<<  -- 5 --  Lawrence Budmen    PLEA FOR PEACE

The fervent intensity of Vaughan Williams' musical realization of the text from Jeremiah -- 'We Looked for Peace, But No Good Came ...' -- was brought to life with throbbing excitement. The beauty of the choral sound was astounding. In the serene orchestral interlude, a noble theme on the violas was phrased with majesty. Final Psalm settings lead to a great sunburst of choral and orchestral sound -- masterfully achieved by Scheibe. A hushed, reverent conclusion and the soprano's final plea for peace seemed to freeze time. Scheibe held the final soft notes. A moment of quiet contemplation was followed by a prolonged ovation from an audience that had been deeply moved.

The Master Chorale of South Florida (less than two years old in its present configuration) has come of age with this outstanding presentation of Vaughan Williams's masterpiece. Here was a score for our times performed with fervor and musical integrity -- a moment of spiritual uplift!