Music and, in particular, favourite choral music, has the power to move and uplift a nation.
Ludwig van Beethoven emphatically stated:
“music can change the world”.
Plato, considered by many to be the most important philosopher who ever lived, went further:
“music gives a soul to the universe”.
For over 40 years the celebrated broadcaster Alan Keith presented his “One Hundred Best Tunes on Radio. It was a listening ritual every Sunday night.
Members of our choir will present their favourite choral music. It will not amount to One Hundred Best Tunes.
But they may provide a diversion and a distraction from the rigours of being affected by the effects of the Coronavirus.
Nia Wyn Jones Favourite Choral Music
I am going to be UTTERLY selfish and share my top 3 choral pieces, as I can’t choose between them!
My first choice is Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Chichester Psalms’. I absolutely adore Bernstein’s music – its vibrancy and energy.
He had the skill to create the most discordant of harmonies and most complex rhythms that suddenly shift into the most beautiful of melodies.
I studied Music at Cardiff University back in the early 1990’s – a course, which unfortunately, wasn’t very illuminating at the time.
However, one of the few happy moments spent at the college was being introduced to this fabulous work, in which I got to play the harp part.
Olivier Messiaen – O Sacred Convivium
My second choice is again by another master of twentieth century music – Olivier Messiaen. Now I’ll be honest- you wouldn’t find me listening to his organ works, as he was – let’s say- quite experimental!
However, this one choral piece, ‘O, Sacrum Convivium’ is splendid. I love the harmonies and the way the music keeps on moving, peak after peak.
Christopher Tin – Calling All Dawns
My third choice still gives me goosebumps- the wonderful ‘Calling All Dawns’ by US composer Christopher Tin.
This fantastic song cycle (originally a concept album) was chosen for a special celebration concert at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 2017.
I also had the pleasure of teaching the ‘Celebration Chorus’. Consisting of members of the public from Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Wrexham, Flintshire, Cheshire and Shropshire.
We had a marvellous time learning the songs – all in different languages! My favourite is Kia Hora te Marino, which is around 48 mins in.
Furthermore, you just can’t sing it without smiling! It was during this time I met Chris Wren, who is now one of our new members! Look closely and you’ll spot him!
Look Out for ‘More Favourite Choral Music’ selected by Members of Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir appearing on this website soon !
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