Categories: uncategorized
Date: 13 May 2012 15:44:03
It's always a pleasure to sing with the cathedral choir at Exeter Cathedral, and this year was no exception. A smaller than usual (c.50) RSCM choir joined the cathedral girls and men to sing Saturday evensong. A very pleasing little a capella introit ('Up, up, my heart', Cruger) was followed by the Ayleward responses and Brewer in D canticles, always a good sing. Unusually, we sang the psalm alternating full choir, can. cathedral and dec. cathedral - a very effective combination. I wasn't so keen on the anthem ('Ye choirs of new Jerusalem' - Blair), preferring the Stanford version, but it seemed to suit the choir resources we had, and was sung with precise rhythm. David Davies was our masterful conductor for the day, making his instructions clear and providing much encouragement, while Stephen Tanner took his place on the organ bench.
Fortunately, we had enough voice left for our usual Sunday morning Eucharist, although the altos were very low in numbers. We currently have some versatile choir members who can sing different parts when needed, so one of the sopranos nobly filled the gap and provided much-needed support. The choir master, knowing resources would be low, wisely scheduled 'I give you a new commandment' (Aston) as the anthem - mostly only in two parts, simple, charming and effective.