The Tallaght Choral Society's concert at the National Concert Hall last night showed good judgment by the conductor, Grainne Gormley. Haydn's The Creation sounds at its best when performed with as much deftness as massivity, and on this occasion that was what it got.
Few works at the centre of the choral repertoire have so much music for solo voices, so it was good that these soloists were always pleasant to listen to, alone and in ensemble. The gently rounded, very English tone of the bass, Charles Gibbs, was stronger in upper registers, but always had the right gravitas. Declan Kelly's measured, natural expression felt right for the music and this performance. Soprano Mary Callan Clarke was the most consistent soloist in tone and clarity in all vocal registers, and her control of high, quiet sound was delightful.
Twelve string players are too few to balance a choir of around 110 voices. But the Orchestra of St Cecilia's alert contribution was another of this concert's strengths.
Not having heard the Tallaght Choral Society for some time, I was struck by an improvement in security and responsiveness. Their tone is inclined to be utilitarian, and is edgy in the tenors and basses, who nevertheless did well considering their small numbers - 14 and 16 respectively. Acquiring more men and achieving homogeneous tone are things the TCS can work on.
Grainne Gormley must take credit for a performance which got the most from the mixed-ability forces. Her pacing within and between items was impeccable and almost everything was nicely scaled. This natural, unforced performance allowed Haydn's superb music to make its own point.