What a lovely, lovely time I had at Monday’s Polyphony Down the Pub. Thanks to all who came and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
It was great to see so many new faces among the familiar ones and I hope that we will see you again at future sessions.
Highlights for me were BWV 4 – such harmonisation! – and the final run of the Palestrina Super flumina Babylonis; I don’t think we’ve ever sung a motet better.
Thanks too to those of you who stayed back to share your thoughts on PDtP; it’s good to know that we are on the right track in terms of format and repertoire.
Next session details will be published here soon but in the meantime, here’s the Bach chorale that I mentioned on the night.
It might be a just a little too intricate for us to try at PDtP but I would recommend that you have a look at the score (pp 22 & 23 of this file) and marvel at how this miniature masterpiece is put together.
There’s not a duff line it in – every part is exquisitely constructed (and, like BWV 4, there’s another of those monumental interrupted cadences in the penultimate phrase).
For me, it’s like looking at an orrery and getting lost in the beauty of the planets’ movements, alignments and interactions; I could never tire of examining it.
Anyway, enough flim-flammery – thanks again and see you next time.
Cheers
Kevin
Polyphony Down the Pub 
Indeed, another good night – thanks as always for the set up. It’s interesting how well-balanced the group seems to end up, even as the total numbers vary. I thought the Hassler was another strong effort.
Roll on the next one – and other Renaissance singing opportunities.
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Indeed!
And in regards to the Bach being too intricate – not at all, bring it on…
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Hi Kevin
Thank you for a wonderful evening – I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing, and look forward to doing it all again in June!
Best wishes
Jenni
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Thanks, guys – really glad you enjoyed the evening. Jeremy, you are right – the Hassler was pretty special too (it’s such a great motet to sing) and Hannah, great that you think we should give the Bach a go; we may just do that at a future session.
See you all in June!
Kevin
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