Chora Nova made a "Voyage of Discovery" Saturday night to the First Congregational Church in Berkeley, introducing its audience to composers usually encountered mainly in Baroque music workshops. Under the sure hand of Director Paul Flight, and assisted by an excellent chamber orchestra, the chorus ushered in the Christmas season with Johann Kuhnau's Magnificat, Mary's wondering reaction to the news that she will become mother to the Son of God.
Kuhnau (1660-1722) would never be taken for Bach, Handel, or Telemann. His style is very much his own, characterized by graceful melodic invention. The chorus began with the opening Magnificat and sang a stirring rendition of "Fecit potentiam" (He hath shown might in his arm). Other lines were given to soloists. Soprano Ann Moss gave a splendid performance of "Et exaltavit spiritus meus" (My spirit hath rejoiced), ably accompanied by oboist Jessica Boelter. Moss was joined by alto Ruthann Lovetang in the duet "Esurientes implevit" (He hath filled the hungry with good things), the conclusion of which "sent the rich empty away" as a few bare notes trailed off in the low strings.
Mark Bonney's clear, attractive tenor was put to good use in "Suscepit Israel" (He hath received Israel his servant), and bass-baritone Paul Murray gave glorious utterance to the Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father), easily mastering florid passages and great leaps in the vocal line. The solo quartet started the final chorus, and all ended with a contrapuntal flourish.
Anna Carol Dudley is a singer, teacher, UC Berkeley faculty emerita, San Francisco State University lecturer emerita, and director emerita of the San Francisco Early Music Society's Baroque Music Workshop.