The Organ, November 2007
A popular programme but none-the-less admirably well
performed. The gentle conservatism of Durufle’s Quatre motets sur des
themes gregoriennes made for a warm and supportive opening item, the
unaccompanied voices blending effortlessly in the close acoustic. If Durufle’s
Requiem was not quite as effective this was partly the problem of
balance. Stephen Farr’s organ playing could not be faulted in terms of
registration but even half way down the nave it often seemed too loud and tended
to drown out the singers. A pity as they were in particularly good voice with
the sopranos holding the high lying part with ease. After the interval came
Faure, with the Cantique de Jean Racine and the Requiem. As easy
on the ear as the first half had been, I felt, with the live candles around the
walls, that we were starting the inevitable lurch towards Christmas.
Brian Hicks