The Capital Area Chorale


Concert Review

John Lambert, Spectator, December 1999

Since 1995, when William J. Weisser took over leadership of the Capital Area Chorale, the choir has made steady progress. Its holiday program, entitled "Gloria: The Music of Christmas," heard December 9 at Edenton Street United Methodist Church (and repeated the following Friday in the Chapel at Hale High School), encompassed an admirable mixture of classics and more traditional fare that reflected the wide-ranging interests of the group and its director. Chesnokov's "Sing We Noel," with organ and bells, was a stirring introduction. A Gloria by J.C. Bach proclaimed the evening's theme; the piece itself ended somewhat abruptly, as if it wanted a coda or additional elaboration of the opening section, but it was otherwise joyous and bright. Two rarely-heard seasonal numbers by William Billings were most welcome; these and Thomas Talley's "Behold that Star," a lovely spiritual, demonstrated the choir's overall precision and musicianship. The latter featured remarkable dynamic control and fine solos by Judy Hendrickson and Theressa McDaniels. Heartfelt readings of four familiar carols brought the first half to a close; the last of these, "Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day," was presented in a beautiful setting by Gardner that made good use of percussion. The second part was generally lighter. It began with Harry Simeone's "'Twas the Night before Christmas," a musical treatment of the famous poem that was given often in the '60s but is a rarity today. Rutter's "Angels' Carol" was one of the evening's highlights. Simeone's "Little Drummer Boy" and an Irving Berlin medley were warmly received by the audience. The program ended with Donald Fraser's "This Christmastide," written for Jessye Norman, and a final "Gloria," taken from Daniel Pinkham's impressive "Christmas Cantata," a score that is past due for local revival. This concert provided yet another example of the vocal polish Weisser has achieved, the hallmarks of which are solid, mature choral sound and clear diction.

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