CE Edington Festival Aug 21st 2013

[Jamiewhall]

I've only just noticed this thread and am now very confused. Is this where I can talk about Barry Rose?

Didn't I read somewhere that if an Internet discussion thread runs long enough, eventually someone will mention Barry Rose?

[DracoM]

As if it needs it, but this is a reminder that this CE is today at 3.30 p.m.

[DracoM]

The usual dry-as-dust acoustic at Edington gives no halo or texture to the voices or the organ, a bit unforgiving, at least via radio, and even the final hymn sounded a bit of a slog. In such an acoustic, repertoire has to be cleverly chosen and it was: canticles relatively small scale, with soloistic music, and a nicely reflective Howells voluntary

The three stand-out pieces for me, were the Neil Cox introit - skilful blend of ancient and modern, lots of atmosphere [not easy in that acoustic], nicely shaped and sung. The lovely Ives chant for the well-disciplined psalms, and of course, the Harris anthem – full of energy and commitment, fronted by a tenor soloist who sounded astonishingly like Nick Hurndall Smith from I Fagiolini, but whoever, it was finely phrased and possibly the best series of moments in the service. This ensemble gave me the most pleasure.

Not happy with the plainchant.

And a purely personal gripe was that long, clumsy opening travelogue, potted ecclesiastical and architectural history, and a shameless promo for the festival. Sorry, it disturbs the mood for a service. I wish people would not do it.

[DracoM]

Considering all the lively exchanges we had BEFORE the service, it's a bit surprising that there is only one reaction to it afterwards.

[Daniel Hyde]

This was an interesting listen. The psalms were a particular treat; clearly sung, great attention to the text. And the wonderful chants of Bill Ives....

[deeplyhonoured]

Very nice to hear some plainsong on the radio for a change; and very nicely sung too - well complimented by the singing of the psalms, to a couple of gems by Ives...

I suppose the lack of acoustic isn't helped by having a full church to perform in - something unusual for a choral evensong I might suggest?

[teamsaint]

I could have sworn there was a 2014 Edington thread.

[Gabriel Jackson]

I could have sworn there was a 2014 Edington thread.

There was, and then it disappeared.

[teamsaint]

There was, and then it disappeared.

Thats what I thought.

Thanks for confirming, GJ.

[DracoM]

Am making inquiries.

[Matthew Martin]

Basically it was a good effort on the Edington broadcast this year but the daft choirs insisted on singing in the dry acoustic they have in the church there and some of the music was a bit nasty and modern.

[ardcarp]

Sadly I missed the broadcast this year as I was out of contact with all civilisation for both it and the repeat and the i-player. I'm a big supporter of the EF (having been to several in the past) and I'm sure everyone understands it's a local church with a typical 'village' acoustic.

I have absolutely no idea what happened to the thread! I remember posting on it before the broadcast. Sorry! I've only just returned to hostly duties, but I am quite sure the disappearance must have been as the result of a glitch...and not malice aforethought.