Gesualdo Six and Colin Currie Group Deliver Atmospheric Prom for Steve 2026

The Gesualdo Six and Colin Currie Group delivered what may be the year's most atmospheric Prom, a late-night concert celebrating Steve Reich's 90th birthday. The performance juxtaposed Reich's Tehillim with medieval devotional music, creating a mesmerizing experience.

Steve Reich's Tehillim: A Modern Psalm

Steve Reich composed Tehillim in 1981, setting four Hebrew psalms for four amplified sopranos, small orchestra, and percussion. The work is a landmark of minimalist music, blending Reich's characteristic rhythmic drive with a devotional text. In this Prom, the piece was performed with the Colin Currie Group, whose percussionists provided relentless maracas shaking and drumming, underpinning the intricate vocal lines.

The Gesualdo Six: Medieval Polyphony with Luminous Tone

The first half featured the Gesualdo Six, a vocal ensemble known for their intense focus and outstanding vocal quality. They performed polyphonic works by Machaut, Ockeghem, Dunstable, and Josquin des Prez, all sung from memory. Their luminous tone brought a spiritual depth to the medieval repertoire, interspersed with solo melodies by Pérotin and Hildegard of Bingen.

Owain Park's 'Hail Gladdening Light'

An interesting addition was Owain Park's 2017 work, Hail Gladdening Light, a chant-like piece for countertenor with humming accompaniment. Though modern, it fit seamlessly into the medieval program, highlighting the ensemble's versatility.

Atmospheric Blend of Old and New

The concert's atmosphere was enhanced by the contrast between the intimate, unaccompanied medieval music and the larger-scale Reich piece. The devotional aspect of the medieval works seemed to carry over into Tehillim, creating a cohesive evening that spanned centuries. The gentle amplification of the sopranos allowed their voices to float above the orchestra, while the rhythmic complexity kept the audience engaged.

Performance Highlights

• The Gesualdo Six's flawless ensemble singing and memory work
• The Colin Currie Group's precise and energetic percussion
• The seamless integration of diverse musical eras
• The atmospheric lighting and staging of the Royal Albert Hall

Comparison of Musical Styles

The concert was a testament to the enduring power of sacred music, whether from the medieval era or the modern minimalist movement. The late-night setting added to the spiritual ambiance, making it a standout event of the Proms season. The background to this story is set out in Colin Currie Group Review: Steve Reich's Music Still Bedazzles at 90.

Key Takeaways

• The Gesualdo Six and Colin Currie Group created a unique dialogue between medieval and modern music.
• Steve Reich's Tehillim remains a powerful example of contemporary psalm setting.
• The performance highlighted the importance of atmospheric programming in classical concerts.

FAQ

This Prom was a rare opportunity to experience the spiritual depth of both medieval and modern music in one evening. The Gesualdo Six and Colin Currie Group proved that atmospheric programming can create unforgettable musical moments.

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