Manly Warringah Choir seems to have set something of a precedent in using two pianos instead of full orchestra as the accompaniment for our most recent concert, Carmina Burana.
Last week the Sydney Philharmonia Choir sang Brahms’ German Requiem in the same way. The score calls also for timpani, whereas Carmina Burana needed a full percussion section. Brahms arranged the accompaniment himself for an early performance of the work, held in a London society drawing room, on which occasion four hands played the same piano. Interest in this version has grown over recent years: it has even been recorded, and the current thinking is to spread the four hands over two pianos.
The SMH critic enjoyed the performance, as indeed I did. There were some electric quiet moments, and some terrifying loud sections. At times the choir overwhelmed the pianos, and, as a bass, I did miss the trombones’ support in the sweeping upwards phrases towards the end of the sixth movement. But overall the whole ensemble was most effective.
It is unlikely that two pianos will become the new orchestra. When Manly Warringah Choir sang the German Requiem in 2007 we used a full orchestra to good effect. Certainly for our next concert, Messiah, our audiences can look forward to hearing a full complement of players including, of course trumpets, and timpani. The trumpet shall sound!
The Choir performs Messiah on Saturday December 3rd at 7.30pm and on Sunday December 4th at 4.00pm. Both performances will be held in the Cardinal Cerretti Chapel, Darley Road, Manly.
7:30pm Saturday December 3rd
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4:00pm Sunday December 4th
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