Thursday, September 26, 2019
Notes from rehearsal on 25th September 2019, by April
Poulenc, O Magnum
Mysterium
We did a lot of work on notes for this. There are tricky
moments in all parts.
Try to get the rhythm and tempo correct at the outset, and
be precise with rests.
In general, keep thirds bright at cadences (eg tenors the a
in bar 5, etc etc).
Sopranos in particular, think about phrasing, and basses try
not to scoop.
‘Bouche fermé’ –
actually keep mouths slightly open.
Sopranos, take out the tied semiquaver b-flat page 4, bottom
system, 2nd bar.
Please note: it’s not as slow as you think! Don’t drag.
Think about expressive, beautiful lines.
Betinis, Dormi Jesu
Think of this as ‘romantic’ music, and sing it that way.
The transition into p 5 is tricky – remember that there are
still sharps in the key signature!
Altos, tenors and basses, note the pause in b. 42-43 and
don’t come in on first beat.
Page 7, words are important. Emphasise them and think of
where the strong syllables should fall. Use the commas.
Sopranos, take a quaver off of the f-sharp and b in bars 47
and 48.
Page 6, think about shape within the falling intervals
Sopranos, crescendo in bars 35 and 36.
All, sing through the suspensions.
We need to work to secure the notes in this piece, and
centre on them (especially tenors and basses at the top of p 5).
# posted by rudsambass @ 3:01 pm 
