Categories: uncategorized
Date: 10 December 2007 09:54:15
The torrential rain stopped just in time for carols in the square at the town Dickensian Evening on Friday. It even felt warm after the effect of several glasses of mulled wine and a bag of hot chestnuts. We looked very Victorian dressed in red and white, singing 'Ding Dong Merrily on High', plus several congregational carols, accompanied by the Stannary Brass Band. The Band's harmonies were mostly similar to our own so we managed four-part harmony and even a descant or two, before ending with 'We wish you a Merry Christmas', to see everyone safely home.
On Sunday morning, all eyes were fixed on the second Advent candle as it was lit (by a somewhat taller girl) but fortunately there was no repeat of last week's tumble. Today was the 'World Premiere' of the Kyrie from our new Sweeney Mass. It seemed to be well-received. The best note of all is reserved for the Altos, who have a Tierce da Picardie at the end. The choirmaster has to promise never to be rude to the altos again, or we shall 'forget' to sing it. Our best soloist was in good voice during the communion anthem, 'Jesu, Meine Freude', Bach (fortunately sung in English).
We had competition at Evensong, as a nearby church was holding their Christmas spectacular with two brass bands and choir carol sing-a-long. Fortunately, there were some people in the town who realised it was still Advent so we had a small congregation to hear us sing 'God so loved the world' by Stainer. It sounded a little disjointed to me; perhaps we will sing it better at Passiontide. Even more disjointed was the gap between the first collect and the 'Amen'. The collect was very short and caught us all out - including the choirmaster. We weren't napping - really.....
Being Advent, we had two 'grumpy sermons' today. Obviously the season of peace and goodwill is not quite here yet. We are still in the season of Scrooge.