����ý

How a choir communicates words is explained and demonstrated by a mixed adult choir. The ensemble reads the words of the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ together. The conductor identifies how the singers pronounce the words in different ways to show how crucial the unity of intended meaning emanating from the performance is. The choir perform the vowel sounds of the text demonstrating how the vowel travels on the breath to determine the quality of the sound. Gareth Malone explains how singing words with clarity and precision combined with unity of meaning is at the heart of a great choral performance.

This clip contains commentary on precisely what lies behind a great choral performance and could form basis for discussion of how students evaluate performance. It could also be used as relative viewing. Second of three parts called ‘How a choir works’.