Like all of the fans, I was very anxious to hear my first Irish Tenors concert with the "new" member! Let me say at the outset, that anyone who has any reservations about the new configuration of The Irish Tenors, can rest easy. This is a wonderful show! There are some extraordinary songs in this show, and most of them were new to me. Maestro Arnie Roth was back on the podium, and the men seemed relaxed, and enjoyed each other's company immensely. John McDermott added some very funny and poignant moments to the evening, and it was a pleasure for me to see him perform live for the first time. As always, when he sang "The Old Man", there I was, reaching for my tissues. It's a very powerful song, as all of John's fans know, and he does it simply...and simply superbly. It's a small thing , but at the very end of the song, instead of saying "....and I miss him-the old man," John said, "..and I miss him - MY old man." Just the change in one word made it very personal, and as holiday time is coming up, and we think of missing family members, that song was even more moving than usual to me.
Everyone around me was buzzing about Anthony's first solo. It was absolutely gorgeous, and Anthony's high notes were particularly effective Tuesday night. But no one knew the name of the song. I asked one of the violinists of the New Hampshire Symphony, and she very kindly gave me her copy of the songlist, with running times. To all who are curious, Anthony's first solo was called "To Do Your Will." And it had almost the same profound effect on me that hearing him sing "The Lord's Prayer" did a couple of years ago. Well, maybe not quite, but it was exquisite, and I can't wait to hear it again. I will also mention that to me, Finbar sounded the best I have ever heard him. His "How Great Thou Art" is almost a given. No one sings it the way he does. But the lovely way he caressed the notes of "Morning Has Broken" was just beautiful, and if anyone can bring back the popularity of that song, Finbar Wright can. Together, the men sang some really lovely songs, such as "Be Thou My Vision", "Only Our Rivers Run Free", "Lord of the Dance", and "My Love." I have to also mention that "Deus Meus" began the second half of the program, and the men came out to a darkened stage, and proceeded to sing gloriously, with Anthony's voice soaring up to the stars. It was also a great stage moment, with the wall sconces at the theatre lighting and dimming in time with the drums. A beautiful piece of theatre. There is almost nothing left to say about Anthony's "Grace." It needs no introduction, and as soon as the first few notes of the orchestra were heard, it drew applause. And Anthony sang it magnificently. His voice was rich, and the enunciation was perfect, so that the full meaning of the love story between Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford was out there for all to hear. Anthony said this song was fast becoming a classic. Do you think it might be just a tiny bit because of the way he sings it????
There were some very funny moments as well. And John McDermott was a big part of the horseplay that went on. My favorite moment was during the "Courtin' Medley." When it was John's turn, he sang..."Sunday being the day, we were to have a flareup. I fixed myself quite gay...", and had this mischievous grin on his face. Anthony's eyes popped out of his head, and he looked at the audience, and cracked up. It was a great moment. And when Anthony and Finbar began to dance, in "Go Lassie, Go", John had this incredulous look on his face, and jumped up on the podium with Arnie. He looked at the other two, and then at the audience with a frightened look on his face, and hoped Arnie would save him. There were many funny moments, and it seemed to me that all four men were laughing often, and having a good time onstage.
I've left Arnie Roth for last, because it was a bittersweet evening. Arnie's mother had just passed away, and despite the fact that it was a very hard time for him, he still gave 150 % to the Tenors, and the audience. At the very first song, "Brian Boru's March", for which Arnie did the arrangement, the audience knew they had a great conductor in front of them. And I heard two people in the audience say "I'm glad Arnie's back." We're all happy to see Arnie, especially Anthony, Finbar, and John, I suspect. But I'm sorry it had to be under these circumstances. Thoughts and prayers are with you,
Maestro.
After the last Irish Tenor summer concert, this past July, I pleaded with Anthony, Finbar, and Arnie not to leave us without our concerts to look forward to. They've done better than that. They've left us with some wonderful memories, and performances that will get better and better. And they've brought along a friend who adds immeasurably to the experience.
Berta Calechman
MY FOREVER FRIEND TOUR
Capitol Center for the Arts
Concord, NH
November 9, 2004
Berta says "hi" to Finbar.