Autumn must be here — Wallingford’s Music at St Peter’s season is over, wrapped up in glorious style by the ever-reliable Thames Consort. The first half was given over to Pergolesi’s intensely moving Stabat Mater, sung with great passion by soprano Lisa Gifford-Guy and mezzo Elinor Carter. Both singers had superb voices, and sounded particularly wonderful in the duets, producing a perfectly balanced sound that was both beautiful and poignant.

I would have liked a little more variety in the dynamics; both had a tendency to unleash the full force of their voices throughout, and while there was no doubting their passion and sincerity, a little more tenderness at times would have been welcome. Nevertheless, this was a powerful, stirring performance, with the Consort orchestra accompanying with their usual proficiency under Jeremy Boughton’s expressive guidance.

The mood changed completely for the second half, which opened with Bach’s joyous and little-known motet Lobet den Herrn (Praise ye the Lord), delivered by the Thames Consort singers with sparkling eloquence. As always with this choir, diction was crystal clear, the tonal quality was sublime and both were underpinned by some expressive phrasing.

The sparkle continued into what was arguably the main attraction of the evening —Vivaldi’s ever-popular Gloria. Once again, the two soloists delighted with some strong and ravishing singing, complemented by the choir’s fervent contribution. If, as the programme notes suggested, the Gloria is a victim of its own popularity, there was no evidence of it in this joyful and energetic performance, which breathed fresh life into the familiar notes and words with a conviction that made the piece utterly compelling. The famous opening was particularly stirring, but the rest of the piece, with its shifting styles and moods, was equally satisfying, right through to the final ‘Amen’. As always, the Thames Consort succeeded in bringing this annual chamber music season to an uplifting finale.