Hi everyone, thank you all for a very good session last night. And a big Thank You from Emma for the generous donations for the cookies.
As you know, we made recordings of three pieces, so you can hear for yourselves how things sound. Here is what we worked on:
Sure on this Shining Night – This is starting to sound very good. For those who were not there, speeds are a big thing we worked on. It starts with movement – the first verse cannot be sluggish! – and then, in the second half, steadily steps down in speed until the coda is genuinely slow. Watching for those entries and following the new speeds is key. Note-wise, I don’t think there is a lot more we can do as a choir. But as individuals, using the practice track to cement the notes would be a great use of time. We will record this next time, time permitting.
Abendlied – We ran through more than I intended to, in order to tidy up uncertain notes. For all parts, the confidence in the notes is not as quite good as it needs to be. Without that confidence we sing with uncertainty. The very first chord proves the point. Have a listen: https://youtu.be/kuMwaNDB2qg. Definitely worth some home learning if you have time and inclination. It won’t take much work to lift this from shaky to lovely.
Sleep – This came along well, but it needed Robert’s support on the piano to keep it together in places. Great improvement in the long build-up to the climax across all parts. The tenor/bass ‘dark and deep’ part came out perfectly on one occasion, and was better every time. If you have time, just keep listening to your part and let it seep into your musical consciousness.
Bogoroditse Dyevo – This is becoming a favourite. It sounds very good in places. You know this well now. Sing it for enjoyment and it will become a thing of beauty. Have a listen: https://youtu.be/qFgAVzi19Ys. As you listen, watch where it sounds to be drifting slightly flat, and think about how to combat this.
O Nuit – We did this as a once-through at the end, no run-through to check the notes, and it is sounding very nice. We open the concert with it, so it is good to have it sounding confident and relaxed. Here it is: https://youtu.be/O172DudDxUw
Next week we need to give some time to the Christmas pieces and we need to finish note learning on Darnk Night. We have 4 rehearsals before the Holly Lodge Concert, one extra one before our own. Please try to be at all of them if you possibly can!
Have a good week
Chris