Weymouth Choral Society presented ‘A Baroque Banquet’ celebrating great composers of this rich musical era. The main work was Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ – but with a twist, for this is not his more familiar version but an equally attractive and sparkling setting, guaranteed to delight, with its virtuoso writing for solo voices and varied choral textures. To complement the ‘Gloria’ we had two settings of the ‘Magnificat’, from Vivaldi and Pergolesi. Vivaldi’s setting is ranked amongst his most outstanding sacred works, whilst Pergolesi’s setting is much loved for its simple beauty, charm and melodic interest.
We were thrilled to be joined by four professional soloists: Abbi Temple, Deborah Miles-Johnson, Jonathan Valender and Roger Hewetson. The Aliquando Chamber Orchestra accompanied all the works including instrumental pieces of the period. Soloist Sarah Shore will played Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto and trumpeter Denis Curlett thrilled us with Handel’s Suite in D and ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ from ‘Messiah.’
