Categories: uncategorized
Date: 17 June 2012 18:32:02
I was amazed how much I remembered of Bernstein's 'Chichester Psalms', having not heard it for many years. It was a particular delight to hear the young boy soloist and listen to the harp. Fortunately, I had remembered the loud percussion and had seated myself appropriately, unlike those who were caused to jump! West Devon Chorale had put together a varied programme of American music, a change from their usual choral music repertoire. I particularly enjoyed the 8-part 'Shenandoah', the Thompson 'Alleluia', Lauridsen's 'O Magnum Mysterium' and Whitacre's 'I thank you God'.
Only one service for the choir today, the Family Eucharist. It was mostly familiar music, although I didn't know the tune of the final hymn ('Come thou fount of every blessing', sung - fittingly enough after yesterday's concert - to an American folk tune, 'Nettleton'.) The anthem was an old familiar favourite, 'Thou visitest the Earth' (Greene), although we are usually more used to singing it at Harvest. It was sung Bass solo, SATB; fortunately the Bass soloist still had enough voice left after last night's concert to fill the church. There was definitely no dust, or spiders, left in residence in the organ after the voluntary, Widor's 'Toccata', a piece which thrills me every time I hear it.