From a small handful of singers in 2016 we have grown to a substantial choir of over 30 members. Our first public appearance at the Kew Fayre 2016.
During lockdown our numbers increased and since we have returned this term we have grown even more. It is a wonderful sound with so many voices!
Eamonn recapped Time After Time and the tenors still had the tendency to sing the tune. However, the advice was, “If is feels easy you are probably wrong!”
The lady tenors and altos were encouraged to sing out loudly, “If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting” so it will sound as if Cyndi Lauper is in the room. They did it beautifully!
He did feel this song is “not at all shabby”! Praise indeed😊
Then The Rhythm of Life was tackled from the tricky part at the top of page 7 where the first sopranos start the fast, tongue twisting part quickly followed by the second sopranos.
This song is multi layered with all the parts passing from one voice to the next and then the different voices singing different things at the same time it should have the sound of the many voices of Babel!
Just one more little challenge added is the change of key in a couple of places to keep us on our toes!
Once we have mastered this intricate, complicated piece it will sound magnificent!
Eammon has left us with a good basis for our new Musical Director, Ricardo Fernandes to take us forward to our end of year concert.
Practice at home and we will be ready to impress Ricardo next week.
After a long summer break, In Flagrante is now back and working towards a concert in November.
Although a lot of our usual trillers weren’t able to be present, we welcomed five new members who helped to give us a well balanced sound.
We started with a good warm up and a tongue twister “The Leith police dismisseth us” which was a real challenge, but appropriate to help us get our minds and tongues around the new songs.
Time After Time a 1983 song by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, co-written with Rob Hyman, who also provided backing vocals. The writing began with the title, which Lauper had seen in TV Guide magazine, referring to the science fiction film Time After Time (1979).
Music critics gave the song positive reviews, with many commending the song for being a solid and memorable love song. The song has been selected as one of the Best Love Songs of All Time by many media outlets, including Rolling Stone, Nerve, MTV and many others. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year at the 1985 edition.
The song reached number three on the UK Singles Chart
Eamonn’s arrangement, includes the famous part “If you fall I will catch you, I will be waiting” sung by the lady Tenors and Altos.
As an 80s song, it only has four chords and the verses need to be sung with beauty and loveliness, while the chorus can be sung with gusto like a drunken aunt at a wedding!
However, Tenors beware! You do not have the tune until you reach the chorus! You will get there if you practice.
After a break for tea and wine we tackled another new song The Rhythm of Life a song from the musical Sweet Charity (1966) which was sung by Sammy Davis Jnr.
In 1969, the Supremes and the Temptations covered the song for their G.I.T. on Broadway television special and album. Their version was released as a single in Australia and New Zealand, where it was a top 5 and top 20 hit, respectively.
Rhythm of Life (Diana Ross & The Temptations 1974
Eammon’s arrangement doesn’t have harmonies in the way his songs usually do. We all basically sing the same tunes throughout, but at different times, so needs great concentration to follow where you sing your part.
No Ooohs for sopranos, just lots and lots and lots of words to fit in. This is where the tongue twister warm ups come into their own! Also a tricky little melody to learn!
First week back and already there is homework set!
More fun to follow next week!
Hope you are all staying cool and well hydrated during the hot summer break.
It won’t be long until 06 September when we get together again and sing.
If you haven’t already noticed, Eamonn has put some new music into Dropbox:Monday Monday Monday, The Rhythm of Life and Time after Time. Three amazing songs.
Monday Monday
The Rhythm of Life
Time after Time
We will definitely need these printed off and ready to go when we resume.
You will also find the tracks, so you can be prepared and have a clue as to how it should sound!
I’m sure there will be more music scores added as time marches on.
Have fun and see you soon!