Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 December 2003 08:20:23
The fourth candle is lit and the atmosphere is getting more Christmassy, or at least the sense of anticipation is getting stronger. And the board of church Christmas cards is getting very full. The usual morning Eucharist, with the Basque carol, The Angel Gabriel. (Most highly flavoured gravy, glorious! ;) )
In the evening, the festival of Lessons and Carols, by candlelight, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Wonderful! Traditional carols and readings, plus Adam lay ybounden - Warlock, Personent Hodie - Holst, Quem Pastores - Downing (composed in memory of a local girl who died on a school trip), Sir Christemas - Mathias, Shepherd's cradle song - Leuner, The Journey - Simon Lole. It is a huge responsibility to sing something specially composedas a memorial, and particularly if the composer and the girl's parents are in the congregation. You don't want to upset them by singing it less than perfectly, but aware that we are not a cathedral choir. It reminded me of the 'Song for Athene' by Tavener.
My favourites were the haunting Journey by Lole (contemporary but with a beautiful melody) and Sir Christemas which is rather fun, exciting rhythmically, and a rare chance to shout in church! :D