Attleborough Parish Church

Attleborough Parish Church

This was a concert of two contrasting parts. The second half comprised mainly a passionate Faure Requiem.

This over-performed piece was sung movingly and with care. The dynamic contrasts and expression were animated and well-achieved. The convincing mood throughout was a stirring delight to hear. A few timing errors can be overlooked as, on the whole, this was an effectively performed piece.

The first half, however, was a shambles - from the entry of the gossiping geese-like gaggle of choir members to their insecure and unsure singing. The excitement of this knife-edge performance of Durufle's Requiem was incredible. A melee of uncertainty cocooned the piece. The sopranos struggled to such a degree to find the higher notes as to give the impression of singing in another key.

Finally, during the Libera Me, the individual members gelled to form a cohesive choir. An apparently well-rehearsed, well-performed movement was gladly welcomed.

The choir were joined by the sensitive cello playing of Maja Passchier and the captivating sonorous baritone voice of Vojtech Safarik.