The two masses in this intriguing and very enjoyable programme made a thought-provoking contrast. Stravinsky was anxious that his mass be cold – indeed, as the bass singer Simon Scott Plummer’s useful programme notes told us, he wanted the music ‘very cold, absolutely cold, that will appeal directly to the spirit.
The version of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice sung last night at the Cadogan Hall was based on the original Italian version (1762) but included elements of a later French version. The various parts of nymphs, shepherds, Furies etc. were all sung by the ~150 strong London Concert Choir who produced a rich and well balanced sound which supported the main action very well.
