If there is one choral masterpiece that needs no introduction, it is George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” The great oratorio, which debuted in Dublin in 1742, is as beloved by everyday listeners as baroque aficionados.
Like most cities its size, Denver gives listeners the choice of several different takes on the work. One of the longest-running is the reliably solid version offered by the ambitious music program at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 Washington St.
So popular has this annual holiday tradition become that the cathedral scheduled two performances this year, with the first taking place Saturday evening.
The 90-minute concert — performed without intermission — featured the cathedral’s 35-voice volunteer choir, a 15-piece professional orchestra and organist Richard Robertson, all capably led by cathedral music director, Stephen Tappe.
Though certainly smaller than some of the forces gathered for this oratorio, this modest-sized vocal and instrumental ensemble came closer to that used by Handel and delivered more than enough sound to fill the cathedral’s lofty spaces.
As in past years, the singers and musicians delivered a solid,committed performance. The choir, which sounded top heavy (there were nearly twice as many women as men), made the most of its big moments, concluding with a suitably big, ebullient take on the famed Hallelujah chorus.
The four soloists — soprano Abigail Chapman, alto Marjorie Bunday, tenor Thomas Poole and bass-baritone Robert Avrett — all acquitted themselves well, singing with abundant power, effective technique and steady intonation.
An unexpected bonus was the opening performance of Handel’s Organ Concerto in F major, featuring Robertson as soloist. It gave listeners a welcome opportunity to hear the cathedral’s recently restored 1938 Kimball pipe organ.
The concert will be repeated at 7:30 tonight.
