Fantastic first

Newbury was awash with tantalising concerts on Saturday, though none were more alluring than a performance of what was described as the world’s first opera; Cavalieri’s Rappresentazione di Anima e di Corpo, first performed in Rome in 1600 – seven years before Monteverdi’s Orfeo

Director Ed Lambert had amazingly managed to assemble a powerful and eclectic team of professional and amateur musicians and singers to join forces with the Newbury Chamber Choir to produce this great entertainment.

Actor Peter Terry narrated, playing the part of Cavalieri himself – usefully and wittily keeping us informed. The band struck up with the strings that were joined by an odd mix of wind instruments, including saxophones. With these forces Lambert drew a satisfyingly pungent-rich sound. Then the soloists emerged – and they were either good or very good.

The work describes the journey that body and soul make towards heaven and the worldly distractions that try to seduce them from this path.

Of all the many excellent voices we heard, some really shone; Ben Alden, John Lofthouse, Jacqueline Pischorn and Katrina Damigos all had fascinating and colourful voices. They were joined by the world famous Ian Caddy, and all were charmed by the solos of 11-year old Angus White.

Many simple devices were employed effectively; splitting the choir, echo effects (which surprised some of the orchestra), simple percussion, eerie sound effects and imaginative use of the aptly Romanesque St John’s Church, with all its nooks and crannies. Add to this the charming melodies and rich choral writing, and what we got was a piece greater than the sum of its parts.

But this was not a novelty piece, the writing is rich, charming and thoughtfully constructed, gently building towards an emphatic six-verse chorus.

The evening was a success in so many areas and all those involved must be proud of their achievement, none more so than Ed Lambert. Without him this work would probably never have been performed in Newbury. A strange thought. But everything starts with an idea…..

Well done Ed.

PHILIP BROWN