06 July 2020
Chorus Music Director, Darius Battiwalla, has written a lovely new brass arrangement of the soprano aria ‘How Beautiful Are the Feet‘ from Handel’s Messiah. The new arrangement is one of three from Messiah that Darius put together during the coronavirus lock-down.
“Darius wrote the new arrangements in return for continued payment during the lock-down” explained Chorus Chair Paul Henstridge, “We’re absolutely thrilled. It means that when we eventually perform the brass version with the wonderful Black Dyke Band, we can sing two more choruses than would otherwise have been possible”.
The Chorus were to have performed the brass version of Messiah in April 2020, but sadly had to postpone the concert due to the coronavirus. Soprano Catrin Pryce-Jones was to have performed alongside the Chorus, so was delighted when Darius asked her to make a virtual recording of ‘How Beautiful Are the Feet’, along with members of the Black Dyke Band, all performing from their own homes during lock-down.
“The new arrangement is very light and delicate, which is just right for this aria” said Chorus Administrator Anne Adams ” Catrin sings it beautifully, and the band play with great sensitivity.”
You can judge for yourself, as the recording has been uploaded to the Chorus website and can be enjoyed for free via the link below. The concert has been re-scheduled for Saturday 23 April 2022 in Sheffield City Hall.