THE MISSISSIPPI CHORUS AT WESLEY SEMINARY, MAY 2, 2003

   This patriotic program promised - and delivered - much musical
satisfaction. It is fitting that it was dedicated to the memory of
Stuart C. Irby, Jr., who had over the years been a faithful and
generous supporter of the arts in general and classical music in
particular. It opened with John Higgins' dramatic arrangement of
the national anthem, featuring soprano Shawn Balentine and baritone
Jay Carr. While the performance was essentially flawless and
exciting, the national anthem - in my view - really belongs to
the citizenry, and whenever possible should be sung by them
rather than by soloists or choirs. I am confident that the large
audience could have risen to the occasion splendidly, and I wish
that the opportunity had been presented. I am aware that from the
musical/physiological standpoint the tune of the Star Spangled
Banner (an English drinking song) was an unfortunate choice,
with a range of an octave and a fifth that stretches the vocal
resources of many citizens.

   Next was Howard Hanson's "The Song of Democracy", with text
by Walt Whitman. Randall Thompson's "The Testament of Freedom",
with text by Thomas Jefferson, followed. While the Whitman was
essentially poetry throughout, the Jefferson was prose. Although
the music itself was magnificent, the success of the setting
vis a vis the text varied, depending on how much the prose
resembled poetry! Jefferson's opening lines "The Lord who gave
us life gave us liberty at the same time, the hand of force
may destroy but cannot disjoin them" were the most poetic and
memorable.

   Finally, Daniel Gawthrop's "In Quiet Resting Places"  served
as main course and dessert rolled into one. Gawthrop - a living
composer - was present, and were I he I would have been delighted
with the performance. The text was a paraphrase - by Jane Griner -
of portions of the King James Version of the Bible, portions that
deal with the earth ("In the beginning God created the heavens and
the earth", for example). This work - which featured soprano Clarissa
Behr and Bass-Baritone Lawton Coleman - was clearly a labor of love 
on the part of both Griner and Gawthrop. Some parts were programmatic
(where the sound imitated the description), some were a capella,
some fugal, but all were accessible.

   Overall the Chorus (and instrumentalists) performed well. The
room (formerly the sanctuary of Broadmoor Baptist Church) was
supportive, with the help of some sound-reflective materials
(the soloists and strings stood on wood). The balance between
singers and instruments was excellent, even at fortissimo. The
organ - played by Celia Henley - also provided welcome support.
All in all this was an exciting evening that lived up to its
billing! Thanks to director Martin Bittick and all who took part!

                                                Glenn A. Gentry