A masterclass in choral purity
Prom 63 of the BBC Proms, featuring The Sixteen under Harry Christophers, was an impeccably curated exploration of English choral traditions, with a focus on sacred and pastoral works. The ensemble’s trademark precision was in full display, as they navigated a repertoire ranging from the Renaissance clarity of Thomas Tallis to the harmonic warmth of Parry and Vaughan Williams.
Opening with Parry’s I Was Glad, the choir’s rich tone filled the cavernous Royal Albert Hall, transforming it into an ethereal soundscape. Christophers’ meticulous attention to detail ensured that every nuance of the music was heard, while allowing the hall’s acoustics to work their magic, particularly in quieter pieces. Here, the choir’s restrained dynamics created a palpable tension, drawing the audience into an almost meditative stillness.
All the performances were delivered with the characteristic purity and precision The Sixteen are known for. Their voices floated effortlessly above the audience, blending seamlessly in a performance that seemed to transcend the ordinary. Christophers masterfully paced the concert, allowing the grander moments to resonate while ensuring the more introspective pieces didn’t get lost in the vast space of the venue.
The layering of harmonies and dynamics was a testament to The Sixteen’s technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The text’s sacred themes were brought to life, not just through technical excellence but through the choir’s profound engagement with the music.
While the program mostly leaned into the sacred, it was also a broader reflection on English choral music’s evolution. Christophers and The Sixteen brought an emotional depth that made even the most familiar works feel fresh and deeply moving.
Throughout, the Royal Albert Hall’s acoustics amplified the grandeur of the pieces, creating an almost celestial experience, particularly in the larger-scale works like Parry’s I Was Glad. The choir’s sound expanded to fill every corner of the hall, resonating in a way that made it feel like a spiritual, almost otherworldly experience.
In all, Prom 63 was a masterclass in choral performance. Christophers’ direction, combined with The Sixteen’s impeccable skill, made this an evening of profound beauty and reflection. In a concert that stretched across centuries of English choral music, The Sixteen reminded the audience why they remain one of the world’s leading choral ensembles. An unforgettable experience in every sense, leaving the audience in quiet awe.
Parry Coronation Anthem ‘I was glad’ 6’
Stanford Three Motets, Op. 38 9’
Gardiner Evening Hymn 7’
Harris Faire is the heaven 5’
Ireland Greater love hath no man 6’
Stanford Eight Partsongs, Op. 127 – ‘The Guest’; ‘When Mary thro’ the garden went’; ‘To a Tree’ 10’
Elgar Give unto the Lord 8’