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| 146th Season |
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Will Todd ~ Mass in Blue
John Rutter ~ Feel the Spirit
Landau Forte College, Derby,
12th. November, 2011
Conducted by Richard Dacey
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| Review by Mike Wheeler: |
Punchy, energetic singing
In the hands of a less skilful composer, a work like Will Todd's Mass in Blue might well have turned out to be a colossal embarrassment.
But Todd knows what he's doing, and he meets the challenge of writing a convincing jazz setting of the mass, and pulls it off magnificently. Scored for solo soprano, choir and flexible jazz group it is an eclectic mix of blues and gospel with instrumental writing that echoes the likes of Stan Tracey.
Under conductor Richard Dacey, Derby Choral Union rose magnificently to the occasion, with punchy, energetic singing that carried complete conviction in what, |
for some, was no doubt an unfamiliar idiom.
The infectious sense of swing in the Benedictus and the soulful opening of the Agnus Dei were particular stand-out moments. Sarah Dacey dipped and soared her way through the taxing solo part (some of it very high-lying) with flair, and there was solid, powerful underpinning from Chris Lee, piano, Luke Annesley, alto sax, Dave Chamberlain, bass, and Tristan Mailliot, drums.
In the first half, everyone did their best by John Rutter's sequence of spiritual arrangements, Feel the Spirit, but it did point up the difference between a composer who has got the jazz idiom in his bones and one who is merely playing at it.
Mike Wheeler
Derby Telegraph,
16th. November, 2011 |
| Here is some feeback from members of the audience.... |
One word sums up my reaction at the end of the concert - 'WOW'! What an amazing experience! Quite unlike any other choral work I have ever known.
The jazz quartet was spot on and, fortunately, we sat where we could see the pianist's fingers flashing across the keyboard. However, I was quite mesmerised by Sarah Dacey, the soloist. What an absolute joy to listen to and look at: she obviously enjoyed every moment herself, and her voice was incredible.
All I can say is WOW again. The choir provided a most magnificent 'backing group', to complete the whole effect. Well done to all concerned and many thanks for 'sharing ' the experience.
Margaret Statham (Friend of DCU)
Mass in Blue was superb.
Sue Glithero
Enjoyed the concert. We liked the venue with good parking, toilets, amazing seating and excellent sight-lines.
William Dimech
Having heard the DCU perform several other established sacred works over the years, little did I think I'd ever be treated to something as exhilarating as Will Todd's 'Mass In Blue'. But last weekend I was proved joyously wrong! The Rutter work was heart-warming, but Todd's work left it in the shade. Excellent musicianship from the jazz quartet, wonderfully expressive notes from Sarah Dacey and tremendous work from the choir. Richard Dacey has good reason to be proud of your collective achievement.
Francis Glibbery
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A thoroughly enjoyable concert with excellent musicians and a brilliant performance from Sarah.
Colin McArdle
Joy [Taylor] and Tony and I were in the audience and all of us were very enthusiastic. It was a fabulous concert, exciting, heart warming and joyous - we felt proud to be associated with DCU and although it was a shame not to be singing, it was a real privilege to be in the audience. You could hear every word the choir sang, and what a wonderful soloist in Sarah, lovely voice, completely secure in the style and so very musical. Great instrumentalists too, especially the pianist! So congratulations to Richard and the committee for giving DCU a chance to shine in, for them, an unusual concert.
Jenny Jaggers
A refreshing change that was performed well, particularly in the second half. The Will Todd ‘Mass in Blue’ was excellent from the choir, the musical support, particularly Chris Lee on piano, and the outstanding singing of Sarah Dacey. The choir were well set up by the John Rutter in the first half to perform well in the second half (as were the audience). Well done for an excellent musical experience.
David & Ann Capel (Friends of DCU)
Yet again the DCU have excelled themselves - the Rutter was lovely, and the Mass in Blue obviously very challenging but beautifully performed was a first for us and interesting. We shall see you again at the Messiah.
Ann & Brian Barry |
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| Artists |
Sarah Dacey
Soprano
Chris Lee
Pianist |
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