Baroque and Classical Masterworks Review

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Edinburgh Festival review
Rating (out of 5)
4
Show info
Company
The Choir of St Andrew's and St George's and an Ensemble from Scottish Opera
Production
Brigitte Harris (director), Angus Ramsay (leader)
Performers
Frances Cooper (soprano), Dorothea Harris (mezzo-soprano), Ashley Turnell (tenor), Neil McCleery (Bass), Michael Harris (organ)
Running time
65mins

The nineteen strong choir of St Andrew’s and St George’s under its director, Brigitte Harris, included four soloists for a delightful lunch time concert playing three pieces, by Handel, Haydn and Mozart.

Accompanying the singers was a twelve strong Ensemble from Scottish Opera under the leadership of Angus Ramsay whilst Michael Harris was at the organ.

The Baroque first part of the programme was Handel’s ‘My Song shall be alway’ which is based on several verses of Psalm 89. Both Frances Cooper (soprano) and Ashley Turnell (tenor) were memorable soloists.

Haydn’s Organ Concerto in C major was a happy combination of orchestra and organ.

Mozart’s Coronation Mass, sung for us in Latin, was composed in 1779 as the setting for a short mass and used shortly afterwards in Prague for the coronations of Leopold II and Francis II. The soprano, Frances Cooper, excelled and her companion soloists were in good voice.

For three weeks St Andrew’s and St George’s has invited to their stage a wide range of musicians from a number of traditions and countries. This has given to those who appreciate smaller musical events a real treat. Right at the end of the season this performance from their own choir yet again has substantiated the Church’s musical tradition.

Event: Saturday 29 August 12.30 pm