Fine performance by Linden Singers vibrant, exciting and balanced

The Linden Singers directed by Basil Brooker, with the Cathedral Strings, leader Norma Smith, St Matthew’s Church, Hastings, Sunday, November 25. Gloria in D by Vivaldi.

Reviewed by Peter Williams.

The Linden Singers were in fine voice. It was obvious that Basil Brooker and vocal coach Elizabeth Curtis had been assiduous in their preparation of the whole programme.

The singing of the opening chorus was vibrant and exciting, words were projected clearly and the sections of the choir evenly balanced, while the sustained, expressive quality of the second chorus, Et in terra pax, made a fine contrast, setting the standard for the rest of the performance. Each of the other choruses showed balance in the fugal sections, clarity of diction and expression which matched the meaning of the words, leading to a splendid climax in the two final choruses.

Sopranos Kerry Tattersall and Natalie Stent, and counter-tenor Anthony Tattersall made a significant contribution to the performance in contrast with the choir, in their solos and in the poised presentation of the soprano duet, Laudamus Te. The Cathedral Strings, and organist Elizabeth Curtis, gave excellent support to all the singers, with their sensitive accompaniment.

Much of the second part of the programme featured polished a capella singing in a wide variety of songs. Intonation was secure, diction clear and each of the sections of the choir confidently projected its parts.

Napier composer Bill Bennet’s excellent arrangements of Neil Colquhoun’s Cargo Workers and Soon may the Wellerman come, were a highlight of the programme. The individual style of some lighter songs — The Goslings by Frederic Weatherly, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the very

amusing Soldier, soldier won’t you marry me — with soloists Kerry Tattersall and Ross Corbett, engaged both the choir and the audience.

Music for the Advent Season completed the programme — polished very expressive singing from the choir of the carols Gabriel’s Message, Joseph and the Angel and John Rutter’s arrangement of Joy to the World, with the brilliant piano accompaniment from Elizabeth Curtis. The opportunity for the audience to join with the choir in some Advent Carols, accompanied by organist Anthony Tattersall, and Sweelinck’s spectacular Hodie Christus natus est as an encore, completed a satisfying programme.

An attractive, informative printed programme was provided for the audience. It would have helped had the English translation of the Latin titles of the sections in the Gloria also been included.

The singing of the opening chorus was vibrant and exciting.