On Sunday, March 17, 2019, Columbia Pro Cantare, with Frances Motyca Dawson, Conductor, performed “Twentieth Century European Composers” in concert at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellicott City, MD.
Guest performers included Jason Berger, tenor, Sharon Stewart, soprano, Jacqueline Pollauf, harp, Donald Fries, organ and Sammy Marshall and Florence Ahn, piano.
The works were all performed in their original languages.
The concert opened with the chorus singing the Czech composer, Leoš Janáček, (Janáček is so revered in his native land that there are a NATO airport and an International Competition named after him.) The piece they chose was “Otče náš” or the “Lord’s Prayer.” This piece was not inspired by liturgy but by a series of 5 paintings. Joined by Berger, Fries and Pollauf, the tone was set for the rest of exceptional musical afternoon.
It was followed by an organ solo, Louis Vierne’s “Berceuse” intriguing, because, unlike many organ pieces, it is not of a religious nature. It is a lullaby. (Vierne, himself was legally blind, and later totally blind, most of his life.) Fries demonstrated his extraordinary abilities on this beautiful church organ.
César Franck who was Belgian/ Dutch (from Liege then ruled by the Netherlands) was one of the few non-20th Century composers selected. However, Franck greatly influenced early 20th Century music. Franck’s “Panis Angelicus” was a perfect vehicle for Berger’s own instrument, his beautiful tenor voice. He was accompanied by Fries on the organ.
We were then treated to two harp solos by Pollauf. She played two pieces by the Frenchman, André Caplet, “Divertissements à la Française’ and “Divertissement à l’Espagnole.” The first sounded like a reflection of a Parisian street on a rainy day, and the second had a Flamenco flavor. Pollauf’s expertise on her instrument was apparent as her fingers effortlessly caressed the strings.
This was followed by “Ave Maria” by Gabriel Fauré, also French. The Columbia Pro Cantare Chamber Singers were accompanied by Fries on the organ. It was a compelling interpretation of the prayer to Mary.
The afternoon concert ended with “Cantique de Jean Racine” by Gabriel Fauré (France) the wonderful harmonies of the group blending with accompaniment from the organ. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful afternoon of fine music.
In honor of Women’s History Month, two pieces by Lili Boulanger were selected. Boulanger died young at age 24, but not before she became the first female winner of the Prix De Rome composition. Her older sister, Nadia Boulanger, was a strong influence here in America in the 20th Century, teaching such notables as Aaron Copeland and Quincy Jones.
The first piece “Les sirens” with text by Charles Jean Grandmougin, successfully replicated the haunting sounds of sirens trying to lure sailors. The other with text by Casimir Delavigne, “Hymne au soleil,” was convincing in recreating the power of the sun. The piano with Sammy Marshall and Florence Ahn playing duets on the piano was used in the first piece to accompany the CPC Chamber Singers and in the second the full CPC. In both, there were captivating soprano solos by Sharon Stewart.
Breaking up these two selections was “Ubi Caritas” by Maurice Duruflé, also French. It was a more solemn piece that was written for Holy Thursday. The CPC Chamber Singers sang without accompaniment
The afternoon concert ended with “Cantique de Jean Racine” by Gabriel Fauré (France) the wonderful harmonies of the group blending with accompaniment from the organ. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful afternoon of fine music.
Frances Motyca Dawson’s conducting, as usual, was strong and powerful, showing she is a Woman of History in her own right, especially in the Howard County area.
If you missed, this performance, Pro Cantare will be with a “Salute to Gershwin & Jerome Kern”, May 4th.
Disclaimer: Susan Brall has a friendship with a member of Pro Cantare. However, this did not influence her review.
For further information for other performances contact Pro Cantare.
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