A tourist website
tells me that "the Village of Elora is set in one of the most
picturesque areas of Ontario, and is well known for the spectacular Elora Gorge on the
Grand River. Now tucked within the
boundaries of the amalgamated municipality of the Township of Centre Wellington, Elora's charming village
atmosphere remains unchanged. Scottish stonemasons built the village of Elora along the Grand River and the spectacular Elora
Gorge in the heart of Ontario 's farmland. More than a
hundred years have passed, and little has changed. The stark
limestone architecture and natural beauty of the 80-foot gorges of
the Grand and Irvine Rivers are the perfect setting for this
jewel, with its historic charm and appealing village core".
It sounds very nice, but if I made the journey to Elora it would primarily
be for the opportunity to hear the excellent choir of St. John's Church.
The choir, under the guidance of its
director Noel Edison, has already made a number of recordings
for Naxos which have attracted a good deal of critical praise
(see, for example, reviews of Faire
is the heaven and Hear
My Prayer). Here is another fine collection, complementing
the earlier CD Psalms for the Soul (Naxos 8.554823).
There are no gimmicks, no fancy
tricks. Just a well-trained choir, singing with honest respect
for text and music alike. Intonation is impeccable, diction is
generally clear. Much thought has evidently gone into questions
of ensemble balance and to ensuring that melodic lines are
clearly audible. The results are exemplary - and any lover of the Psalm settings
of the Anglican church should certainly acquire a copy of this
CD.
Particular pleasures
include William Mathias's setting of words from Psalm 67, written
for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in
1981. It is a radiant piece, to which full justice is done in
this performance; William Croft's dignified, unaffected and
moving setting of the Burial Sentences; Samuel Wesley's setting
of Psalm 42, in which the blend of voices is masterly.
Of the more recent
compositions, Bob Chilcott's setting of the first verse of
Psalm 102 stands out - founded on Purcell and richly passionate and
expressive; Edison and his choir handle its refined harmonies
and counterpoint with great delicacy and fitting power.
A stirring performance
of Parry's "I was glad" makes a rousing conclusion to the programme
and, in truth, there isn't a dull or unsatisfactory track on the
CD.
Glyn Pursglove
see also Review
by John Quinn