Boisterous Latin Mass' was perfect for summer
Music Review
July 1, 2008
By Jim Lowe Times Argus Staff
WAITSFIELD – Music doesn't always work outdoors, but the Mad River Chorale's performance of "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass," Sunday afternoon under a tent at the Bundy Center for the Arts, was just fine.
That is, in part, because John McClure's quasi-Mass is an extroverted work with steel drums and percussion, and even a bit raucous at times with its myriad Caribbean rhythms. (The composer was one of the steel drum players.) It was also the fact that this community chorus, directed by Piero Bonamico, sings with passion and enthusiasm.
McClure's "St. Francis in the Americas" is much more than a Catholic Mass. In addition to several of the traditional parts of the Mass, sung in Latin, the hour-long work includes nine movements in English, Italian and Spanish, that celebrate Latin American cultures and the Italian St. Francis of Assisi (who was never in Latin America). The music enjoys an accessible and joyous choral style set to lively Caribbean rhythms. Some is derivative (the "Amazing Grace" theme in the "Gloria," for example), while much is fresh-sounding a uplifting.
What proved interesting was that, save for the touching final movement, the Latin Mass parts proved the most affecting. The "Kyrie," in particular, was extroverted, yet with many subtleties, and full of unfettered joy. The Chorale, nearly 50 strong, enjoyed this movement in particular and chose it for the encore.
The Mad River Chorale has come a long way since Bonamico took its reins some years ago. At Sunday's concert, there was not only a lot of enthusiasm, but clarity and a rich sound. Although there were a few rough spots in some fast passages, the singers were clearly engaged and serious about what they were doing.
There was also some fine solo work, most by Andrea Bonamico, who employed her musical theater savvy in delivering this Latin music with style. Stefanie Wiegand joined her for some gorgeous duets in the beautiful and touching finale, "Cantico die Frate Sole (Canticle of the Brother Sun)."
The instrumental ensemble added real color to the performance. Emily Lanxner of PanAshé was joined on steel drums by McClure; Tom Hooper and Dov Schiller were on percussion, with Peter Williams on standup bass; all was rounded out by Timothy Guiles on electronic piano.
The program opened with a preview of the Café Noir production of "Godspell," opening July 24 at the Bundy. It sounded promising.
Mad River Chorale
For information about the Mad River Chorale, go online to www.madriverchorale.com.