The Otter's Pool - Ady Gould -

When I was first introduced to the TCC through two members of the chorale who are now living in the UK, I was excited by the dynamics of their voices. This dynamic quality seems to be embalmed into their productions, no matter the subject matter, the seriousness, or the light-heartedness of it.
"When We No Longer Touch" proves to me that this group can tackle a subject that is so close to their hearts in a strong, compassionate, and professional manner. Many others would fail when their emotions are tied so closely to a performance, but the TCC find strength in the ability to show their continuous process of mourning.
Kristopher Jon Anthony has combined traditional requiem aspects with the excellent understanding that is captured by Peter McWilliams' poetry. Latin and English combine together to produce thought provoking attacks, counters, and lulls.
The prologue to the process sets the scene. The soloist capturing the initial shock of realisation that the loved one has gone, turning to the chorale introducing Requiem Aeternam. This is countered by questioning. What will I do, becomes what do I do now?
Denial comes in the torture of the early days. Wondering why the love you feel now never seems to be there before. The torture of the early days when the grieving person is still planning to do things with the loved one who is gone, is evoked in the dynamics of contrasting soft, almost spoken words, with strong sections of denial.
Isolation from the rest of the world is shown in the fact that you encase in a hard shell your life. When a memory occurs that reminds us of the time we had, it breaks the surface, and we fall back into the process. Exaudi Orationem Meam - hear my prayer, captures the feeling of isolation, with a spiritual tone those feelings. A soloist, sometimes unaccompanied, describing the feelings of this time.
Anger is excellently portrayed by the Dies Irae. A classical piece of Latin used in requiems throughout the ages. It is introduced by solo questioning of their own insanity. The confusion, whirlwind feelings of anger are typified by the racing introduction to the Dies Irae. The chorale soaring up and down the scales with the highs and lows of anger.
Bargaining occurs as the grieving person becomes more used tot he fact that the loved one has gone. We all question why they had to go. "I know it was time for us to part, but today?" This question summarises the bargaining process excellently. Quid sum miser tunc dicturus? There is not much to be said beyond this.
Depression is formulated by the realisation that you are missing them. Being torn away from the loved one leads to periods of being "down". These are often accompanied by tears. The Lacrimosa embodies the feeling of depression in an envelope of emotion that we can feel and understand.
The acceptance of the loved one's departing is an emotional period of the mourning time. Agnus Dei - Lamb of God - asking for strength from "above". The chorale and soloist bring a soothing feeling that it is perfectly alright to miss the person who is no longer there. "I shall miss loving you" contains the thoughts of times that you spent with the loved one. Remembering the times that you missed them being there, for a hug, for a call, the times they left the home, and the returning from their journeys. This piece never ceases to have me in tears of joy and pain as I personally remember the ones who have gone, who I loved. Eventually there is a time that can be captured by the phrase "I shall miss missing you."
The Hope of continuing on with life is typified by the Requiem Aeternam Donna Eis - grant the loved one eternal rest from this place. Allow me to continue on. The realisation that through all the times of pain and sadness, the simplicity of a single thought that makes the mourner's spirit lift, is that they have loved.
I thank the chorale for a performance that typifies the process of mourning so well. They have captured the thoughts, feelings, and times of mourning in a dramatic piece of music. When Princess Dianna died in September 1997, it was this piece that assisted me to remember her life. I wept when I realised that even though I did not know her personally, I knew her. Thankyou TCC.