THE JACKSON CHORAL SOCIETY AND THE MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE CHORALE
AT NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH IN CLINTON, APRIL 6, 2003

   Two works were presented: Mozart's Missa Brevis in F Major
(K 192) and Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna. An orchestra mostly
drawn from the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, with organist
Robert Knupp, provided the accompaniment. In addition the Mozart
featured soloists Dana Roppolo Rice, Soprano; Viola Dacus,
Mezzo-soprano; Edward Dacus, Tenor; and Patton Rice, Bass. For the
Mozart the basic strings were used with two trumpet parts. The
dynamic range in the Mozart was not great, but there was an
excellent balance between choir and orchestra; the latter never
dominated, although the trumpets - in the words of the program
notes - provided a "festive" element. In addition there was some
welcome polyphony, at least to the extent of separate entrances
for each of the four parts, with the bass line (in particular)
doubled by the two cellos and the bass. The soloists were also
quite effective.

   The Lauridsen work was impressive. Here the orchestra omitted
the trumpets and added other brass, so the overall sound was
somewhat fuller; further in this work there were extended passages
for the orchestra alone. There was also a greater dynamic range
here, with the third section "O Nata Lux" ("O Light Born of Light")
perhaps the most moving. The contrast between it and the following
section "Venite Creator Spiritus" ("Come Holy Spirit"), in triple
meter, was dramatic. I had not heard this work before, but would
like very much to hear it again!

   Overall, the balance was excellent, but the sopranos, who
outnumbered the basses by almost 2.5 to 1, occasionally
dominated the ensemble. The choir, numbering 76 voices in
all, often more than filled the room with sound. On the other
hand, I could hear every part of the music clearly. My thanks
to Director James Meaders for bringing these wonderful works
to performance!
                                            - Glenn A. Gentry