| Dec. 12, 2006 |
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Socks Appeal, Holiday CheerBy Mark J. EstrenTuesday, December 12, 2006; C07 What could be more ingratiating than a choral conductor who shows up in standard formal regalia -- but with bright red-and-green socks? Like the outfit of Washington Men's Camerata Music Director Frank Albinder, the chorus's concert at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda on Sunday was an appealing blend of the traditional and offbeat. It was a mixture of sacred and secular, too, although weighted more toward seasonal religious songs -- mostly sung in pairs. For instance, the 63-voice chorus juxtaposed a particularly pleasant arrangement of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" with Rachmaninoff's "Rejoice, O Virgin," sung in the original Russian. Another highlight was Ralph Vaughan Williams's setting of "The First Nowell," which begins in unison and becomes increasingly elaborate until a return to simplicity in the final stanza. This beautifully balanced chorus handles pacing and harmony flawlessly, and almost always sings as a group -- although brief solos by tenors Patrick McMahan (in the lovely "Still, Still, Still") and Tim Cashin (in "The Christmas Song") were very effective. Pianist Mark Vogel provided sensitive accompaniment. Albinder's chatty comments on the music were infused with holiday spirit, and the group's encore -- using only the syllables "fa la la" -- was fun, funny and a showcase for the Camerata's virtuosity. This pleasant seasonal potpourri will be repeated Saturday at 8 p.m. at Fairlington United Methodist Church in Alexandria and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Epiphany in Washington. |
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