Magic of the Messiah

FINE choral singing, the fresh vocal sound of young soloists and sensitive orchestral playing were all expertly drawn together under the accomplished direction of Damian Cunningham, to produce a joyous and uplifting performance of Handel’s great oratorio “The Messiah”.

Since its first performance in 1742, in Dublin, “The Messiah” has become one of the most enduring and well known of all Handel’s choral works and, because it is so well known, it presents a particular challenge for all the performers. The audience know the work and have expectations about the music making they are about to hear.

They were certainly not disappointed at the Civic Hall in Uppermill. The Saddleworth Male Voice Choir was joined by the ladies of local choirs to provide the chorus — the backbone of any performance of “The Messiah”.

The soloists were four young singers, past or current students of the Royal Northern College of Music. Soprano Charlotte Carter, although suffering with a cold, nevertheless produced a beautiful and seemingly effortless soprano line, singing with great conviction. Particularly beautiful was her performance of “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth”. Mezzo soprano Helen Jarmany provided some poised and stylish singing although the tessitura of some of the alto arias was perhaps too low in places for her voice.

“The Messiah” is a demanding vocal score for young male voices still in the early stages of development. Bass Nick Beever sang with conviction and a real understanding of the marriage between words and music.

Yes, there were occasions when the technical hurdles were not all totally overcome but there is no doubt that he is developing a fine bass voice. Tenor David Shaw provided some of the most accomplished and outstanding solo work of the evening. His voice has a beauty of tone throughout the entire range and this is rooted in a secure technique and musical awareness.

The orchestra, expertly led by Donald Clarke, provided well crafted and sensitive accompaniments for both soloists and chorus, with mainly excellent intonation throughout. The contributions of David Chapman — solo trumpet, Peter Collier — harpsichord and Angela Costello — principal cello added significantly to the musicality of the whole performance.

Musical director Damian Cunningham brought out the very best in all the forces before him. He demonstrated great skill in moulding together a performance which had great impact, was well paced, sensitive and always musical.