The Beauty of the Earth

By JOANNE DODDS
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

One word sums up the Pueblo Choral Society's opening concert of the 2008-09 season - bravo!

The evening was dedicated to the works of the often-sung but not well-known American composer Randall Thompson (1899-1984).

Dana Ihm conducted the first half of the concert. "The Last Words of David" was the first selection followed with "Frostiana."

Thompson and Robert Frost were acquainted. In 1958, the town of Amherst, Mass., commissioned the two men to compose music using the poems of Frost for their 200th anniversary. Naturally, some of Frost's most loved poems such as "The Road Not Taken" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" were selected.

Frost was in the audience on opening night. When the performance was over, he jumped to his feet and shouted, "Sing that again!" I agree! It was delightful with the entire chorale singing the opening and closing portions and only the men singing portions of the composition and the women singing other portions. If this is representative of what happens when poets and composers collaborate, colleges should make it a manditory requirement for graduation.

"Alleluia" was next. Composed in 1940, the piece uses only the single word in the title throughout. "Alleluia" was inspired by Thompson's distress over the fall of France to Nazi Germany. Sung a cappella, one heard sadness, confusion, a cry for help, pleas for salvation and an anguished cry of why. That is a lot of message for a short composition with only one word. It is not surprising that it is Thompson's most often performed composition.

Mark Hudson conducted the second half of the concert. Unfortunately, this will be his last season with the Choral Society. Next year, the very able Ihm will be the conductor.

During his eight years with the society, Hudson has encouraged the group to collaborate with other choral groups and to perform some very exciting concerts.

Don't worry, he is not leaving town. Hudson simply needs the time for other professional pursuits.

Thompson's inspiration for "The Peaceable Kingdom" was a painting by American primitive painter Edward Hicks, which depicts Isaiah 11:6-9: "And the wolf will dwell with the lamb . . ."

Hudson did a beautiful job of introducing the piece. The composition, written when Thompson was a young man, followed the traditional format for a choral composition.

The entire concert was a very satisfying listening experience. The audience agreed, applauding for encore bows from both conductors.

One last comment of praise. The chorale included in the handsome program guidelines for audience behavior, including the request that applause be held between movements for a longer work.

I would like the symphony and choral to print on the program when it is appropriate for applause. People want to know how to express their appreciation and I think they would be very receptive to a little help.

The next Pueblo Choral Society performance will be the annual free Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 6, at Praise Assembly of God.