Best Concerts Ever List (in this particular order):
Tallis Scholars Memphis, TN 2013
Cantus Memphis, TN 2012
Westminster Choir Naples, FL 2011
Cambridge Singers Naples, FL (2008?)
I just need to see The Sixteen in concert and my life will be complete.
So, the concert! Well, it was held in this gorgeous, old, historic and beautiful Presbyterian Church on the banks of the Mississippi river in downton Memphis. (I said "downton" as they say it in "Downton Abbey." Just wanted you guys to know so that you could get the full effect. "Downton Memphis.")
As I threaded my way through close, labyrinthine passages on the heels of a genial old guide, I made some remark about the circuitous route. He jibed, "Well it was built this way to keep the Protestants out." Stifling an impertinent remark, I joked back, "But not to keep out the Catholics?" "Oh no," he replied. "The Catholics are our sister church."
As I threaded my way through close, labyrinthine passages on the heels of a genial old guide, I made some remark about the circuitous route. He jibed, "Well it was built this way to keep the Protestants out." Stifling an impertinent remark, I joked back, "But not to keep out the Catholics?" "Oh no," he replied. "The Catholics are our sister church."
As I mused upon this interesting glimpse into the Presbyterian mindset, my guide threw open some doors and ushered me into a beautiful Sanctuary. I wanted to genuflect! It was much more beautiful and traditional than most Catholic churches in Memphis. Put a tabernacle and a statue of Mary in there, and you wouldn't have been able to tell that it was a Protestant...(er, Presbyterian) church.
The church began to fill up a little bit more, but I was ashamed of how small the final audience was. I was sure that the Tallis Scholars would take one look at our sparse showing and walk away laughing. In my opinion, it should have been standing-room-only! It is such a shame that this type of music is no longer appreciated in our mainstream culture. But the Tallis Scholars were gracious and commenced an absolutely breathtaking performance.
The highlight of the concert was Allegri's famous Miserere Mei - a piece I had been looking forward to with great anticipation. That high C has fascinated and enthralled me for years - and I couldn't wait to witness the great moment when the chosen soprano would soar up to that note. Intermission ended and we all returned to our seats. The Tallis Scholars returned to the altar steps, but half of them were missing! One of the Tenors stood up higher and farther back on the altar than the rest, to intone the chant-portions of the piece. They began to sing. For those of you who don't know, the Miserere Mei was composed for a double-choir, where the two choirs sing antiphonally. When it was their turn, choir II (the one including the high C soprano) began to sing from some mysterious location in the church. Their voices issued as if from mid-air, and the effect was marvelous. Sure enough, when the time came, the soprano soared up to a flawless, gorgeous high C. Again and again she performed that note perfectly.
To be honest, I was a tad disappointed that we could not see the second choir. I had really wished to watch that soprano do her thing - I mean, how many people have YOU watched hit a high C live? But, it was what it was...and it was beautiful.
At the end of the piece, choir II appeared from behind some wooden partitions in the rear of the church and walked up the aisle amidst resounding applause. I will never forget that performance. It was truly a taste of heaven!
To be honest, I was a tad disappointed that we could not see the second choir. I had really wished to watch that soprano do her thing - I mean, how many people have YOU watched hit a high C live? But, it was what it was...and it was beautiful.
At the end of the piece, choir II appeared from behind some wooden partitions in the rear of the church and walked up the aisle amidst resounding applause. I will never forget that performance. It was truly a taste of heaven!
