Reviving a classic
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Reviving, for this Easter season at least, "a forgotten tradition dating back to the era of President David O. McKay," the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square presented Leroy J. Robertson's epic work "Oratorio from the Book of Mormon" April 9 and 10 to appreciative audiences in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
"Since then, other works of similar nature have found a place beside it, but Robertson's was the first to approach a Book of Mormon topic from such an epic musical perspective," wrote Roger Miller in notes in the printed program.
Joining the choir and orchestra were bass-baritone Steven Meredith in the role of Samuel the Lamanite; tenor Robert Breault as the evangelist or narrator; mezzo-soprano Laura Garff Lewis as the angel; baritone Michael Chipman in the role of Jesus; and 16-year-old soprano Angela Garrett as the child.
Both Brother Miller in his written notes and music director Craig Jessop in a brief introductory statement to the audience noted that there is significance in the title chosen by Brother Robertson, indicating the work is "from" the Book of Mormon. "Robertson well understood the folly of attempting to contain the entire Book of Mormon in a single dramatic work," wrote Brother Miller, a music professor at the University of Utah.
Indeed, the oratorio focuses on the appearance of the Savior to the Nephite multitude, making it especially appropriate for an Easter performance.
In his remarks to the audience, Brother Jessop said it was a "privilege to bring back to life, after almost 25 years, the magnificent oratorio."
He said the work draws on passages from the Books of Helaman and 3 Nephi. "It begins with Samuel the Lamanite prophesying the destruction of the Nephite nation unless they turn to the Lord, the prophecy of the birth of Christ, the prophecy of His death and resurrection, and the promise of His appearance on this, the American continent, to His faithful followers."
He added, "To Latter-day Saints, it represents some of the most beautiful portions of our Latter-day Saint scriptures." To others, it is the work of "a great American composer," not known as extensively as his contemporaries, but "a native son of the West, a great composer that deserves to be heard," he said.
Brother Jessop noted that members of the family of the late composer were in the audience, and that a grandson and great-granddaughter perform with the orchestra and a daughter sings in the choir.
E-mail to:rscott@desnews.com
