Stainer's Crucifixion Seventeen Singers sang The Crucifixion during the Palm Sunday service in St Markâ?s Church, Swindon. Dan Chamberâ?s choirmaster and organist directed the augmented Church Choir in a moving rendition of Stainerâ?s work. Michael Enrightâ?s rich, mellow bass voice was well chosen for the role of Jesus which he sang with great musicality and sensitivity.

The choral voices were well balanced and skilfully directed by Dan Chambers. Joyous sections including, â?Fling wide the Gatesâ were performed with a full but unforced tone and the diction was clear and precise. Particularly moving was, â?The Appeal of the Crucifiedâ, in which the choir covered a wide dynamic range from pp to ff-very quiet to very loud, with great control.

Dan Chamberâ?s sang the Tenor Solo, stepping in to replace the planned soloist whose wife had gone into premature labour! Danâ?s pure Tenor voice was appropriate for the recitative and contrasted well with Michael Enright. Sam Bayliss, organist, accompanied the work faultlessly and the rapport between him and Dan Chambers ensured the great distance between choir and organ was not reflected in the music.

As stated before, Swindon is fortunate to have this level of Church music in its midst; hopefully in the future a greater number of people will be present to enjoy it.

Mirian Sirrelle