Whilst opera in this country seems to be centred in Sydney, it is pleasing to see other professional companies recognised, such as Opera Queensland. Having enjoyed many productions by this company in Brisbane, I know that its chorus has strength of musical endeavour and supports the action on stage in striking fashion. Led by James Christiansen for many years and now under the leadership of Richard Lewis, Narelle French and Jilianne Stoll, the chorus here presents twelve of its best (mostly 19th century opera).
Four choruses from Verdi were amongst the highlights. The Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore had verve, whilst the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco was buoyantly sung; The Chorus of the Scottish Refugees from Macbeth was ominous and pleading in quality, and the Triumphal March from Aida is always a spectacular sing.
Puccini’s Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly and Turn the Grindstone from Turandot was exciting, energetic and dramatic, as was Leoncavallo’s Bell Chorus from Pagliacci.
Although the sopranos in the opening semi-chorus were flat in the Easter Hymn from Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana, the remaining chorus was rhythmic and included a beautiful solo from Dominique Fegan.
There was warmth in the men’s voices in the Prisoners’ Chorus from Fidelio by Beethoven, a lovely blend in the slow moving Chorus of the Priests from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and well shaped phrases and fine diction in Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin. Fittingly, this disc finishes with the stirring Coronation Scene from Boris Godunov by Mussorgsky
The direction from Johannes Fritzsch was in conducting the chorus and The Queensland Orchestra was commanding and achieved the disciplined choral work necessary of these great operatic excerpts.