Ethereal Rutter Requiem at FCC
7:36 PM in Performances, Repertoire by David H. Thomas
I enjoyed playing, hearing and seeing the beautiful music and dancing at today’s Lent Requiem service at First Community Church in Dublin, OH.
Ron Jenkins, Music Minister at FCC, plans regular music services throughout the year, and always hires a small, full orchestra for the occasion, many members of which are also full time or part time members of the Columbus Symphony.
As many of you know, Ron, who is Choir Master of the Columbus Symphony Chorus, also maintains a high quality choir at FCC.
The music was John Rutter’s Requiem, with the FCC chancel choir and boy soprano Joseph Kingery. The danced movements were choreographed by Susan Hadley, with dancers from the Columbus Dance Theater, Tim Veach, Artistic Director. Solo dance was by Amelia Larkin.
Joseph Kingery sang his parts beautifully, with pure pitch and perfect, sweet tone. He is in seventh grade at the Columbus Academy. Apparently Joe also studies oboe.
Rutter’s music always amazes me with it’s effortless style and beauty. It never fails to touch me deeply. Some may consider it corny, as I have in the past, but now I marvel at how well written every part is, how well balanced the orchestra and choir parts are, and how rich with songful melody it is.
I remember doing this Requiem a few years back with the same wonderful choreography. My favorite part then, and again today, is in the last movement, Lux Aeterna, when the dancers lift each other up in turn, as if helping them upwards toward the Eternal Light, both physically and metaphorically. The combination of ethereal, peaceful music and the way these dancers so gracefully lifted each other up is really stunning, and I get choked up even as I think of it now.
Music and dance have such cathartic power. It is always a pleasure to play these services, which show the deep connection between healing and music and, in today’s case, dance.
