The concept
The Pocket Score Company formed to bring the rarely-heard but beautiful sound of the all-male vocal ensemble to Australian audiences, in the context of repertoire predominantly chosen from the Renaissance, Medieval and Baroque periods.
International groups such as The Hilliard Ensemble, Chanticleer and Henry’s VIII have for many years explored some of what can be done with the rich and robust sound which results from using a countertenor for the top line of music, along with lower parts all sung by men in their natural ranges.
However, to our knowledge, the approach has been rarely if ever tried in Australia.
Historically, the all-male sound would have been familiar to audiences, and it may seem somewhat surprising that the “re-discovery” of the countertenor in the second half of last century was not accompanied by a wider proliferation of chamber vocal groups performing works in the ATTB/ATB voicing.
Some of the explanation may stem from a general reluctance to transpose music to suit the voice ranges of the musicians present, away from the pitching chosen by the editor. We have the attitude that it is unlikely anyone in the period itself would have been so precious!
Just as in the Middle Ages, pieces were probably not written for specific instruments, but were expected to be performed by whatever instruments were present, so we think the music should be sung at whatever level ideally suits the voices involved.
We think the rich sonority of the resulting sound breathes new life into repertoire which audiences have become accustomed to hearing in traditional SATB format.
The Pocket Score Company brings together experienced singers to produce a new kind of sound in Australian chamber music. We hope you will find time to enjoy this new musical experience with us.