Chamber Singers of Iowa City to celebrate 'Love and Devotion' through song
The Chamber Singers of Iowa City are proud to present their winter concert, “Love and Devotion,” on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 30 N. Clinton Street. This concert, led by guest conductor Kreg Godfrey, will feature selections which celebrate Love or Devotion — or both — by composers Berger, Brahms, Britten, Bruckner, Elgar, Fauré, Fissinger, Haydn, Moe, Powell, and Vaughan Williams. Tickets are available at the door or on our website.
Though many celebrate it in February, love’s embers burn year-round. And where there is love, devotion often fans the flame. One might even suggest that they can be found alongside each other, intertwined and enmeshed, passionate, and steadfast.
“Love” is represented in this concert by the secular selections on the program. In Elgar’s “O Happy Eyes,” lovers are forced to deal with physical distance, while in Vaughan Williams’ “Rest,” we find an ode that celebrates the life of a loved one now free of pain. Haydn’s “cheeky” part-songs extol how wonderful life is when lived in constant agreement with our partner and suggests that we are much wiser after an evening of determined celebration. Fauré’s “Madrigal” was written as a wedding present for two of his friends. He sets a text by Armand Silvestre which details an argument between partners, concluding how ironic it is that those who we love flee from us, even as we flee from those we love. Clearly “Love” is a multi-textured reality.
“Devotion” is present in each of the sacred selections on this program. Bruckner’s “Locus iste” is often used to dedicate a beloved sacred structure. Brahms’ “Geistliches Lied” declares that God is mindful of our condition and is working for our benefit. The “Te Deum” is an ancient hymn of gratitude, and Britten’s setting is appropriately festive. It features our accomplished collaborative artist, Lynda Hakken, who plays an unexpectedly complicated organ accompaniment.
Two selections draw their text from the Bible’s "Song of Solomon." These overtly romantic passages are dialogs from one lover to another: Fissinger’s “Set Me as a Seal” suggests that love is stronger than death, and Moe’s “Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One” is an impassioned invitation to embark on a new life together. These crossover selections represent both “Love and Devotion,” they are both sacred and romantically passionate.
You may ask how does a choir conductor or singer bring out the qualities of love and devotion when singing? We have a passion for exploring the texts we perform and practice by reading them aloud and in rhythm. In fact, the texts heighten the music often using expressive elements of alliteration, onomatopoeia, or rhythmic devices that enhance the music. Even word repetition helps bring out the passion of the text. For example, in Haydn’s “mit mir, mit mir, mit mir!” meaning "with me," it emphasizes the urgency of the poet. But to truly experience the delights of the texts and music, you should join us. Bring your beloved. You can celebrate with us!
Kreg Godfrey is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting and pedagogy at the University of Iowa. David Puderbaugh, musical director of the Chamber Singers, will return in the spring to conduct the Mozart Requiem.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Chamber Singers of Iowa City to celebrate 'Love and Devotion'
