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Review from Bath Chronicle

Gavin’s brave musical move pays off

Bath Minerva Choir
Bath Abbey
April 26th, 2008-08-08

What a difference a week makes. From the genius of Bach the Lutheran during the Bach Festival to the Russian masters Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Gretchaninov, and the resonant sonority of the music they wrote for the orthodox church and its elaborate ritual.

A totally different musical landscape, less familiar perhaps, because we do not hear it as often as we might. And how brave of Gavin Carr, in his first concert as conductor; opt for a programme sung a capella, in Russian, without the support of orchestra or even chamber organ.

The choir responded to the challenge of these long extended phrases with warmth and sensitive understanding.

The Rachmaninov Vespers and the Tchaikovsky Liturgy with their rich harmonies and interwoven plainsong melodies are a real challenge and, apart from some very minor tuning problems, the singing carried real conviction, with carefully shaded dynamics and the extended lines well sustained.

The Tavener pieces, drawing on his conversion to the Greek Orthodox church, were equally effective, the Song for Athene especially evoking poignant memories, Tim Hugh’s cello sustaining the trademark drone throughout.

His two solos, Chant and Thrinos were beautifully played, with the brooding melancholia that is uniquely Tavener.

And we had very effective lighting, the changing colours heightened the sense of atmosphere.

No incense though.

A packed Abbey enjoyed every minute of this newly enlivened choir’s performance.

Peter Lloyd Williams
Bath Chronicle,
Thursday 1 May 2008