Categories: uncategorized
Date: 30 November 2009 15:27:23
We welcomed back several former choristers (now living away) for the Advent services. One of the basses was presented with his 'service to church music' award (for a young person under 18) from the RSCM. Advent was well and truly started off in the morning Eucharist with the lighting of the first candle and the singing of 'Wachet Auf' (Bach). For a change, we are singing the Rawsthorne Mass setting during Advent. I had forgotten how much I like its simplicity. The Advent carol service went off well, apart from a glitch when we were given a different translation of 'O come, O come Emmanuel' than the congregation. Fortunately only the first few rows of people noticed we were singing something different. I don't know what that says about our diction..... As well as congregational hymns, there were several choir-only items: Palestrina's 'Matin Responsory', Warlock's 'Adam Lay Ybounden', 'Wie soll ich dich empfangen' (Bach), Poston's 'Jesus Christ the Apple Tree', Downing's 'Most Highly Favoured Lady' and 'People Look East' (arr. Bramma). Some contrast was provided in the longer items by a quartet singing alternate verses. I always feel Advent has arrived when we sing 'Lo! He comes with clouds descending' at the end of the service - and the feel-good factor is definitely helped along by mulled wine and mince pies given out at the back of the church.