Waverley Singers

Clarity and sensitivity in Bach Mass

The following review by John Vandenberge appeared in the Aldershot Herald on 20 November 1992

In their concert on Saturday at St Andrew's Garrison Church, Aldershot, the Waverley Singers, under conductor Malcolm Hicks, continued their policy of presenting a major choral work at this time of year with a performance of Bach's great B minor Mass. 

Insofar as Bach conceived his choral masterpieces in terms of a choir no larger, and more usually a bit smaller, than the orchestral forces employed (about 25 players), a work such as the B minor Mass presents a challenge to a modern choir of the Waverleys’ strength. The clarity which can be achieved by smaller numbers is much more difficult to obtain from a chorus approaching 150 singers, and, generally speaking, they are to be congratulated on avoiding the muddiness of texture which so often results.

This was especially true of the "Credo", "Sanctus", and "Agnus Dei" sections, which formed the latter part of the work. "Et incarnatus" had a good, relaxed feeling, and "Et resurrexit" was clear with sensitive dynamics and strong attack. There were also thrilling moments from the chorus against the sequential writing for orchestra in "Et expecto", and the final "Dona Nobis Pacem" achieved an impressive climax.

Balance was generally good, although the game but relatively small band of tenors were occasionally overpowered by the formidable bass section. Aspiring tenors, please note - the Waverley Singers need you!

Jennifer Adams-Barbaro (soprano), Susanna Spicer (mezzo-soprano), Neil McKenzie (tenor), and Mark Wildman (bass) formed a strong quartet of soloists. Susanna Spicer was impressive in a finely sung "Agnus Dei", though, earlier, her "Laudamus Te" was marred by an uncomfortably fast speed, which obliged her to snatch breath at the ends of phrases. The important violin part was expertly negotiated, however, by the orchestra's leader, Bernard Partridge.

Jennifer Adams-Barbaro's fine soprano and fluent technique were employed to good effect in the important duets with tenor and mezzo-soprano. Neil Mackenzie managed well the difficult sinuous line of the opening “Benedictus”, with the high notes lightly and comfortably taken. However, both Mark Wildman's bass arias were unsettled by virtue of shaky ensemble with horn and bassoons in the "Quoniam" and being slightly ahead of the beat in "Et in spiritum sanctum".

As ever, the Tilford Bach Orchestra provided strong support with sensitive accompaniment throughout and expert contributions from flute, oboes, horn, and bassoons in the four solo movements of the opening "Gloria".

The Waverley Singers' next concert is a programme of Christmas music at St Mary's Church, Alton, on December 19th.