Hampshire Chronicle Review

Vox Humana & Gregoriana
2.9.00 in Romsey Abbey
(extracts)

... The evening's soloist Elizabeth Barlow (mezzo soprano) is a choir member. Mr Chilcott-Monk, as well as conducting, supplied many interesting verbal commentaries and explanations.

The order of the music followed that of the Mass and the proccedings opened and closed with his arrangement of the Agincourt Carol in which Stephen Spencer was the solo trumpeter.

Several of the ancient chants had additions composed either by the conductor, an expert in these styles, or his late father, A. Earnest Monk, all of which proved entirely in keeping with the originals. Works by famous composers such as Hildegard, Hermann the Cripple, Lionel Power, Dufay, di Lasso, Palestrina and Morenzio were heard.


Their plainsong was notable for an easy fluidity and well moulded phrases; polyphony was secure.

The conductor's original compositions - The Starlight Night to a text by Gerard Manley Hopkins, and a solo setting of Salvator Mundi - were of particular interest, the latter gaining much from Elizabeth Barlow's fine delivery.

His duet Praelium Magnum, involving a second Choir member, Karen Trewinnard (soprano ) also proved extremely enjoyable.

Eric and Joan Wood


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