CHOIR SINGS EVENSONG AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY |
7th April 2011 |
Yet again the Choir did us proud with a superb performance in the Abbey. The acoustics in the Abbey, with its vast size and incredibly high ceiling, are different to the Cathdral, and enabled the choir to perform at their best with dramatic use of a wide range of volume, from a whisper to full voice. The music sung was the H.C. Stewart responses, psalms 92 and 93 (chants by Sinclair and Walmisley), Walmisley's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D minor, and the stunning anthem by Battishill, "O Lord, look down from heaven". This surely is one of the neglected masterpieces of Anglican church music, and its dramatic central section with its great chords and sudden silences sounded magnificent in the Abbey. |
This time it was only a day trip, but a full bus load set off at 9.30, the choir augmented by an enthusiastic group of "supporters", from brothers & sisters to grandmas! They took advantage of the gorgeous weather to shop and to do some sightseeing around the Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. They were there in force at five o'clock however to enjoy the service. |
Before the service the choir had time to practice in the Song School, a special room off the cloisters set aside for choristers. There was also a rehearsal in the Quire. |
There is plenty of fun on these trips, both on the bus and at the service stations both going and coming back |
A huge vote of thanks is due to Christopher Barton for his meticulous attention to detail, which is one of the reasons the choir is so brilliant. But we who just listened must give thanks to ALL the choir members! |
Click on caption for larger picture |
