Chipperfield Choral Society’s well-supported concert on 12 March at St. Clement Danes School, Chorleywood, fully lived up to the expectations of its enthusiastic audience. They gave a powerful account of the opening work, Haydn’s short but lively Te Deum of 1800, with strong, confident entries and skilful negotiation of some florid vocal lines, although clear enunciation of words was sometimes lost across the orchestra’s accomplished playing. By contrast Five Mystical Songs, Vaughan Williams lovely setting for baritone, chorus and orchestra of words by the 17th century poet George Herbert was the perfect vehicle for displaying the choir’s nicely blended tone and expressive singing in the many quiet moments. The hushed ending to the second song, “I got me flowers”, was particularly effective. Alex Ashworth’s mellifluous baritone was a pleasure to listen to, his attention to dynamics and sensitive shaping of words and phrases reflecting his experience in Lieder singing.
After the interval choir and baritone were joined by the remaining three soloists: Amanda Forbes (soprano), Anna Huntley (mezzo-soprano), and Richard Rowe (tenor). Beethoven’s Mass in C does not provide many opportunities for individual soloists to stand out, but they were all excellent and their voices blended beautifully, particularly in the Benedictus. The choir evidently enjoyed singing this piece and made the most of the contrasts in volume, showing good control in the softer passages. The conductor, Delia Meehan, kept all the forces together with her clear and intelligent direction and ensured, as always, a most enjoyable evening of music.
Liz Hart and Ruth Hellen