Sleeve Notes The Incomparable Mormon Choir of EnglandA Ray Horricks Production A CHOIR IS BORN Since the Mormons rather take to singing congregationally, and in choirs, almost as a habit, (one notable example - the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of Salt Lake City), it seemed a rather good idea. But who would "bell the cat" so to speak? Thirty five voices, Bristol based, is one thing, but 300 from all over the Southwest is quite another matter. However, the church members were enthusiastic, so Project "Crossing the plains of England" was born. From Tewkesbury to Bournemouth and on down to Penzance, the singers met in groups numbering from 10 to 50. A programme was selected and music distributed. A team of four conductors and four accompanists were chosen to travel and rehearse. It was impossible to estimate then total vocal sound and balance from the individual rehearsals. And large scale final rehearsals could only be few, and toward concert and recording time. As it turned out, the choir was actually together as a unit for one all day rehearsal one week before this recording. When the big day came, vans and coaches converged on Bristol. Anticipating a lengthy recording session, overnight accomodations posed a problem. But other members generously opened their homes. The remainder slept on two city-separated gymnasium floors - the men in one and the ladies in another. The baton descended and the great choir sang! The sound was electrifying - inspired, polished, - the balance superb. With the great Colston organ responding under the genius of H. Robinson Cleaver, the blend of organ and choir fused into a thrilling sound. Fourteen numbers which should have required 11/2 to 2 days to record were superbly finished in 10 working hours. "The plains of England had been crossed". Ray H. Barton, Jr. |
STEREO SIDE ONE
SIDE TWO
© 1966, The Decca Record Company Limited, London |