Pacific Chorale outdid themselves. They were inspired by but not bound to the sacred or the archaic in their flawless performance of Richard Einhorn’s Voices of Light. Voices of Light is an oratorio that accompanies the seminal 1926 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc. This performance, conducted by Pacific Chorale Artistic Director Robert Istad, included 98 chorus members, six vocal soloists, 39 instrumentalists from the Pacific Symphony, and, of course, the silent film projected on a huge screen.
Contemporary Yet Classical
The oratorio lyrics are from medieval authors and the vocal stylings are reminiscent of polyphonic Gregorian chants, but modern sounding and uptempo at times. The music is
classical in the late 20th century manner, but not atonal or chaotic. It is accessible and exciting. Think Philip Glass or John Adams and their lush, looping works.
Brilliant Stagecraft, Intentional or Not
The concert hall was darkened for the film, which allowed for dramatic lighting shifts when the vocal soloists performed their parts. Furthermore, the chorus and musician’s music books were illuminated – of course they had to be, but that created another dramatic dimension, intentional or not. Those lights plus the musicians’ active silhouettes could be a metaphor for the agitated crowds depicted in the film’s scenes. The only downside to the ambience was the audience’s inability to scan the libretto during the performance. Then again, the lyrics were in Latin and Middle French.
In a way, the exciting strings and vocals made the film less necessary. Almost a distraction. I would have loved to better see those violinists playing so furiously. My only issue was the movie screen was placed high above the stage, which required me to look up and down constantly (I was fortunate to sit in the orchestra section – perhaps this setup better served other sections).
More Innovation from Pacific Chorale
According to Robert Istad, Pacific Chorale’s Artistic Director, “This season we thought Richard Einhorn’s gripping “Voices of Light” would inspire our audience and interest a wider segment of our community. The musicians and I felt extremely committed to performing the project with the highest level of artistry possible. I promise that many more special projects are on the horizon!”
I look forward to those projects!