www.anthonysmith.me.uk » Music & Singing

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Anthony — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:02:18 +0000

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying

J.S. Bach, Mass in B minor, Gloria

Una extravagant wedding

Anthony — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:58:27 +0000

This has to be one of the most extraordinary things I've ever seen or heard - and we're doing part of it in the wonderful Brighton Early Music Festival (BREMF), in the "Four weddings and a funeral" concert one week today (Saturday 23 October)!

To quote a British Film Institute description: "Una Stravaganza dei Medici was devised for the marriage celebrations of Ferdinand de Medici and the French princess Christine of Lorraine in 1589. It tells five mythological stories through music, singing and dance, to music by Marenzio, Bardi, Cavalieri, Malvezzi, Peri and Caccini. This production uses the most advanced twentieth century technology to recreate the original spectacle. Performed by the Taverner Consort and Choir conducted by Andrew Parrott, this programme won the Special Prize at this year's Prix Italia."

Recitals in May

Anthony — Tue, 01 May 2007 17:34:11 +0000

I'll be trying my hand at singing a couple of solo recitals this month, with James Lloyd Thomas accompanying me on the piano, and with a guest appearance from Gavin Ashenden (tenor) at one of the performances.

Here's the programme:

Mozart: In diesen heil'gen Hallen, from The Magic Flute
Handel: I rage, and O ruddier than the cherry, from Acis and Galatea
Schubert: The Fisher-maiden, Stänchen and The Erl-King (see picture)
Piano solo (Brahms Intermezzo, perhaps)
Elgar: Like to the damask rose
Finzi: Let us garlands bring
(Tuesday 8th only) Bizet: The Pearl Fishers Duet, with Gavin Ashenden (tenor)

Do come if you can - they are free! Details:

Tuesday 8th May, 1.20-2.10pm, Meeting House, University of Sussex
Saturday 12th May, 3-3.45pm, St Paul's Church, West Street, Brighton

Good Friday Bach

Anthony — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:10:40 +0000

What better way to spend Good Friday evening than at a live performance of possibly the most profound piece of music ever composed? I'm referring, of course, to Bach's St Matthew Passion, which can be heard in the next East Sussex Bach Choir concert at St Bartholomew's Church, Brighton, at 7pm on 6th April. (Be sure to book in advance.)

I'll be in the choir as an extra, but I'll also have a small solo part, singing the words of Pilate.

A cappella Bach

Anthony — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:53:56 +0000

This Saturday (17 March) I'll be singing (as an extra) with the Brighton Consort for Bach and the German Tradition, featuring two of Bach's glorious motets for unaccompanied choir and other delights from the same period. Should be fun!