THE MISSISSIPPI CHORUS AT MARA HALL, APRIL 29, 1997.

   Two works - Beethoven's "Christ on the Mount of Olives" and Brahms'
"A German Requiem" - made up this program. Because John Webb gave an
accurate review in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, I will only add a few
remarks. First, it was a great pleasure to hear Richard Heard, who returned
to Jackson for this program, as well as the other soloists Lawton Coleman,
Shawn Ballentine, and Catherine May-White. As usual, the MS Chorus,
directed by Martin Bittick, sang with care and enthusiasm. The orchestra,
drawn from the ranks of the MSO, also played a vital role, and the brass
section in particular added the drama that makes the Brahms a uniquely
moving piece. It was interesting that Brahms included in the Requiem a
setting of "The Trumpet Shall Sound"; the Handel setting of this from
"The Messiah" is somewhat more familiar (but no less effective!), probably
because "The Messiah" itself is done more often, not only as a whole but
also in bits and pieces. Thanks to Martin Bittick, the MS Chorus, and all
who participated, for an outstanding event. 

                                                   - Glenn A. Gentry