Classical Classics by the Bach Choir and Orchestra under the baton of Tim Hooper at Christchurch Priory was very much such an occasion, criss-crossing some of the great cities of Europe. From Vienna to Venice. From Dresden to Leipzig, to Covent Garden and Westminster, this was an eighteenth century journey from the end of the Baroque period to the beginning of the Classical.
A hugely appreciative Priory audience delighted in pieces from giants of that age - Handel, Vivaldi, Bach (of course), Mozart, Zelenka and Haydn. The Choir was in beautiful and joyous form, inspired by the music and the incomparable setting, with superb solo work by Alexandra Kidgell and Sarah Palfreman - Kay. The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba saw the evening open in joyful mood followed by Vivaldi’s (an ordained priest) Magnicat.
The first half an absolutely delightful programme concluded with Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, one of the composer’s most popular works. It was written in 1787 in Vienna but not published until 40 years after his death, which occurred a mere four years later. The second half began with Bohemian-born Jan Zelenka’s elaborate Miserere, followed by Haydn’s charming Little Organ Mass, JS Bach’s universally loved Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and finally Haydn’s Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, commissioned by George II for his coronation at Westminster Abbey on October 11, 1727.
This was an extraordinarily beautiful evening delivered exquisitely by choir, soloists and m.
