The Bollington Festival Choir and Orchestra are in excellent form, achieved by a sustained renewal during these last few years. They gave a stimulating performance of works by Mozart and Haydn, and included an organ prelude by Buxtehude. There has been a marked change in the choir from concert to concert over the recent period of time. The altos are now greater in number compared with the other voices, and this is very good because their tone has always been sweet if somewhat masked by the rest of the choir. The soprano ranks are a little reduced now and they can sing in full volume without signs of strain or tension on top. This was evident in the Haydn. They can also do full justice to their part without masking the altos. As for the male voices, the adjustment in their playing has anchored the balance in the singing, all parts cohering in equal strength. This is all very good to hear and satisfies the listener; the tone throughout is good as a whole, no shouting, just full rounded and warm. As always now, the tenors and basses lead the way in seeing to sing for joy.
These words of recognition, perhaps a re-echo of what has been observed before, are still an indication of the achievement of the choir. Equally with the orchestra, they have become an instrument in the hands of their conductor, Donald Judge. They have a controlled flexibility in following him, and are expressive in interpreting any work.
And so, this last performance, enhanced by the four soloists from the R.N.C.M. was very fine. The voices of the soprano and mezzo were both lovely and well suited to Mozart and Haydn. The tenor and the bass-baritone sang with authority. Both were firm and strong, and had that touch of operatic quality in them. The writer had heard the tenor, Sipho Fubesi, sing Don José in Carmen last year at the R.N.C.M.
A word for the orchestra. How well they played. Their quality improves all the time, and their performance in music like this has become a major element in the concerts. They respond fully to their conductor. It is always a pleasure to hear them in their own right.
The Bollington audience has much to thank the conductor, Donald Judge, in bringing about a very satisfying and invigorating performance such as this. A most enjoyable evening of fine music and singing.
JH