Hilliard Ensemble
As I have an uncle that, like me, is a fan of the more 'out there' classical music, he jumped at the chance to go to the Brighton Festival to hear Tavener's supernatural songs as well as Bryars and Avo Pärt. The church in which the concert was held was the ideal space for the choral repertoire and, whilst the pews did not give an ideal view, the performance itself was breath-taking.
First of all, the supernatural songs were truly euphoric. Whilst not pleasing to ear, it was musically stimulating and, with a first class mezzo soprano at the helm, the first half was a true delight.
The second half started with a piece by Gavin Bryars composed for and sung by the Hiliard ensemble, who are in their last year as a group. Their voices are still at the top of their game after such a long time together and this piece was just right for them.
Then started Arvo Pärt's work. His first piece slightly dropped the magic created by Tavener and Bryars with a slightly out of place violin solo that seemed out of step with the choral work that preceded it. Whilst the actual performance was performed spotlessly by Alexandra Wood and the City of London Sinforia lead by Stephen Layton, it just did not seem right for this particular event. This was more than made up, however, by the Hiliard ensemble leading the Brighton Festival Chorus in Pärt's Litany. This finale truly topped all that preceded it. The chorus was truly spectacular in a well orchestrated piece. It was a perfect end in an almost spotless evening. I wish the Hiliard ensemble well as they move towards the end of their career as a group as they are one of the best groups in the country in regards to classical music.
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