The University of Akron Choirs - 1986-1988

"The “best kept choral secret in the Midwest" delivered its best performance of 1988 before nearly 300 people last Thursday evening in Guzzetta Recital Hall. Under the direction of Dr. Edward Maclary, the 59-member University of Akron Concert Choir performed works from Mozart, Poulenc, Williams, Copland and Dawson. Joining the choir for half the program was the 19-member University Chamber Orchestra. While well-outnumbered by the choir, a fairly even sound balance between the orchestra and choir was achieved. The first half of the proram was set aside for the performance of Mozart's Mass in C Major, also known as the Coronation Mass. One of the last sacred works composed by Mozart while in Vienna, this composition was written to include each segment of the Roman Catholic mass, yet meet the time constraint of 30 minutes the Archbishop of Vienna set. Written in a regal and light operatic style, the choir and orchestra provided an energetic, swift interpretation of the music. The mass also featured four vocalists: soprano Barbara Mattox, alto Beth Maynard, tenor Mark Rosenthal and bass David Aberth. Impressing many listeners with the velvety, warm, and rich nature of her voice, Mattox performed much of the solo work written in the mass. While the first half of the concert may have been a usual quality performance of expected choral literature from the UA Concert Choir, the second half proved to be more exciting for the audience as well as the choir. Included in the second half were Poulenc's Four Motets for a Time of Penitence; Vaughan Williams' The Turtle Dove; Copland's At the River and Dawson's There is a Balm In Gilead and Ain'a that Good News. Baritone soloist Brian Keith Johnson was featured on Williams' The Turtle Dove. The choir backed Johnson's smooth melodic lines with soft dark harmonies setting the atmosphere for this sad love song. Although a selection that lasted only a few minutes, it was a test of the choir's ability to sustain certain pitches..."