The opening words from Bach's "Magnificat" disclosed the essence of the entire Glee Club Fall term concert, which took place Saturday evening in Spaulding Auditorium. "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," the chorus sang -- "My soul doth magnify the Lord."
Under the direction of conductor Louis Burkot, the Dartmouth Glee Club and the Hanover Chamber Orchestra performed a joint concert of Hassler, Bruckner, Mozart and Bach before a sold-out audience.
The concert opened with Hans Hassler's "Verbum caro factum est" (The word was made flesh), taken from the first chapter of the Gospel According to John, and continued with selections from Anton Bruckner's Mass of Dedication for a church and Holy Week gradual.
The second half of the concert opened with the same energy. A "Magnificat" must have energy, for it is a praise song to God, and Bach's "Magnificat" comprised the rest of the concert.
Accompanying the five-part choir, an orchestra brought to life by a wealth of winds -- two flutes, oboes and three incredible trumpets -- played jubilantly.
"Magnificat" was the focal point of the concert -- at once its centerpiece and its finale. It was what had given the concert its title, and what the audience had all come to hear.
A blending of choral parts and solos or small ensembles, Bach's "Magnificat" both begins and ends joyfully.
In keeping with the tradition, the Glee Club membership this year includes some excellent soloists. Matthew Welander '97 has the presentation to compliment his incredible bass voice.
Aaron Russo '98, a countertenor, has a voice higher than most men's voices, and an ear and sensitivity to the music to match.
After singing the "Ensurientes implevit bonis," Russo joined with Elizabeth Roberts '00 and Barbara Umlauf '98 in the second amazing performance of the evening, a trio for two sopranos and countertenor.
Torrance Blaisdell '90, the guest soloist, performed a solid "Deposuit potentes." Emily Michaels '97, the first soloist of the "Magnificat," was strong and confident if slightly aggressive.
Stacey Morris '99, who followed Michaels, showed a better sense of the music. The tenor-alto duet by Amy Smith '00 and Blaisdell had some intonation problems at the beginning, but Smith is another promising voice to listen for in the future.
Much can be expected from the entire Glee Club as well. Their performance Saturday was strong, well-rehearsed, accurate, and well balanced, and they sang a beautiful concert studded with a few genuine gems.
