Harpenden Choral Society
   Registered charity 275986
President: Hon. Alderman Chris Oxley

German touch for Christmas Oratorio

The Evangelist tells the story of Christ from birth to his naming as Jesus. In 1734 J.S. Bach set it to music with arias, recitatives and choruses titled the Christmas Oratorio.  On Saturday, Harpenden Choral Society performed the work to a large and appreciative audience in the Parish Church of St. Nicholas Harpenden.

The choir sang in German which was a challenge, but well achieved. Of the five choruses based on Lutheran hymn tunes popular in the early 1700’s, I was impressed by the bright and jubilant “Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen” [No.64] (The triumph is completed). Seven more elaborate and lengthy choruses demanded great concentration and stamina, which the choir executed extremely well. The tenors didn’t quite cope in “Ehre sei dir, Gott” [No.43] (Glory be to God) but this was a big sing for the choir. Bach is unforgiving when writing extended semiquaver passages, and watching the conductor was difficult for some on occasion.  Intonation was very good throughout, and the choir excelled in “Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben” [No.54] (Lord when our haughty foes assail us). A highlight for me was “Wo is der neugeborne König der Jüden?” [No. 45] (O where is he), linked to “Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt” [No.46] (Thy splendour drives). Splendid stuff!

The King’s Sinfonietta accompanied with aplomb.  Soloists Mary Nelson soprano, Richard Scott countertenor, Stuart Haycock tenor and James Gower baritone with Roger Carter organ, were flawless. High praise to John Andrews who, as usual, conducted with flair.  The Society gave a most enjoyable account of the story.  They should be applauded.

Neil Buick Herts Advertiser 8th December 2011
(German text inserted by Webmaster)