The Pembrokeshire Bach Choir performed a wide variety of pieces in their concert at St. Johns Church, Tenby, on Saturday, a variety well exemplified by the first and last items in the programme, i.e. Dowland's exhilarating 'Fine knacks for ladies' and the mystical Epilogue of Berlioz 'Childhood of Christ.'
The whole of the middle section of the Berlioz oratario was also performed. Jack Docherty sang the solo tenor part in these excerpts and revealed their lyrical beauty exceptionally well.
In addition to the Berlioz, all the rest of the music in the second half was also related to Christmas.
There was much imagination in the choice of carols, and in the way they were interpreted. The familiar 'Silent Night', for example, moved more briskly than is usual, but proved refreshingly attractive.
A group of Welsh carols were very well received, particularly 'Suair gwynt', which featured the beautiful voice of Ailwen Higgins, who also took the solo part in 'Watts Cradle Song' earlier in the programme.
One of the highlights of the programme was a little-known piece for women's voices by Cesar Franck, 'O Salutaris' sung by the five sopranos of the choir, in two parts. This deserves to be as well known as the composer's 'Paris Angelicus', especially when sung as well as it was here.
Variety was added to the programme with three organ solos finely played by John Harrison. He also featured in the lively accompaniment to David Willcock's version of the Sussex Carol, which was given a superb, invigorating performance.
This choir goes from strength to strength in its annual performances.