Chorale is sparkling in concert
October 15th, 1984 in the Milwaukee SentinelBy: Jay Joslyn
The Oak Park Concert Chorale of Illinois weathered the hazards of the road to present weekend concerts at Holy Hill Monastery and St. Joseph's Convent Chapel.
The concert Sunday in the vibrant chapel was as sparkling as the weather was murky.
Conducted by Victor Hildner, the 50-voice chorale certified its quality with a trio of vibrant motets for double choir. "Laudate Dominum, Omnes Gentes" by Hassler and "Jauchzet dem Herren" by Schuetz were delicately a cappella. Milwaukee organist Charles Sullivan added to the choir's brilliance in J.S. Bach's resounding "Be Not Afraid."
Chorale contrasts were demonstrated in such diverse works as Brahms' velvety "In Stiller Nacht" and the dramatic "Jesus Stills the Storm" in which composer Robert Dosien provided a vocal representation of the upheaval and ensuing calm.
A segment of American hymns and spirituals received a rather mixed treatment that was recouped by a glorious reading of Hall Johnson's "Ain't Got Time to Die," which featured a soaring gospel solo by soprano Gail Simpson.
Benjamin Britten was saluted as a master 20th century composer with his "Rejoice in the Lamb" cantata, not one of his more stirring efforts.