CHORAL MASTERPIECES

Major and Minor, historian Nicholas Tarling surveys the landscape of choral works, some standard masterpieces that are commonly performed by choruses around the world, others deserving a second, closer look. As noted in the foreword by Uwe Grodd, music director of the Auckland Choral Society, this work is a collection of essays about a number of outstanding works, including Beethoven s Miss Solemnis and Britten s War Requiem, but he also invites attention to lesser masterpieces. If the choral movement, which includes both singers and listeners, is to survive, new works must be created and repertory expanded. The book is an easy and captivating read even if you are not a chorister. Choral Masterpieces