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REVIEW OF THE SPRING 2000 CONCERT In the Spring Concert at Heathfield Community College, the Heathfield Choral Society and the Heathfield Silver Band joined forces in a well selected programme. Under its Director, Brian Newman, the Choir opened with Elgar's Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands, an evocation of the German folksong tradition. This was followed by John Rutter's arrangement of folksongs known as the Sprig of Thyme with notable solos from Dawn Taylor and John Allpress. Living up to their high standards the Choir responded well to their conductor's lively and affectionate interpretations with the Society's accompanist, Gavin Stevens, giving a brilliant account of the piano part throughout. The first half closed with a spirited rendering of popular numbers by the Silver Band under the direction of Richard Sherlock. With help from a grant from the National Lottery, the Choral Society had commissioned Praise and Revelation, a work by Stuart Johnson, a composer particularly distinguished in the field of choral and band music. The text for this work is derived from the Psalms and the Book of Revelation of St John and the biblical extracts inspired some fine writing for the band and choir. Declamatory power combined with lyrical interludes and ending with blazing conviction were well realised by band and choir; inevitable restrictions on rehearsal time meant some problems over balance and dynamics. The performance under Newman nevertheless represented an all-round achievement and the composer was warmly applauded. Gavin Stevens figured both as composer and pianist in Variations, the main theme being the Song of the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. The variations, a tribute to the courage of the protagonists were proclaimed with zest by the Choir, inspired by Brian Newman. The song was introduced by a deeply moving piano prelude which could be described as a requiem. The concert concluded with a selection by the Silver Band including an excellent cornet solo by Sara Collins in Solitaire, by Neil Sedaka. Choir and Audience joined with the band in Sussex by the Sea as a postscript to a colourful concert of innovative music making. Stephen Croft |
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