“Music expresses that which can not be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”

Victor Hugo.

Ostinato and concerts

Lovely and lively rehearsal this morning with great, gutsy singing. Started teaching Laudate Dominum’s ostinato chant which was picked up really quickly by all sections. I was asked “what does ostinato mean?” It comes from the Italian word for stubborn or obstinate and it’s a musical or choral phrase that’s repeatedly played or sung underneath the melody line or solo parts – it can contain variations, it’s not necessarily the same notes repeated over and over again. We’ll be cracking the back of Laudate Dominum sooner than I thought if you all carry on singing like this, well done! Also great excitement at the choir’s first concert performance (outside church) which will be at this year’s St Joseph’s School summer fair on 7th July. A few singers stayed behind at the end and I gave them a sneak peek at the scores which we’ll be rehearsing for the summer concert. Big smiles and enthusiasm by all and Alex started twinkling on the ivories as soon as he got his hands on some of that music. It’s going to be such fun, I promise you. We’re going to blow the audience away (that’s my aim.) Now all we have to do is get our heads together (over a few drinks and nibbles) to fine-tune our week night rehearsal schedule going forward. Fantastic effort from all the singers, thank you again.

Back to the grindstone

The choir’s first rehearsal after the Easter break.  It was lovely to see so many friendly faces again, we were missing a few of our regulars, probably travelling back or enjoying their last day off before school starts again tomorrow.  A fun and pacey rehearsal after a short warm-up.  Running through some of the hymns we’ll be “performing” next in a few weeks at 9.30 mass.  There were no hidden surprises, all stuff that we’ve sung before (our “signature tune” Children of God will once again be the opening hymn, oh yes….)  Everyone was really enthusiastic and it was great to see such renewed vigour after the break – best news was that on Easter Sunday the choir “were fantastic” led by George Matthews.  Thanks George for holding the baton while I was away enjoying the sunshine in Gibraltar and Spain!  Another bit of good news was that Frances (super soprano and alto when required) and Phil (super tenor) were happy to sing the solo lines over “Laudate Dominum” ostinato – the new piece I’m going to be rehearsing with the choir to be sung in a few weeks’ time.  Thank you for not wincing at the prospect when I handed you your scores!

It’s going to sound great – for those singing the ostinato chant, have a listen to this, it’s a great version.