became increasingly warm and comforting. The Credo had well portrayed word painting, as in descendit and resurrexit. In the Sanctus the acclamation was reserved for Hosanna.

The Agnus Dei was sad yet comforting, supplicatory and lyrical, descending from high to a calm: grant us peace.