Fascinating Rhythm

Rhythm is the most crucial ingredient in music. If you think that's a tad bold, take any interesting tune. Play (or sing to 'la') each note for a random length of time and see if anyone can identify it. Unlikely. Now just tap out the rhythm. Faces will beam in recognition.

Not all rhythm needs to be interesting. A march or dance has to be predictable. A rapid tempo change might mean that someone dancing a cancan... suddenly cannot. While valuing and indeed revering these steady beats, for our rapidly approaching concert we have chosen to instead immerse ourselves in a sea of ...

Fascinating Rhythm

We've assembled a collection of favourite, and new, works that tease with their tempo and captivate with their cadence. Endless time signature changes in the raunchy Feller from Fortune sit alongside the incessant, driving arrangement of AURORA's powerful Apple tree. The Real Group's cheeky Chili con carne contrasts with both the cool bossa nova of the Girl from Ipanema and Brazilian Aguiar's breakneck Salmo 150. To cap it all off, Eric Whitacre's brilliant Little man in a hurry is a terrifying test for choir and pianist alike!

A mesmerising madrigal and a catchy carol find their way into the programme, before we remind ourselves that not all riveting rhythms have to be fast. Barber's To be Sung on the Water, Hindemith's Un cygne, and Lauridsen's sublime Sure on this shining night are tangible proof. And yes, naturally there are a couple of songs about rhythm itself, and they are indeed fascinating.

We can't wait to bring you this exciting concert on Sunday 1 November at 5pm in the ideal acoustics of Kāhui St David's.