Reader comments
Wilberg, choir shine at conference debut

I felt that the choir's presentation of hymns was more conservative than at recent conferences. The arrangements were simpler and, outside of effective use of dynamics, less of a departure from the basic hymn. The notable exception to this was "If You Could Hie to Kolob" which was a completely foreign melody compared to the hymn book. The choir performed another arrangement of this several years ago which I think is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. I was disappointed to hear this Sunday's version as it paled by comparison.
I expected changes with Brother Jessop's departure. While diction seemed improved, I was overall left with the feeling that the choir's presentation was more staid and had been watered down. Some numbers were good, but most were quite boring.

The music was beautiful and I enjoyed it very much. I am grateful for the choir and the message they give. Bro. Wilbeerg did an excellent job. I think that the music reflected the occasion very well.

Brother Wilberg.....You were magnificent....

Beautiful and dynamic. I don;t know if it was just me, but I thought it was better than before.

The choir was fine but I detected a dip in enthusiasm. The organization is probably just dealing with change.

"Dip in enthusiasm?" I observed more vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm. Where were you deltabelle?

Mack Wilberg is equally as good a conductor as Craig Jessop. The only downside to Wilberg as director is that it will give him less time to compose and arrange the music that has made the choir's performances so outstanding since he has been associate conductor.

Wilberg is probably the best living LDS composer and arranger, and he is a fabulous technician of choral directing. He is a very humble man who doesn't like the spotlight.

Great job Dr. Wilberg!

The opening song was not "O My Father" as noted in the article, but "Lead,Kindly Light".

The tune to "If You Could Hie To Kolob" is an older version rendition from the older hymnals(blue or brown ?).

Mack did a wonderful job and so did the choir.

Actually the choir opened the Saturday session with "How Wondrous and Great" from the Hymn Book page 267. "Lead Kindly Light" was after some introductory remarks followed by the opening prayer then "Praise to the Man". The reason the Choir did the older version of "If you Could Hie to Kolob" was because it was a special request by one of the general authorities. As for the songs chosen being "more staid and had been watered down" well-some songs are sung straight out of the hymnbook to give members the idea that they too can sing these arrangements in their meetings. Originally the Choir was going to sing a different arrangement of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" but the decision was made to use the hymnbook version instead. The choir actually took over an hour of extra rehearsal time this conference compared to past conferences to prepare. Of the many conferences I have been priveleged to sing in-I felt that the choir was more prepared and was able to connect with the congregation much better than before. It is truly a blessing for me to take part and contribute to the spirit of these meetings.

I thought the choir was absolutely phenominal. You won't hear one complaining word from me. Why does everyone nitpick so bad!!!! Let us oft speak kind words!!!

AWESOME JOB, TAB!!!

Your music is wonderful Too bad most of the songs I have never heard- Thanks for good music to uplift others. You deserve to have good music!

What a wonderful performance -it went to the soul.
Enjoyed that it was conservatively from the hymnbook.

I hope no offense was taken at my previous comments. None was intended. I am a great fan and admirer of the choir and their dedication.
Admittedly, "boring" wasn't the best word choice. "Predictable" is more suitable.
I wasn't nitpicking, but offered my opinion based on my observations. My comments say more about my expectations than the choir's performance. I'm sorry that my feeble expression of my opinions may have overshadowed my "kind words" regarding improved diction, effective dynamics, and a previous arrangement being "one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard." That previous performance of "If You Could Hie to Kolob" made me weep and touched me profoundly. As a convert who hasn't been around as long as the GA who requested this version, I'm unfamiliar with it and found it less accessible, as probably did most in the Church. It was still enjoyable.
My experience in recent years is that conference has always had one or two arrangements that were enough of a departure from the hymn book to offer some musical surprises that left me saying a reverent, "Wow!. This conference was missing that for me, but the choir was still great as always.

The Choir under Mack fantastic direction was wonderful. I wish the sound was balanced better, the organ sounded muffled. I know that someone has said that the organ was too loud, but, out here in TV land it needs to be louder-particularly when Rich Elliot is playing.

I don't generally comment, but thought I should add my words of praise. While the MTC of yester years was outstanding, the current version, using Bro Wilberg's arrangements moves me to tears. While I prefer the other verision of Kolob, this one was an outstanding performance.

Although the choir was generally great I thought that the arrangement of called to serve was awful. Some things are better left alone.

I am not as knowledgable as some of you with your comments. I can only say that all the numbers the Choir sang gave me chills and really helped me with the spirit of the whole conference. Thanks to our great choir. I am grateful.

I thought the choir was outstanding. To be able to understand every word with a choir of that size is amazing. Couldn't disagree more with the comment from 'awful' about Called To Serve. I absolutely loved that arrangement.
I enjoy the full choir, but the richness of sound when the men sing alone is just wonderful.
I so look forward to more treasures from this remarkable man.

but he'll manage...


Ben | 9:53 a.m. Apr. 7, 2008
"Mack Wilberg is equally as good a conductor as Craig Jessop. The only downside to Wilberg as director is that it will give him less time to compose and arrange the music that has made the choir's performances so outstanding since he has been associate conductor."

Wilberg is probably the best living LDS composer and arranger, and he is a fabulous technician of choral directing. He is a very humble man who doesn't like the spotlight.

Great job Dr. Wilberg!