Tritle

But whether he is directing amateurs or professionals, Mr. Tritle adjusts the choral sound to fit the repertoire.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

"There's nothing more joyous," says Mr. Tritle, "than seeing the thrill on the faces of new amateur singers, like those in the Oratorio Society, when they first take part in that sonority."

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

Mr. Tritle notes that conducting an amateur choir is very different from conducting a professional one.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

Back in Spirit Lake, Iowa, I grew up singing around the piano and in the school chorus, which I also accompanied, recalls organist and conductor Kent Tritle as we converse on a rainy spring afternoon in the Xavier Parlor of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

In sight-reading Mr. Tritle seeks "not just the ability to nail every note and rhythm, but also the technique to read far enough ahead on the page so that if they stumble on something they can continue instead of breaking the flow."

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

Mr. Tritle is also music director of the venerable Oratorio Society of New York and of Musica Sacra.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

"Choral music is the art form with the most participation in this country," Mr. Tritle maintains.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

Several decades later, Mr. Tritle, 50, plays a pre-eminent role in New York's choral scene.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

And earlier this season, he became host of "The Choral Mix with Kent Tritle," a show on New York's classical radio station, WQXR, that is also available on demand at the station's website.

The Master of Many Choruses Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2011

N. McIntyre SS 3 1 1 0 .230 C. Tritle RF 3 0 0 0 .174

USATODAY.com 2004