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Hi everybody,
I was communicating with our orchestra contractor as she picked up the orchestration for the Bach (we own it), and she asked how it was going. I replied truthfully that even though we're still at the grinding stage, going over and over difficult passages, real progress is being made and there are flashes of glory! I can tell you know that by the energy in the room as you glimpse what's in store and we feel that we're getting a handle on all of this. Your work on the Bach "Fecit potentiam" was simply thrilling—and there was nothing simple about it! I'm pretty sure you'll agree that we made more progress on the Bach than we did on the Rutter companion movement: we have yet to show the rhythmic aggression that his setting requires. That will come with the confidence that repetition brings, so expect to spend some more time on that movement next Tuesday as well. We'll also be working on "Esurientes", p.64.
As for the Bach, wasn't that a surprise to hit the wall when we tried to sing the "Gloria" movement, p.61? I remember those three opening passages have always been challenging, so don't feel bad if you felt you'd never seen them before. We'll return to it next Tuesday, giving it another deep dive. Expect another session on the opening movement ("Magnificat") as well.
I learned on Wednesday that Ann Snelling will have returned from her trip and will be back on the bench as our accompanist next week. As much as I look forward to that, I'm very sorry not to have had the opportunity for us to give full appreciation to Anne Britt. What a joy she's been to work with, and such a fine and adaptable accompanist. I'll bring a card next week for us to sign and send to her.
That's all from me this week, except to add that our tenor section is really doing an incredible job, against all odds! They were missing exactly half of their forces last week and just soldiered on. Two of them were even smiling! I am so very grateful for that can-do spirit. Ordinary men would just walk out on strike, saying they shouldn't have to put up with trying to provide balance. But guess what: they are!
Take care, dear ones, and let's have fun again next Tuesday. (Have I mentioned I just adore Bach?)
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