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 April
1993 - "Gloria" Randol Alan Bass,
John Rutter, Francis Poulenc
This concert showcased three different composers' offerings of the
ancient Latin movement of the Roman Catholic Mass Ordinary, the "Gloria".
Three contemporary composers are represented here - Randol Alan Bass, American,
(1991), John Rutter, English, (1974) and Francis Poulenc, French, (1959).
The pieces of Rutter and Bass comprised the first half of the program and
are scored for brass, percussion and organ. The longer, more elaborate
Poulenc piece is scored for a full symphony orchestra and soprano solo,
sung by Phyllis Oldham. These compositions are limited to the original,
unaltered text, however, the composers chose to emphasize and repeat various
sections, according to their points of view in both style and scale. The
works vary in length from six to 28 minutes.
 December
1993 - George Frederick Handel's "Messiah"
Performed last by the ECAS in 1988, this popular oratorio is performed
again in the baroque tradition with the 60-member vocal group and orchestra.
Soloists included Margaret Brooks (soprano), Robin Shapiro (contralto),
Alvin Maddison (tenor) and Gregory Gardiner (baritone). This work, composed
in 1742 was an instant success and has continued to be performed every
year for the last 250 years. The genius of the work is believed to be in
it's simplicity. It is the perfect marriage of music and Biblical text
and exemplifies among the finest choral and solo writing of any age.
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