Enjoy The Seasons with Thornbury Choral Society
October 15th, 2010Winter may be fast approaching but Thornbury concertgoers can musically enjoy all the seasons this November at Thornbury Choral Society’s Autumn concert. The choir will be performing Haydn’s The Seasons – a magnificent oratorio of the classical era which skilfully and lyrically depicts the changing moods of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
The Seasons was completed by Haydn in 1801 and follows on from his hugely successful oratorio The Creation. Not as well-known perhaps or as often performed as The Creation, The Seasons involves a large classical orchestra, chorus and three soloists (bass, tenor and soprano). It is, naturally enough, divided into four parts, representing the four seasons which are described through a series of recitatives, arias, choruses and ensemble numbers. The music is particularly noted for its tonal painting: a ploughman whistles as he works; a bird is shot from the sky by a hunter; there is a sunrise with the cock crowing; a loud summer thunderstorm is followed by a gentle nightfall, and so on with several rousing and exciting choruses and many beautiful arias.
The choir, led by conductor and musical director Steven Kings, will be joined by soloists Charlotte Newstead (soprano), Rupert Charlesworth (tenor) and Philip Tebb (bass) with Paul Walton on continuo.
The concert is in Thornbury on 29th September 2010 – are available from Jos Gregson (Secretary) on 01454 411652, any choir member or Thornbury Town Hall for £9 in advance or £10 on the door with £1 for students U16. Please see our website for further details www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.