7.30 Saturday 29 November, Keele University chapel

 

Our November concert brings you a smorgasbord of psalms – songs of celebration, praise and faith. Josef Gabriel Rheinberger is probably best known for his exquisite Abendlied, a perennial audience favourite. If you know and love that piece, then you’re in for a real treat as we’re singing not only that (and the other two pieces in his collection of three sacred motets, Morgenlied and Hymne), but also his Mass in E flat – works that showcase the composer’s characteristic talents. Expect gentle cantabile lines, majestic energy without pomposity, lyrical tenderness, intricate interweaving of melodious themes, the sway of dance, the comfort of purposeful musical travel and the delicate repose of harmonic and emotional arrival home.

Johannes Brahms contributes two sets of contrasting songs to our concert: the first a robust and confident trio of pieces that praise God and celebrate the protection he affords his people (Unsere Väter hofften auf dich, Wenn ein starker Gewappneter, Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk); the second set two songs of a more contemplative nature, the Bach chorale-like Ach, arme Welt and the warm consoling embrace of Geistliches Lied.

The motif of praise continues with Gustav Holst’s Two Psalms. And what a contrast they offer: the darkly ruminative liturgical antiphony of Psalm 86 with its surprisingly modern harmonies and melodies, set off by Psalm 148’s masterful, triumphant and glorious variations on a very familiar theme. Finally, we’re delighted to bring you the world premiere of Alison Hendricken’s The Word: In the Beginning. We are lucky that Alison, one of our altos, is also an accomplished composer. She has gifted us a moving jazz-inflected gem that reflects deeply on the wonder of creation, love and light.

Programme:

Brahms, Geistliches Lied, Ach, arme Welt, and double choir motets

Rheinberger, Mass in E flat

Rheinberger, 3 songs op. 69 (Morgenlied, Hymne, Abendlied)

Holst, Two Psalms

Alison Hendricken (resident composer) The Word: In the Beginning

Book Tickets (£16 - on the door, £14 - in advance online, £5 - students):

https://www.keelebachchoir.org.uk/concerts/autumn-2025 https://keelebachchoir.sumupstore.com/

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