Review by Jill Hopkins.

A STELLAR performance of Verdi’s Requiem by the incomparable Armonico Consort & Orchestra directed by Christopher Monks included some 50 expert singers who formed the chorus, diction and intonation punctilious from start to finish, together with an orchestra of equal merit and four soloists: Sir Willard White (bass-baritone), Helen Semple (soprano), Niamh Kelly (mezzo soprano) and Richard Rowntree (tenor, who gallantly took over at short notice). Between them, they captured the sheer power of Verdi’s great operatic setting in a dramatic exposition.

An incredibly quiet beginning by cellos and singers for ‘Requiem aeternam…’ contrasted sharply with ‘Dies irae…’when the entire ensemble vented anger, brass and timpani magnificent. The superb voice of White, punctuated by a drum at ‘Mors stupebit…’ was spine-chilling; in ‘Confutatis maledictus…’ he begged for forgiveness, submissive yet compelling as he rose to a stunning climax.

Brass resounded and woodwind quickened the pulse as the chorus created a cobwebby texture for Sanctus while in Lux aeterna exquisite cantabile vocal lines with flutes in particular, were joyous.

Meaningful dramatic singing by Niamh showed a lovely top register in ‘Liber scriptus…’ and ethereal very high notes sung by Helen were stunning, as were her desperate theatrical utterances of ‘Libera me…’ as the Requiem ended.