"Vivacious playing sparkled"

Academy of Ancient Music

St Mary's Church

17 November 2006

SHROPSHIRE Music Trust brought to St Mary's, Shrewsbury, the distinguished and internationally renowned Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Paul Goodwin.

'Ancient' might evoke thoughts of fusty, dull and uninteresting music. Far from it! The period instruments used by the orchestra helped by first-class intonation, sprightly and unanimous rhythm and lithe, shapely phrasing gave clear and vivacious performances and two very early symphonies fairly sparkled.

As the soloist for the well-known motet Exultate Jubilate written for the male soprano Rauzsini, we were fortunate indeed to have Carolyn Sampson, whose pure, steady and finely-controlled voice is perfect for this superbly melodious music.

Her high-flying phrases, especially at the words "for which the heart sighs" in the central aria addressed to the Virgin were exquisite and her vocal agility made light and exciting work of Mozart's virtuoso writing.

Salvation

Journey Into Light, recently commissioned by the orchestra from Thea Musgrave, one of the foremost of present-day British composers, looks forward to salvation after the difficulties of life in the same way that 'Exultate Jubilate' looks forward from night to day.

This listener found it immediately appealing. The vocal line, beautifully and, when appropriate, dramatically handled by Miss Sampson, is easily taken in and the orchestra, often playing the main part in conveying the meaning of the text, makes a colourful and ever-changing contribution to what surely will find a permanent place in the repertory.

In Mozart's Symphony in Bb, K319, which ended the programme, a delightfully sprung first movement was complemented by an elegant slow movement, a jaunty minuet and a superbly witty finale.

The fastidious attention given by Paul Goodwin and his players to detail, to the structure of the music and to its character gave much pleasure to a well satisfied audience

Richard White

Last Updated : 07/12/2006