BY SUNNY COWELL

In print | December 6, 2007

On Sunday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., the Swarthmore College Chorus performed in Lang Music Hall. Led by chorus director John Alston, the Chorus performed works by Britten and Bernstein. The chorus is comprised of over 80 singers, ranging from Swarthmore students to professors to people from the town of Swarthmore.

Before starting the first piece, Alston gave a brief introduction to the audience explaining how Britten wrote several of his works in an insane asylum. Consequently, the pieces often mention animals in the lyrics. For example, the first stanza of one piece reads, “Nations, and Languages, and every Creature/In which is the breath of Life.” The poetry mentions several different animals and how they, along with man, “praise God with all his might.” After Alston’s further insights about Britten’s life, the chorus proceeded to sing Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb” with text from Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart. This piece featured soprano Cara Arcuni ’09, tenor Ben Starr ’11, alto Jackie Werner ’08 and Jamie Birney ’10 singing bass.

Alston introduced the next piece, Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols”, by reading some of the lyrics to the audience and deeming them examples of “miraculous poetry.” The work began with a medieval drone and consisted of 10 movements including Wolcum Yole! and Hodie Christus Natus Est. The fourth movement featured Helen Stott ‘10 singing soprano. The fifth movement as well as the seventh movement featured Abigail Weathers ’10 on soprano. The last two movements were energetic with the chorus erupting into harmony. The Swarthmore Department of Music and Dance rehearsal piano accompanist Mac Carlson enhanced both of Britten’s pieces.

Lastly, the chorus performed Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” with text from the “Book of Psalms”. The piece was divided into three psalms, with the first featuring soprano Erin Martell ’09, tenor Starr, alto Werner and Eric Mulligan ’08 as bass. In the next psalm, Erica Evans ’11 soloed in soprano. With quick hits from the drum, the last psalm was a brilliant chorale. Guest musicians accompanied the entire work on trumpet, percussion, trombone and harp.

The concert concluded with Alston receiving red roses as well as a standing ovation from the audience. Many students are motivated to join chorus not only for love of music, but also to experience Director John Alston’s genius and charisma. According to Romane Paul ’10, “John Alston is a talented and charming director.” Emmanuelle Wambach ’08 also thoroughly enjoyed the concert and said, “It made me cry…it was so beautiful.”

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