Review - The Capella Singers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Review - The Capella Singers

REVIEW

The Capella Singers Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Monday, December 20

'TWAS bleak midwinter on the night but there was a warm response from a large audience come to hear the Cappella Singers, returning with another selection of Christmas music

The crisply snug music ranged from the opening simple haunting harmonies to more complex pieces.

Some works originated up to 800 years ago, while several settings were modern.

The alternating musical light and shade of Britten's double choir setting for Hymn to the Virgin, also Howells' anthem Here is the Little Door, contrasted nicely with the wistful rendering of Boughton's Lullaby.

The audience joined in for O Come, All Ye Faithful; quite a foot tapper.

Then you could almost imagine the shepherds fair skipping across the fields to a lilting, up-tempo interpretation of While Shepherds Watched.

The choral works were interspersed with a couple of stunning organ pieces played by Luke Bond.

Edmundson's rousing Toccata provided a sparkling foil for Cappella's rendition of Giles Swayne's most original setting for the Magnificat. Prior to the animated Twelve Days of Christmas, the choir finished with Llewellyn's clever quodlibet, London Waits.

Carols and chimes were interwoven with images of watchmen calling time around Victorian London.