It is a universal story in that it speaks of humankind’s reliance on the returning of the light and growth from the winters of our discontent. Contemporary ravages on mankind and on our earthly home give us all reason to want to believe in everlasting cycles of life.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, performed by the City of Dunedin Choir and the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, directed by David Burchell, in the Dunedin Town Hall, gains a universality in its aria-like moments where Bach escapes the sort of intellectual showcasing for which he is famous. Superbly simple moments come mostly for Mary’s voice, given to the alto part and sung with rich depth and resonance by Claire Barton. Her lullaby Sleep my Dearest, stands out, highlighting her ability to intensify a long single note. Soprano Lois Johnston also enjoyed some lyrical moments, particularly in the quartet Oh, when will the time be ripe. However, Johnston sometimes failed to shine above the tenor and bass. Tenor, Iain Tetley, as narrator, has the weightier part and has a fine voice with strength in the upper register. Bass, Robert Tucker, has developed well since he last performed in Dunedin. His voice achieves some grand depths, while retaining agility. Special commendation goes to the woodwind and brass and the string quartet.
The choir made hard work of Bach’s essentially Germanic love of complicated passages where the number of twists and turns rival that of a leprechaun’s tale. Though fully engaged throughout, their music came alive only during the simpler lyrical cantatas. Fugal and highly baroque passages risk becoming merely confused noise, albeit a joyful noise, which a less than full house reciprocated as the performers took their bows and bouquets.
Christmas Oratorio
City of Dunedin Choir and Soloists Dunedin Town HallFriday, December 16
