I'm in a choir. We just performed Mendelssohn's Elijah (translated into Spanish). Last year we performed Brahms' Deutsches Requiem in its original language. Bot

I'm in a choir. We just performed Mendelssohn's Elijah (translated into Spanish). Last year we performed Brahms' Deutsches Requiem in its original language. Both were exhilarating experiences. The article is a great set of talking points for discussion, although I might not agree with all of them. Some counterpoints which might be more or less effective in rebutting the article's assertions: - Languages are different, but in our context, many choral pieces are in Latin which is very close to Spanish, and there's also the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition; Masses were said in Latin until not that long ago. Thus, for many works and in our particular context, the language gap is not as wide as one might think. - About the context of the works themselves, a good set of program notes or a small, brief talk prior to performance could be quite helpful. - Why something serious should have less appeal? There's a place for everything, and the serious stuff has a place under the sun, too. - If we "go to church less", well. We should go more often to church, then. - Several points attest to this general idea: the best way to enjoy a choral performance is by being a choir member and perform the work itself. The second best way is to attend a live choral performance in a suitable venue. Still, there are very good choral recordings. For example, Carus is a label with outstanding recordings, such as Rilling and the Gächinger Kantorei rendition of Brahms' Deutsches Requiem.