Category: Music

When thirty two voices  in different voice types come together  and sing without accompaniment (“a capella”) while precisely  maintaining tune and rhythm , it is just plain fascinating.  That’s how the Swedish Radio Choir started their scintillating performance.

The first piece “ Aftonen” was so beautifully done. I can never understand how a soprano and a bass standing together can sing their parts without getting distracted with the other’s pitch/tune. It seems really tough and must need tons of practice.

But anyway, after the first piece though, my interest waned. The rest of the first half were mostly based on religious pieces. I was really bored through the rest of the first half, all the while wondering as to how people can relate to such an art form. For example, Mahler’s piece, “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen” was in German and it was tedious. Though an English translation was provided, I felt that the lyrics, a very important part of any music, somehow distracted focus from the music and since there was no accompaniment too, it was tough to digest.

I  looked around and there were a lot of people looking around too. It was clear that this art form wasn’t that interesting to all but for the devoted few. I was so bored that I contemplated leaving during the intermission. But my intention to see it through till the end was rewarded by the excellent and intriguing, “Mouyayoum” by contemporary Swedish composer Anders Hillborg . This was the highlight of the evening. This is a wordless work that featured 16 distinctly different vocal parts combining together into a mesmerizing soundscape- it was brilliant. You will be absolutely hypnotized when you hear this and this is the gold test for a great choir. The Swedish Radio Choir was just astounding in this. I loved the sopranos the best.

For over one hour, the singers delivered complex notes and there was never a note out of place. I was thoroughly impressed by their stamina and skill, developed by years and years of  rigorous practice, I am sure.

The guest choirmaster, a fellow Swedish native, Ragnar Bohlin was amazing and I loved the way he conducted “Mouyayoum”.

As I left from the performance, I wondered if this art form of Choral music was a dying art.  Would the future generations thrill in listening to this kind of music? In this age, where you rarely hear anybody performing without accompaniment, it was a rarity to hear these lovely voices in unison. This is how it all began before we made instruments and a  clear melodious voice is such a soothing sound for the ear.

That the Sweidsh Radio Choir is indisputably one of the best choirs around came through very clearly from the flawless performance. But  I guess, choral music of the religious kind is just not my cup of tea.

For [art]seen,

Krithika