{"id":1881,"date":"2017-11-30T10:38:12","date_gmt":"2017-11-30T10:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/cantusfirmus\/?p=1881"},"modified":"2018-02-05T14:42:56","modified_gmt":"2018-02-05T14:42:56","slug":"working-with-the-composer-russell-hepplewhite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/cantusfirmus\/2017\/11\/30\/working-with-the-composer-russell-hepplewhite\/","title":{"rendered":"Working with the composer: Russell Hepplewhite"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chamber Choir was delighted to welcome composer Russell Hepplewhite<\/strong> to its regular rehearsal this week, to work on Russell’s carol,\u00a0Star of the East<\/em><\/a>, ahead of its performance in Canterbury Cathedral next month. The Choir will sing it at the University Carol Service in front of an audience of over a thousand on December 11, and Russell came down from London especially to be a part of the rehearsal process.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It’s a real treat to be able to work with the person who has created the music – daunting, too, to have to perform it when they are present and scrutinising every nuance – but it affords insights direct from the mind that wielded the pen. Part of the thrill of contemporary music is the opportunity it offers to connect directly with the composer – never mind the fact that they know the piece inside-out and you’re hoping they approve of the manner in which you’ve realised it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Russell’s carol is a beautifully-crafted piece that moves from broad strokes to a wonderfully intimate second verse, before opening the doors to a richly vibrant final verse; part of the rehearsal was spent exploring the full range of contrasts; Russell also shared the inspiration behind the work and its creation, and different ways in which it can be realised.<\/p>\n