#TBT 12/1966 - Last week, the group was formally incorporated, taking as its name The Choral Arts Society of Washington. These performances of the Messiah mark the beginning of a new venture in Washingtons musical life... [and are] especially fitting... having been responsible for the groups birth one year ago... Wrote Norman Scribner in program notes (attached) 49 years ago when Choral Arts made its formal debut at Constitution Hall performing Handels Messiah with the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Norman Scribner. Also attached you will find the roster of these performances on December 3 and 4, 1966. Do you recognize anyone? The reviews (attached) were stellar and indicate the musical preferences of the times. The Washington Post wrote: Scribner managed to triumph over sheer numbers. There were almost 160 voices in the choir, which is at least twice too many for the ideal results in the intricate web of Handelian polyphony. Yet everywhere both music and words seemed prismatically clear. That takes a real deal of precision and care, and thats what Scribner got... The Sunday Star headline read: Choral Group Makes a Fine Debut with a sub-heading: Almost Miraculous.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:10:09 +0000
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