contents - Christ College Brecon - Archive

orderly! This listener, at any rate, particularly enjoyed his 'sinuous worm' cadence. It seems odd that Haydn always
gives a musical sketch of the creature being created before, rather than after, it is named in the text.
The soloists, Julie Lee (soprano), Charles Corp (tenor) and Bryn Terfel (bass) all excelled in their various ways
but, interestingly, the conductor 'gave them their head' in matters of interpretation, so that the recitatives and arias
had an almost Victorian rubato, with crotchets and quavers being given identical values at one point! Nonetheless it
was all handled in the grand manner. Trios (and one quartet, which also featured Mrs. Christine Morgan) balanced
well and were commendably crisp. Julie Lee has a delightfully clear voice though on this occasion she sounded less
than comfortable with top Gs and hertop B flat was followed by a pottamento. Charles Corp acquitted himself well,
though his was the least demanding solo. Bryn Terfel used his very powerful voice to good effect in a taxing part and
can be forgiven his one incorrect entry.
The pupils of the two schools and their Directors of Music deserve the highest praise for this most enjoyable
musical experience-and a special word of thanks must go to Mr. Malcolm Watts, who, alone, never had much more
than three beats' rest in two hours!
K.G.R.
SUBSCRIPTIONS CONCERTS 1986-87 SEASON
These concerts are organised by Brecon and Christ College Music Society for the benefit of pupils, parents and
the general public. They are supported by the South East Wales Arts Association.
The first concert, on 28th September, was given by the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra who have won a number of
National competitions. Their playing was superb technically, although one would have liked more variety in the
choice of music. This concert was aimed at the pupils of Christ College, so it was disappointing to see so few
present.
On the 8th November, Helen Choi gave a recital on the Steinway Grand Piano. Her fingers looked very small, yet
she coped with the demands of difficult works such as the Chopin Ballades effortlessly. This recital was sponsored
by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust.
The final concert of 1986 was on 30th November: an evening with Donald Swann, who used to perform with the
late Michael Flanders. Donald Swann sang a number of highly amusing songs to his own' accompaniment on the
piano. It proved to be a highly entertaining evening.
On Sunday, 25th January, 1987 the Atlantis Trio from Vienna provided an excellent, varied programme of
Chamber Music. The final professional concert was given by Malcolm Watts, Organist of St. David's Cathedral. on
26th April. The organ at Christ College Chapel was 'put through its paces' by some virtuoso playing. We heard
works by Bach, Buxtehude, Flor Peeters, Franck, Mendelssohn and Vierne. The organist was given some respite
while Alan Lewis performed Trumpet Solos by Handel, Mozart and Purcell. They sounded particularly effective in
the Chapel acoustics.
On 21 st May, Brecon Senior Schools provided a concert of Choral and Instrumental items in aid of Music Society
funds. It is good to see pupils of the three schools getting together and making music.
Calendar
2nd Oct.
6th, 7th, 12th Dec
11 th Dec.
31st Jan.
21st May
28th May
31st May
17th June
7th July
CHORAL SOCIETY 1986-87
Harvest Festival at St. David's Uanfaes
Carol Services
Carol Singing at St. David's Hospital and around Brecon
Confirmation and First Communion
Brecon Senior Schools' Concert
Ascension Day
School Concert
Evensong: Uandaff Cathedral
Choir Outing
The work chosen for this year by Christ College and St. David's Convent Choral society was Haydn's Creation.
Rehearsals began during the first week of the Michaelmas Term and continued weekly up until 28th February, the
date of the Concert in Brecon Cathedral. There follows an account of the concert written by Mr. K. G. Redford for the
Brecon and Radnor Newspaper.
HOUSE MUSIC COMPETITION 1987
It is very encouraging to find more and more entries as the years go by. However, this does provide problems in
finding enough time to hold the-Preliminary Rounds. It is amusing to note the lengths to which people will go in
order to gain points-in many cases it is commendable. To quote a few examples: we heard tunes played on the
clarinet, trumpet, oboe and guitar by pupils who had never touched those instruments a few days before! Of course,
we are becoming accustomed to enterprising House Music Representatives teaching large numbers of urchins to
play simple tunes on the recorder! Thanks are due to Mr. K. G. Redford for the adjudicating the Organ preliminary
round and to Mr. A. R. Lewis for adjudicating a number of the others.
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