The Jackson State University Concert Chorale at Fondren Presbyterian
Church, May 1, 2011
The Jackson State University Concert Chorale,
directed by W. Cortez Castilla, began with John Rutter's "Requiem", with
pianist Amber Jones and, in the "Pie Jesu", soprano soloist Verticia
Hodge. They sang with clarity and sensitivity. While I had heard this
work several times before, in this performance I appreciated for the
first time the extent of the antiphonal interplay between the
voices - almost contrapuntal in some places.
After a brief intermission there were two solo pieces by
choir members Amber Jones (piano) and Rene' Young, tenor.
The final part of the program began with Betty Jackson King's Psalm 57,
a long-time favorite; this was followed by Arnold Savier's setting of
Tommy Dorsey's "Precious Lord", with effective dynamic contrasts, long
a feature of Castilla's directing. William Dawson's setting of "Ezekiel
Saw De' Wheel", another familiar spiritual, was next. Then the choir
sang "Here's One", a gentle piece by Mississippi native William Grant
Still. After that, Richard Smallwood's "Total Praise" was conducted
with vigor by choir member Jeremy Swayzer with Urshula Patrick at the
piano. The program closed with Moses Hogan's arrangement of "Elijah
Rock", which showcased the men's voices, and ended powerfully with all
voices!
The JSU Concert Chorale filled the Fondren sanctuary with a variety
of wonderful music, and we thank director Castilla and the Chorale
for a memorable afternoon.
- Glenn A. Gentry