The Cathedral Choir performs 'Works from all the Masters'

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

Something about the event, on Good Friday, felt idyllic. The setting was the Saint James Cathedral Church, the seat or throne of the Jamaican Anglican Bishop, located in the cradle of Jamaica's historical site, Spanish Town.

The songs for the most part, came from pure sounding voices of the 'mature' members of The Cathedral Choir. Through the composed works of Handel, Bach, Maunder, Stainer, Beethoven and Haydn, they sang of the birth, passion and crucifixion of Jesus.

'Works from all the Masters', was the title given to the event - a classical concert. And the annual concert that is used to reinforce the ending of a week known as 'the passion' according to the Anglicans, was presented by The Cathedral Choir.

Before his choir began their musical journey, organist and conductor, Trevor Beckford gave these words of advice: "Listen to the forms and take what you can to supply spiritual and physical needs."

The classical songs were well delivered. And the two-segment programme began with selections from Handel's Messiah which included the attention-grabbing instrumental Overture, and the delightful sounding For Unto Us a Child is Born. A slower passionate plea in the form of Receive Me My Redeemer from Bach's Passion followed the pieces from Messiah. And the plea continued in O Grief. A feeling of hope came when Orville Manning, tenor soloist, returned to Handel's But Thou Didst not Leave His Soul in Hell.

Stainer's composition, The Crucifixion, not only told of the death of Christ in words such as 'cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow' but spoke of the love for Jesus in The Adoration. The first set of songs were performed in parts by lead vocalists. And segment one closed with Beethoven's joyous sounding Hallelujah, from Mount of Olives, after the choir performed From Olivet to Calvary, one of two pieces from Maunder's Olivet to Calvary.

Segment two saw the black and white dressed choir still remaining high aloft the congregation in their gallery. It began with an instrumental selection, Organ Prelude 'In E Minor' albeit from J. S. Bach. There were also wonderful and controlled singing from soloists Yasmin Holness and Gloria Dewdey, who sang, respectively, How Beautiful and I know My Redeemer Liveth. Both selections are from Handel's Messiah.

Halls filled with music

In Haydn's 'Earthquake from Passion', the skill and talent of Beckford came to the fore. Using the powerfully built and obviously well-tuned organ, he filled the halls of the cathedral with sounds that could only be compared with the majestic structure of the building.

One person who was more than pleased to hear the rich sounds coming from the organ was Audrey Hamilton, who lives in Guys Hill. Having moved from Spanish Town when she was six years old, she explained that the organ was one of her treasured memories of the cathedral. This was so because she remembered her father repairing the organ. However, while she thought the concert was great, she was disappointed by the very low turn out. "It is not enough to purchase the ticket and not show up," she lamented.

No support

On the other hand, Beckford, who grew up in the cathedral and has been the choir director for 50 years, admitted that the support from the congregation is not great. He believes "the majority do not like classical music." So why does he (according to Cannon Colin Reid), in spite of challenges, continue year after year? His reply was short. "The simple answer is, it is a passion of mine." And he promised he would continue as along as the Lord allowed him to do so.

And on a pristine Good Friday evening, 'Works from the Masters', staged in the cathedral with its tomb-stone decorated floor, supporting its existence from as early as 1662, ended as it began, another piece from Handel's Messiah. But this time the audience was invited to join in the singing of the popular Hallelujah chorus.