iuchair is an early music vocal ensemble based in Glasgow, UK. We are currently preparing to perform our new programme ‘Making the Motet’ in March in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
It’s long days for us all at the moment as I’ve been out the house since 06:50 and Josh S is leaving for Newcastle as I type this on the walk home at 20:40. Tonight we reminded ourselves how our opening chant goes- if you’ve not sung much chant, it sounds effortlessly simple, but to get a true unison sound takes a lot of work. For this programme we are singing Glorious Deus in sanctis mirabilis (F-Pn 1112, 210r) in an edition by Josh. Our programmes usually start with a piece of chant, and Making the Motet is no exception, this being particularly apt as the motet developed from chant, as we later hear in Hier matin chevauchoie (Mo H196, fol. 267r.).
We spent the bulk of today’s rehearsal on John Tavener’s Awed by the Beauty– for which Josh has tweaked what was meant for 40 voices into what we hope “works” for 4 voices. We have had to dial down some of the dynamics which helped us tune the beautiful clashes of Tavener’s style. There was one particular moment where Josh and Ally are in parallel tones for about 3 bars, and when they practiced their parts alone, it sounded to me rather like jewels glittering (Anyway, that’s why I’m not a music critic…).
We also spent some quality time with Salve Scema by Dunstaple. In this piece the upper two parts sung by Ally and Josh S are rhythmically and textually complex. The lower parts, me and Josh M, in comparison pass in and out providing a gentle warmth.
Finally, we checked we could remember Eisler’s explosive and dramatic Bauernrevolution and worked on some fine tuning and tempo changes. It’s so exciting to be working on a programme with such a contrast in styles- and this piece in particular is one to listen out for. The next time we’ll meet will be Friday 27 February, so a little self study before then…
iuchair are preparing to perform our new programme Making the Motet in Edinburgh on Thursday 12 March in St Vincent’s, Stockbridge, and in Glasgow at the UofG Memorial Chapel on Friday 13 March. Both start at 19:30 — Tickets available on Eventbrite or on the door.
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