Writing in the Calgary Herald, Kenneth DeLong praised a recent performance by Luminous Voices and tenor Lawrence Wiliford of Zachary’s cantata The Far West, writing:
“Since the topic of The Far West is the preciousness of life in the context of imminent death, and with it the invocation of an eternal horizon (the far west as an image and metaphor), the Bach connection is apt. But this connection is through a mode of writing that lies closer to Benjamin Britten and his unique mixing of aria and recitative, a style of writing familiar from Britten’s choral works, especially the powerful Requiem.
Lawrence Wiliford was the solo tenor for the cantata, and it would be hard to find a better singer for the role. Wiliford’s gentle tenor is exceptionally clear, permitting him to enunciate the highly poetic text by Tim Dlugos (who died from AIDS at an early age) clearly and with fine dramatic effect. The smooth transition from dramatic singing to lyrical singing was accomplished with sophistication, with one phrase spanning a wide range of expression. Wiliford’s control of voice and expression is possible only with a singer who truly understands both the text and music and who has the vocal means to render the essence of the music and its message.
The choral element, expertly composed by Wadsworth, supported the solo part as Bach supports the solo singers in his great passion. Particularly effective was the final item of the cantata, a setting of George Herbert’s wonderful poem Heaven, with its transformative of-stage echoes.
The choral element was supported by a pick-up group of string players, all familiar in the classical music scene of the city. Shantz was as effective in leading them as he was with the choral ensemble. A solo tenor himself, Shantz supported Wiliford’s semi-declamatory singing, following his every nuance and rhythmic undulation. The audience was greatly moved by the music, the text, and the experience.”
Click here to read the full review.
