A light which never sets 2017
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This concert explored the theme of light that has inspired composers such as Dove, and includes his "Seek him that maketh the seven stars" in the programme. The choir sings long awestruck phrases, while the organ sparkles like the night sky (skilfully played as ever by Tom Moore). The intensity then builds to a dance-like middle section, before coming to rest with the words “turneth the shadow of death into morning”. It is a work of contrasts, atmosphere and imagination.
Alongside this was another piece concerning stars, by the Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. Instead of a complex and twinkling organ part, he writes a series of sustained chords played by the singers on tuned wine glasses. This produces a remarkable glowing sound, which complements his gentle choral writing.
A major work in the programme was Herbert Howells’ Requiem for unaccompanied choir, in which he sets the text of “et lux perpetua” (light perpetual) twice, amid passages from the psalms and other scripture. This is full of Howells’ characteristically emotional harmonies. It was paired with John Rutter’s Hymn to the Creator of Light, written in 1992 as a tribute to Howells, and bearing the fingerprints of both composers. Edward Elgar’s majestic canticles for the office of matins (Te Deum and Benedictus) was also included.
