2016-2017 (113th season)

113th Season: Programmes and Reviews (2016-2017)

JS Bach – Mass in B Minor

Sunday 7th May 2017 at 3pm

Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society with
The Southbank Sinfonia
Miriam Allan – Soprano,
Kate Symonds-Joy – Mezzo Soprano,
Ben Thapa – Tenor,
James Cleverton – Bass

Conducted by Rebecca Miller

How lovely to hear Bach’s B Minor Mass performed to such a high standard by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society under the baton of their esteemed conductor Rebecca Miller, accompanied by the excellent Southbank Sinfonia.

This monumental Latin mass represents the pinnacle of the composer’s sacred vocal works. An outstanding exponent of counterpoint, he uses complex fugues in many of the movements, which were well-managed by the choir. From the opening Kyrie Eleison with its commanding introduction before the calmer fugal section, the chorus performed the melismatic phrases (so prevalent in Bach’s vocal music) to good effect, both musically and sensitively. Fine intonation reigned supreme throughout, and gentle nuances within the terraced dynamics maintained the Baroque style. Most important of all, the clear, lucid balance of voices expressed the polyphony with good clarity.

Rebecca Miller took the work at a stylistically slick pace, and was in total control throughout, allowing neither choir nor orchestra to rise above the required dynamic level. The chorus managed the chromaticisms, suspensions and constant key shifts with ease, while the orchestra (led by Joanna Park) accompanied the singers with sensitivity so that an ideal balance was achieved. Special mention must go to the violin, flute, oboe and horn obligato instrumentalists who performed alongside several of the soloists’ arias and duets.

All four soloists – Miriam Allen (soprano), Kate Symonds-Joy (mezzo), Ben Thapa (tenor) and James Cleverton (baritone) employed their excellent and clear focused voices to good use, in both arias and duets, where they complemented one another well. Particularly enjoyable were the soprano and alto duets, most musically performed.

The use of light articulation, varied tempi, crisp rhythms and complete control of dynamics produced a joyous and uplifting concert. The work is long and very demanding (as pointed out by Ms Miller when she gave the performers a well-deserved break) and it is therefore a credit to all concerned, not least the assistant conductor Jamie Sperling, that a thoroughly high-calibre B Minor Mass was enjoyed by all this afternoon.