Id like to share a favorite Paul story, as well. I always admired the way Paul could provide the perfect metaphor to elicit the tone he wanted. I think it was around 1977, the combined choirs of St. Basils and St. Charles Borromeo were rehearsing the Durufle requiem in the LMU chapel. Paul did not like the tone he was getting from the soprano section at the beginning of the In Paradisum movement. So, he instructed us to change it. Youre singing it like virgins. I want you to sing it like Mary Magdalen; youve sinned, but youve been forgiven. The next time we sang it, the tone was transformed. It still had the shimmer, but there was a richness, lushness and poignance that hadnt been there before. Around 10 years ago, Paul was here in Seattle, where I now live, and was conducting the Durufle. At the reception afterwards, I reintroduced myself and we chatted for awhile. When I reminded him of the very effective metaphor hed used with the sopranos, he grinned and said, Its a great line. I still use it. RIP Paul. It was an honor to sing for you.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 16:44:58 +0000