There was a recent article in the Sacramento Bee
reporting a pulley system mishap at the Mondavi Center's Jackson
Hall that forced the venue to cancel or reschedule performances for
a period of 10 days. Happily, the system was repaired in time for
the celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach's 324th birthday on Sunday
March 22nd.
The choir performed to a full house of varying
ages, including several high school students. I had excellent seats
(center orchestra) which afforded me the opportunity to view the
performance close up and enjoy the incredible quality of euphony
emitted from the stage.
Once again, the Sacramento Choral Society and
Orchestra (SCSO) presented a wonderful performance, which was a
perfect tribute to the onset of spring. 180 voices ranging from
young adult through seniors joined together in beautiful and
resounding harmony. Accompanied by their own orchestra, led by
founding Conductor, Donald Kendrick, SCSO came together as voices
of inspiration in this tribute to Bach.
The baroque music, sung in German and Latin,
with English super-titles, are all considered devotional pieces.
Bach was a deeply religious man whose musical works revolved around
his beliefs. "The focus of Bach's emotional life was undoubtedly in
religion and in the service of religion through music" according on
one biographer. The repertoire included: Lobet Gott in Seinem
Reichen (Praise God in His Kingdom); St. John Passion/Ruht
Wohl, Ihr Heilgen Gebeine (Rest in Peace, You Sacred Limbs);
Ach Herr, lass dein libe (Ah Lord, let your dear Angels at my
final hour carry my soul); Mass No. 4 in G Major; Jesu,
Bliebet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring); Komm
Suesser Tod (Come Sweet Death) and Magnificat.
Vocal artists performing solo during segments of
Mass No. 4 and Magnificat included: Robin Fisher, a
lyric coloratura soprano and Associate Professor of Voice at CSU,
Sacramento; Julie Anne Miller, mezzo-soprano and classical
performing artist; Isaac Hurtado, lyric tenor as well as an
instructor of voice at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and
John Bischoff, bass, with a background as a public radio journalist
and teacher of English and voice.
Orchestra members much deserving of mention and
praise for their solo performances during the evening's concert are
Cindy Lee, first violin and concert-mistress, James Een, viola,
Lena Andaya, cello, Tod Brody, flute, Thomas Nugent, oboe and
Stephan Janzen, keyboard.
The final performance for the 2008/2009 series,
Sundays at Seven! at the Mondavi Center is Choral Soundscapes
on June 7th, 7pm. This performance will be an SCSO salute to the
choral and chamber music traditions with songs of Exaltation,
Remembrance and Thanksgiving. Visit online at:
www.sacramentochoral.com
or phone (916) 536-9065.
