A full audience gathered at All Saints Church last Saturday for An Evening Of Song and Steel, a recital by young and talented soprano Rahel Moore, accompanied by pianist Enrique Ali. It was a thoroughly enjoyable concert from beginning to end. Joining her was All Saints Pan Ensemble under the direction of Pat Adams, Anders Kappel Ovre, guitarist and Alan Cooper, guest pianist.
The concert began with Breit uber mein Haupt (Spread Over My Head Your Black Hair) and Ich wolt ein Strausslein, (I Would Have Made A Bouquet), and Lieder by Richard Strauss. These were difficult pieces to perform, "romantic" in lyrical character and yet more contemporary in musical style. Moore was thoroughly at home with her interpretation of both songs which were well received by the audience.
She continued with La Coccinelle (The Ladybird) by George Bizet. In these pieces the piano and voice are of equal importance. The accompaniment was especially attractive and beautifully played by Ali and one could hear that it was certainly a true duet. Moore is blessed with a most expressive voice which she used to perfection in this rather whimsical song. As the audience warmly applauded, Moore gracefully left the stage.
The All Saints Pan Ensemble then played the Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. This was a most riveting performance, the speed and clarity of those running notes were something to hear. This is a young group and the audience marvelled at its skill with this difficult music. As the applause ended, Moore returned for the Operatic section of the recital, which was surely the highlight of the evening.
She began with Chi bel sogno di Doretta by Puccini. This was an exquisite performance; those beautiful high, initial notes of attack were indeed beautifully placed and sustained. This is where we could hear the range and beauty of this young voice. There was tremendous applause as the aria ended. Following was the well-known Musetta's Waltz, Quando men vo, from Puccini's La Boheme. Here, Moore moved closer to Ali at the piano, probably for a more intimate rendition. This again was a stunning performance of the aria and the audience burst into enthusiastic applause as the last high note was concluded.
After the intermission, came My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) by Andrae Crouch performed by the All Saints Pan Ensemble, a most pleasant performance which was well received.
Another highlight was the Malaguena with pianist Cooper. The music was arranged for pan and piano by Winifred Atwell. From the first notes it was evident Cooper possessed a brilliant technique and had a considerable command of his instrument. It was a wonderful, exciting performance with those shifting Latin rhythms. This was conducted by Adams who had the unenviable task of keeping everyone together throughout the many rhythm changes. There was resounding applause as they ended. Following was an instrumental version of Chris "Tambu" Herbert's Give God the Praise in calypso rhythm, a very enjoyable, good performance by the Pan Ensemble.
Moore returned for two selections accompanied by Ovre. Dormi, Jesu (Chilean lullaby) was beautifully sung. The intimacy of the voice and acoustic guitar was well suited to this selection. Next was Cancion de cuna (Anonymous), again another excellent performance.
The Pan Ensemble returned to perform My Favourite Things (Sound of Music) by Richard Rodgers. This lilting music is always so enjoyable and put us in the mood for the music to follow. Moore joined them for Sing (from Sesame Street) by Joe Raposo. What was especially lovely was that this item invited audience participation. When the time came for the audience to sing, I believe the entire church sang along with Moore who obliged with vocal exclamations, descants, above us all.
The beautiful aria I Loves You Porgy by George Gershwin, was another highlight. This was a most sensitive performance, Moore's lovely voice projecting easily throughout the church. As the enthusiastic applause subsided, we heard Creole Girl by Leslie Adams from Nightsongs. This was a most interesting piece, beautifully sung and a fitting climax to the evening. Moore returned to sing Summertime as an encore. She is a true performer, with a warm and beautiful voice and a bright future in the field.