Music / “Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Requiem”, ANU Choral Society, Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, May 20. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

UNFINISHED work of genius, timeless and sacred, Mozart’s “Requiem” goes beyond a religious context. Along with his “Coronation Mass”, these two works span his short and extraordinary life.

At the Wesley Uniting Church, May 20, Under conductor Matthew Stuckings, with Anthony Smith on organ, the ANU Choral Society (SCUNA) performed two profound choral works by Mozart.

Beginning with the “Coronation Mass”, the 30-plus singers were in full strong voice from the opening note. The “Gloria” was a particularly powerful rendition. Smith on organ, along with the full choir, created a glorious sound. The “Credo” that followed sat in the same realm as the “Gloria”.

The choir is a good mix of ages and voices that blend well to form a quality group that creates strength and subtleties through its delivery and intonation.

Between the choir, the organist and the conductor, the choir’s timing was a pleasure to hear; accurate without fail. This is something some non-professional groups struggle with at times. It showed they were well-rehearsed, and they performed the same. Some of their individual voices lack the confidence to sing out strongly, so they sing under their ability. Perhaps more solo and smaller group work would overcome these small imperfections.

Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” is an even and well-tempered work. It does not go where his requiem goes, but it is like all Mozart’s works, particularly well-written and balanced. The final movement rounded off this mass in a pleasing and happy manner.

The thematic material for Mozart’s “Requiem” may come from a variety of sources, but this transcending work not only sums up the life of perhaps the greatest composer, but it is an extraordinary piece of music. From its opening note, there is little about this music that is not well known and loved.

Organist Smith, who accompanied perfectly, is a bit of an unknown local treasure. His knowledge of music is astounding. He teaches at Canberra Boys Grammar, and those that work with him know just how indispensable his ability and knowledge are to the local music community.

As this piece develops, it becomes grander and more profound. It may not be the greatest requiem ever, but it is a powerful and heart-stopping work that makes it feel like it stands alone.

Stuckings is a joyful conductor to watch and to listen to. His insightful commentary about the works performed, entertained and informed with delight.

While the choir dropped off a bit in quality towards the end, this requiem is a piece that can and does astound, no matter how many times it is heard. Its ability to move a person through its deep effect and meaning is something that makes this a timeless and transcending work.