Programmes by the Crouch End Festival Chorus
are rarely less than adventurous and its offerings on Saturday
night's concert certainly called on its musical and physical resources
to the full.
With Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and Brahms' Ein Deutsches
Requiem on the programme, it seemed an overindulgence to offer the three
songs written by Philip Glass for the tercentenary of Quebec.
Songs two and three are cast firmly in the minimalist mould, and one
craved some variety away from repeated notes and rhythmic patterns. The Stravinsky,
by contrast, is rich in its invention and texture, though it relies on the
development of simple ideas. The effect is compelling and this gave the choir
its supreme moment of the evening.
Brahms' German Requiem is a monumental work, a sustained message of hope -
an article of faith without dogma.
It is, however, a long work, and when the singing became a little uneven, it was
to the credit of the CEFC and its conductor David Temple that cohesion never
faltered.
