Expert: Donald - 10/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am the conductor of a community chorus in a small town in Georgia of about 40 singers. Our chorus is preparing to perform the Messiah. We are hiring instrumentalists to join our organist and harpsichordist. My original thought was to hire 8 positions: 2 1st violins, 2 2nd violins, 2 violas, 1 cello, 1 double bass. The more I study the score, with both organ and harpsichord, I am thinking the D.B. is not needed. Would you feel 4 violins, 2 violas, and 1 cello would balance a 40 voice chorus, organ, and harpsichord? (If it matters, we are doing the Schirmer edition).

ANSWER: Hi Bobby,

Congratulations on giving of yourself to a group of volunteer singers each week! I am actually doing my dissertation on volunteer adult singing. Would you be willing to let me send you a set of questionnaires when I get to that point? If so, would you please leave me an e-mail address through which I might reach you at some point in the relatively near future? The larger the sample size is, the better the results will be. Thank you in advance for helping me!!

In regard to your question, I think that performance practice would dictate that the choice you are considering is a good one. Handel often rewrote parts of various works (including Messiah) based on the performing forces that were available at the moment. Your choice seems particularly solid considering the fact that you are already using cello, harpsichord, and organ. I have never used organ with this work before when using orchestra, but it is certainly acceptable, and I would think quite beautiful. The double bass, while adding a lower sonority, becomes not as necessary. Also, you are probably going to use cello only for your basso continuo on the recitatives and arias anyway. Thus, with D.B. used for the choruses only (plus overture and the pastoral interlude), it really is a luxury. They are great if you can afford them...Often in my career, it has been a battle of the budget with community groups.:)

Ah, the Schirmer edition. This is the one that we all have used at one time or another. I have found it to be the most playable accompaniments that I have seen for rehearsal. Even when a conductor is using another edition (Watkins Shaw, for example) I have "cheated" and used the Schirmer to accompany rehearsals. It just reads better...

When and where is your performance? I am in the Southeast US, and travel a bit. Maybe it would work out for me to come hear your group! Isn't the Internet wonderful?!

Highest regards to you,

Donald

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Donald. One question hidden within my first question was if 7 strings (plus the two keyboard instruments) would balance efficiently to a 40 voice chorus. They did this about 15 years ago with just a quartet of strings...I thought more might add to the "orchestral" effect.

I would be glad to be a part of your survey. At some point in the future I'll be seeking a DMA too...as ask the experts says, "Pay it forward". My e-mail is bcraig@fbcelberton.com. Our performance is Dec. 7 - 7 pm in Elberton, GA at FBC Elberton.

Thanks!

Answer
You are welcome! Yes, I missed your question...sorry about that! I think that your instincts are right about this on both counts. You will certainly get more of an orchestral sound with more than one on a part. Usually, three on a part is best for the violins and violas, when dealing with a medium sized group. For some reason, two on a part can lead to tuning issues, while three on a part sounds thicker and more in tune. I would use two cellos, with only one being used on the solos and recitatives, just to balance better and to change the sonority.

Thanks for your willingness to help with my dissertation! I'll keep your information and send you my stuff when all is ready.

Best wishes to you as you pursue your performance!

Donald