Compelling Settings
Lassus, Gesualdo, Purcell, Byrd, J S Bach, Bruckner, Brahms and Tucapský from the Sitwell Singers reviewed by MIKE WHEELER
Two years ago the Sitwell Singers performed music by Czech-born composer Antonín Tucapský in the composer's presence. On this occasion (St John's Church, Derby, UK, 10 March 2012) they repeated the Five Lenten Motets they sang then, and, at Tucapský's own suggestion, gave the UK premiere of his Missa in Sol (a punning title, meaning both Mass in G and Mass in the Sun). The motets are short but compelling settings of Passiontide texts, and the Sitwells showed themselves completely in tune with their vivid characterisation.
The choral writing in the Mass is not quite so individual as in the motets, and the work is carried largely by the often bold organ part, which seemed at times to be evoking Renaissance Spanish organ music (the work was written for a Czech choir's projected trip to Spain)...
Copyright © 22 March 2012
Mike Wheeler, Derby UK
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