The attraction of Christmas music often comes from the straightforward way it communicates messages about peace and joy without complication and frill. The Master Chorale of Washington tapped into that direct energy for its fine Christmas Candlelight Concert on Sunday evening at the Kennedy Center, giving quality renditions of tried-and-true songs and carols.
Responding with alacrity to the direction of Chorale Musical Director Donald McCullough, the chorus displayed a bell-like tone, supple phrasing and crisp diction. The group's obvious preparation and fine technique helped bring out the underlying emotion of each work.
There were few more well-delivered and heartfelt moments than the opening processional and closing recessional. The chorus patiently moved through the audience with bright, focused lights while singing calmly yet precisely. A rarely heard Nigerian Christmas song, "Betelehemu," danced with rhythmic verve and colors, while sopranos Melissa Coombs, Linda Kiemel and Angela Powell gave fine solos at various points. The audience sang along in such standbys as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
A rock-solid brass section, along with the skilled organ and piano playing of David Lang, provided suitably weighty balance to this large chorus. Throughout the performance, McCullough deployed clear gestures to bring out the full measure of each piece.
-- Daniel Ginsberg
