Review: The Linden Singers - A Petite Musical History

The Linden Singers. Photo / File

This was an innovative programme which explored various types of choral music from medieval times to the present day.

Linking the periods were settings of the anthem Ave Verum Corpus, beginning with a Gregorian chant version sung as a processional and ending with a very different version by contemporary English composer Tim Knight. Between these there was the 17th century version by Italian Giacomo Carissimi, another by Saint Saens, and the best known version by Mozart.

The Renaissance period began with a composition by King Henry VIII, Pastime with good company, sung with precise rhythmic emphasis and commendable clarity of diction, and climaxed with a lively performance of the madrigal Come, sirrah, Jack, ho! by Thomas Weelkes.

The Baroque era selections began with guest trumpet soloist Jonathan Krebs' strongly projected playing of Trumpet Tune by Jeremiah Clarke and included a similarly lively performance by the choir of part of the Handel coronation anthem The King shall rejoice, marked by an appropriately brilliant edge to the soprano tone.

In the classical era selection, the Schubert Kyrie and the very brief Lebenslust, emphasised the clarity and expressiveness which characterises Linden Singers' performances, but the anthem Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, sounded somewhat uncertain and was perhaps a little slow in tempo.

Well-sustained and expressive singing of the anthem Panis angelicus was a feature of the choir's performance in the Romantic era selection, together with a charming presentation by the women of Soft and Gently by Gustav Holst.

Beginning the 20th and 21st century era, choir member, tenor Frank Carter, added contrast to the programme with his expressive presentation of Benjamin Britten's arrangement of Down by the Salley Gardens, followed by the whole choir's confident performance of the King's Singers arrangement of You are the new day by John David.

Most of the programme was sung a capella with a consistently high standard of pitch accuracy, while accompanied items were given strong support on the piano or organ by Elizabeth Curtis.

The Linden Singers have been in existence, under the guidance of founding-conductor, for 46 years. Tribute was paid by choir member Ross Corbett at the end of the concert for all that Basil Brooker has given to both the performers and the community.

This was recognised by the award of a QSM in the 2017 New Year Honours List, with the presentation at Government House later this month.

The Linden Singers - A Petite Musical History
Directed by Basil Brooker
St Matthew's Church, Hastings
Sunday, May 7
Reviewed by Peter Williams