THE MISSISSIPPI CHORUS AT WESLEY SEMINARY, NOVEMBER 21, 2003

   Organist John Paul opened the program by leading - to great effect -
the audience in the national anthem. Next the Mississippi Chorus, directed
by Martin Bittick, sang the Schubert Mass in G. The use of the organ for the
accompaniment was a master stroke; this was the most exciting performance of
this work I can remember. The organ has a large sound, and Paul did not
hesitate to use it, but it was also equalled in volume and enthusiasm by the
chorus. Indeed the organ and chorus were perfectly matched in dynamics from
pianissmo to fortissimo. The program ended with Brahms' 18 Liebeslieder
Walzes, accompanied by Vicki Ebelher and Celia Henley at the piano. These
familiar works were delightfully done, with the text of each read as poetry
before it was sung in German - a highly effective and unique (at least in
my experience) touch. Two encores followed, "Like a Star" from Randall
Thompson's "Frostiana", and "I'm gonna shout hallelujah!" I thank Director
Bittick, as well as organist Paul and the soloists for a memorable evening.

                                                          - Glenn A. Gentry