BEAUTY IS ABUNDANT IN CHORAL RUNION'S PERFORMANCE (REVIEW)

Simple Latin prayers seeking deliverance in death melded with sumptuous melodies Tuesday night in the Choral Union's performance of Gabriel Faure's mesmerizingly beautiful "Requiem."

Faure's alternately doleful and joyous work is perhaps not as musically challenging as some recent Choral Union projects but its simplicity is to be recommended. The Choral Union, University Chorus and University Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. John Egbert nailed this performance like a gymnast getting a perfect 10 on her favorite vault.

About 700 people attended the concert at Academic Auditorium.

Faure (1845-1924) was a French composer little known outside his own country, but the "Requiem" he wrote in memory of his father has earned him a spot among the important composers of the late 19th century.

Soprano soloist Lori Shaffer's passage, titled "Pie Jesu," exemplified the economical perfection of Faure's work. "Pie Jesu domine, dona eis requiem; dona eis sempiternam requiem (Blessed Jesus, Lord and God, grant them thine eternal rest)' she repeated to flowing melodies. In Shaffer's remarkably colorful voice, the effect was simply gorgeous.

Baritone Tyson Zahner, the other soloist, delivered a solid reading of "Libera Me," the "Requiem's" plea for deliverance on the day of judgment.

Also to be commended is Dr. Gary Miller, whose organ playing gave roots to the chorus' soaring voices.

The concert began with Dr. Sara Edgerton conducting the University Symphony Orchestra in the March from "Athalie" by Felix Mendelssohn, a work that is both robust and stately.

"Athalie" was followed by Mendelssohn's "Violin Concerto," featuring Michelle Suhr, one of the winners of Southeast's Concerto and Aria Competition.

Mendelssohn wrote the concerto to showcase the talents of a violin virtuoso friend. Suhr negotiated some very tricky and quick passages in the highly melodic and romantic composition, one that has been called a "song without words."

She performed admirably and the orchestra, guided sensitively by Edgerton, provided sure accompaniment.