TOPSHAM – Every year about this time, the members of the Oratorio Chorale put together their own program of solos, duets, quartets and instrumental works to end the season.

This year’s event, Sunday at Mid Coast Presbyterian Church in Topsham, was as casual as ever — artistic director Peter Frewen was not present — but its artistic and entertainment value was higher than ever.

As a pianist, I have to express my delight at the playing of accompanist Derek Herzer, who can do everything, including Lisztian pyrotechnics, with style and grace. HIs solo of Skazka, Op. 35, No. 4 by Nikolai Medtner, depicting King Lear’s storm scene, “Blow winds and crack your cheeks,” was striking in itself. Its performance on a well-tuned Yamaha upright was little short of incredible.

Chorus member Michael Knudsen is also a composer and pianist, and his “Gentle James — March Funebre,” a tribute to his friend James Whitemyer, was both quirky and moving, a funeral march in 3/4 time, with pleasant harmonic progressions and a few hints of ragtime and the blues.

Christopher Hyde is a writer and musician who lives in Pownal. He can be reached at classbeat@netscape.net

A full review will appear in the Portland Press Herald.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.