Quatre Prières: A Humble Night of Music (A Review)

#Aleron4Prayers

–

“We have a title nobody can pronounce [properly],” Aleron choral director Christopher Ong Arceo shared with an almost bashful smile on his face as he talked about his fear of not being able to fill the concert venue, Ayala Museum, last night, June 14, 2015. However, inasmuch as the phase is uncommon in our everyday lives, Quatre Prières provided music that is rare and extraordinarily different to the audience.

–

CHORAL DIRECTOR Christopher Ong

–

With smiles on their faces that reflected anticipation, gratitude, pride and passion, Aleron performed Francis Poulenc’s Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise juxtaposed with more contemporary pieces of music. The audience was treated to an impressive array of musical styles, influences and patterns heard in every song that highlights how similar and different prayer is to each person.

–

WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER? Each piece performed by Aleron begs an answer to this question.

–

The pieces presented were not familiar to many, but they were nothing short of exquisite. Each French word sang in Salut, Dame Sainte was pronounced in perfect precision. Magnificat was performed with such strength, a song that speaks of devotion, pain and love. Tout puissant, très saint was indeed puissant: powerful to the core, with sharps and flats perfectly executed. The Balinese influence in Psalmi 137 was very evident and thoroughly enjoyed, a melody of praise that one can dance to.

Each rest in Gianpaolo Eleria’s O Dakilang Hiwaga is an emphasis on the message of the song. Panawagan Para Manalangin, a composition by Aleron’s very own Raoul Carlo Angangco, delivers a strong message: the importance of prayer at all times.

–

“BOUND FIRMLY IN TOGETHER UNITY (Psaume 121)” ALERON in action

–

The third set of the concert was definitely the highlight of the night. Though simpler in terms of melodic composition, Seigneur, je vous en prie was beautiful, almost romantic, as if wooing, pleading.  On the other hand, Josefino Chino Toledo’s Kristo Kyrie showcased the versatility not only of the chorale but of the ensemble director as well. Goosebumps were felt as the group performed Psaume 121, and O mes très chers frères was the ultimate musical culmination. By the time Aleron was singing their encore, a piece that got everyone holding on to the edge of their seats, the crowd was joyful, music-filled and fully captivated.

–

THE CROWD excitedly waits for the concert to begin.

–

Overall, the all-male ensemble was brilliant, a band of vocal talents in perfect harmony. The music performed that night is, admittedly, not everyone’s cup of tea. But one cannot deny that Aleron transcended differences last night – both in language and in music.

–

“WE LOOK FORWARD to greater and better things. We hope.”

–

 

Article by Madeline Castillo

Photos by Gaines Antonio