Will Todd's Mass In Blue is a setting of the Latin text like no other.
The work's driving rhythms, catchy melodies and irresistible exuberance can sweep both audience and performers off their feet. At some performances, the usual respectful silence between movements has been filled with spontaneous applause.
All this energy and pizzazz needs huge talent in performance. The Kyrie starts with a virtuosic piano trio and it's not long before the soprano soloist enters |
with a wonderful bluesy melody which requires both vocal range and spiritual intensity.
The soloist plays a pivotal part in the whole work – she needs not only to belt out the show-stopping numbers but also to caress the tender melodies which illuminate the more introspective parts sections.
Will Todd's score can sound as if it’s being smelted in the red-hot furnace of improvisation. The choir needs to be a razor-sharp ensemble with musical muscle! |
