On Saturday, November 9, Romsey Choral Society presented Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle in Romsey Abbey, writes Kath Tilling.
Conducted by their director of music, Richard Pearce, and accompanied by Iain Farrington (piano) and Richard McVeigh (harmonium), the 80-strong choir opened the Mass with a Kyrie which demonstrated both admirable versatility of style and pinpoint accuracy of timing and pitch throughout.
Joining the choir for the Gloria, the second movement of the Mass, was a quartet of outstanding young professional soloists, all postgraduate opera students of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and supported by the Josephine Baker Trust.
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A particular highlight was the delightful duet "Qui tollis" which showcased the mellifluous voices of the soprano and the mezzo-soprano.
Concluding the Gloria was the energetic extended fugue, "Cum Sancto Spiritu", which the choir performed with great assurance and enjoyment.
The Credo saw soloists and choir combine in a fervent affirmation of faith and hope.
The soprano poignantly and delicately sung aria "Crucifixus" being the only punctuation in the choral texture.
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The quality of the vocal performances in this concert in no way diminished the vital contributions of the accompanists and conductor.
Iain Farrington played a subtle but firmly supportive role throughout, except in the first and last movements where his virtuoso keyboard skills shone as critical elements of the narrative.
The harmonium fulfilled a different yet complementary role, and Richard McVeigh demonstrated his mastery of this complex instrument throughout.
Keeping a firm hand on the tiller at all times was musical director Richard Pearce, whose thorough preparation of the choir and secure management of the many changes of tempi, dynamics, mood and ensemble during the performance sustained the audience’s belief that they were, indeed, watching and hearing an opera.
No doubt Rossini would have approved.
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