Categories: uncategorized
Date: 02 June 2009 18:34:22
This weekend saw us in Bristol, first at the cathedral for Friday evensong with the lay clerks. Six singers with beautifully clear voices sang full SATB, with one counter tenor having a tremendously high range. Tallis responses, the Batten Short Service and Purcell's 'Thou knowest Lord the secrets of our hearts' were sung with exquisitely gentle voices - the choir boys could enjoy their half-term break knowing that the music was in very capable hands. The ancient 'Rush Sunday' service at St. Mary Redcliffe sounded rather intriguing, and so it proved to be. There was a wonderful perfume pervading the church, with rush-strewn floors and nosegays in the main aisle pews. The service was based loosely on Mattins, beginning with a very grand procession of city dignitaries and ending with sherry on the church green. The all-male choir is a rather special church choir, almost at Cathedral standard, so it was a tremendous pleasure to hear them sing Howells' 'Jubilate', the Rose responses, and Carter's 'Come Holy Ghost'. The rousing choice of hymns was further enhanced by a brass quintet joining in with the final verse of each hymn. A joyous celebration fitting for Whit Sunday and the latest in a long line of such services stretching from 1493 to the present day.