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| Laurel and Hardy tribute, Scarborough |
A cold wet Sunday afternoon in the back streets of Skelmanthorpe. Possibly not your ideal landscape for Faure and Vivaldi rehearsals, but it is what it is. I cannot remember where I first saw this venture advertised. It\’s the brainchild of Jane Hobson and Dan Timmins, both accomplished singers and choir musical directors. I\’ve been aware of a personal need to sing choral pieces and this is a chance. Well over one hundred have signed up. A bit of a squeeze for rehearsals at Skelmanthorpe Methodists, but probably okay for our two concerts at Sheffield and Wakefield Cathedrals. Faure\’s Requiem and Vivaldi\’s Gloria are the planned performances. Two thirds or so will then move on to Malta for three further concerts.
The pieces are in latin and to say I don\’t get latin is an understatement. I was so bad at school they didn\’t waste their money on an \’O\’ level. There are translations, but the Requiem can be a bit dark. So the words are notes to hit. Vocalising – a recent article in the Times described a number of choirs who simply turn up and sing, with a conductor, but it seems to be primarily about enjoying making sounds and pitch could be secondary. Maybe choral music in latin is well-organised vocalisation. I\’m happy with that.
Homework is expected and rehearsal aids are plentiful and helpful.
Parking is not a problem around the chapel, but I wonder what the residents think?
So far so good.
Dave Talboys is practising beer drinking, watched by Chris. Both are from Thurstonland Community Choir. Clive\’s attention has wandered.
I\’m with David Millward (also sings with Holmfirth Choral), tenor, and Alan Brierley with two black eyes, musical director (also with the U3A choir).
Viv did wonder whether Facebook could make a feature of all the choirs represented in this venture. I wondered if some pics like the above might do the same with some text?
