Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 March 2007 12:00:54
The first weekend in March was spent in a rarefied musical environment, on the Friends of Cathedral Music weekend in Oxford. Talks, concerts, meals and services held in New College, Magdalen and Christchurch lasted for three days - an environment wonderfully rich but far too rich to last. I will remember the strange way that Christchurch (under Darlington) have of singing the psalms for a long time - those long held vowels would make my own choir master weep. I must admit to Magdalen College chapel being my favourite.
Then back to my own choir, where we are not cathedral or collegiate standard, but we try to do our best. 'Call to remembrance' by Farrant is one of my favourite anthems, which can almost sing itself once you get the rhythm going. We sang it in a quiet, relaxed style in the morning, followed by 'View me, Lord' by Lloyd, sung in similar fashion, at Evensong. The sopranos did well as we were low in numbers on both occasions, especially as some were sung out after performing in a Choral society concert the previous evening. We were also fortunate in having one of the readers come to join us (the one with the lovely bass voice) as well as the vicar singing alto. There's a true sense of partnership between clergy and choir when they join in. Perhaps churches where choir and clergy are at loggerheads should try it as a solution?