Ely Cathedral, 30th November 2019:

Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra, Leeds Philharmonic Chorus, Faust Chamber Orchestra and soloists: Eleanor Dennis (soprano), Jane Irwin (alto), Ed Lyon (tenor) and Gareth Brynmor John (bass) gave a fine concert on Saturday in Ely Cathedral.

The work they performed was the relatively unknown ‘The Kingdom’ by Elgar. Conducted by David Hill these singers and instrumentalists certainly gave the work good measure. Elgar’s splendid composition, complete with many familiar motifs, managed to combine the best of his style in a mature and meaningful way so that we were transported easily from one scene to another, being told once again the story of Jesus and the impact he had on his disciples and the world.

Rarely have I heard such keen orchestration, the sounds selected representing perfectly the sentiments intended. While the strings were the mainstay, as expected, spreading warmth, tenderness, excitement or pathos as the music required, the woodwind brass and percussion were all in evidence but only when there was a need for them. The timpani, usually a tool to underpin the underlying beat, in this work created a special dark atmosphere.

These singers and instrumentalists were so good that we were constantly transfixed. The text was brought alive with great depth of feeling. While the drama was not ‘overt’ it was definitely there and deeply powerful. Sounds of joy, reverence, awe, excitement, triumph or gentle peacefulness seamlessly permeated the words making them highly expressive and personal. This was only possible because of the intense musicality of the musicians involved.

This exceptional concert was dedicated to the late Sir Stephen Cleobury.

Dr Rosemary Westwell
www.aboutmyarea/cambridgeshire/ely/
Published 2nd December 2019