Dear all
Fantastic rehearsal today! All the pieces we covered today are sounding great, and we are really starting to shape it into a great performance! Well done to all present!
We started with a working run of the VW Te Deum. Each phrase is now sounding excellent, but a lot of them only sounded excellent the second time through! We really need to make sure we concentrate all the way through this piece, especially during the organ interludes, so each entry is powerful and effective. Make sure you note in your own scores where there are awkward page turns and rhythms you are not expecting (eg at the bottom of the penultimate page).
We then went through select bits of the Faure (Offertory, Agnus Dei and Libera Me). These are all sounding very good now and the dynamic shapes of the phrases are coming through really well. Especially tenors, watch tuning at during the unaccompanied bits of the Offertory. In Libera Me, please try not to slide around the jumps in the tune at the end!
Finally we spent 5 minutes on the Antiphon. Dynamics are key here, especially the big crescendi up to each “My God and King”. Everyone should make sure they know the “And above all the heart must bear the longest part” section, as this is always the hardest bit!
With only one rehearsal left before concert day (!) a few reminders:
- Everyone should be at the church ready to sing at 3pm on Saturday 18th June. We will rehearse with the small band and organ until 5.30pm latest.
- Free time from 5.30pm but please be back at the church, dressed and ready to start by 7.15pm. Doors open at 7pm and we will start at 7.30. We should finish by 9pm.
- Dress code: Black and white
- Volunteers still needed to help behind the bar I believe!
Thanks all, see you next week.
Dave