Categories: uncategorized
Date: 25 November 2011 15:21:17
Two contrasting services at Llandaff cathedral this weekend. Firstly, the obscenely early Parish Eucharist (9 am start), with a surprising number of young children in attendance. I liked the (unnamed) Mass setting, easy for a congregation to follow, with the music printed in the service sheet for those (like me) who didn't already know it. Being 'Christ the King' Sunday, the hymns were all well known: 'Crown him with many crowns', 'Praise my soul the King of Heaven', 'Christ is the King, let earth rejoice'. Also, being 'Stir up' Sunday, we had the Christmas Pudding prayer and 'Wachet Auf' (Bach) as the Voluntary (on their still-new, very fine organ). The parish choir were capable enough for an undemanding repertoire, with a mixed, young, top line and a small number of adult part singers.
At evensong, the Cathedral choir made a very pleasing sound - Murrill in E canticles and 'Greater love hath no man' (Ireland), one of my favourite anthems and so appropriate for this time of year. I'm sure the voluntary by Langlais also sounded fine (for those who like Langlais) but, having a long journey home in the dark, we didn't stay to listen.