CE Winchester Cathedral [R] 7.8.24

[DracoM]

CE Winchester Cathedral [R] 7.8.24
Southern Cathedrals Festival

Order of Service:

Introit: Jesu, the very thought of thee (Bairstow)
Responses: Rose
Psalm 37 (Flintoft, Wesley)
First Lesson: Isaiah 45: 1-7
Canticles: Collegium Regale (Wood)
Second Lesson: Ephesians 4: 1-16
Anthem: Cantique de Jean Racine (Fauré)

Voluntary: Chorale Fantasia on ‘The Old Hundredth’ (Parry)

Claudia Grinnell (Sub-Organist)
Andrew Lumsden (Director of Music)

Recorded 12 July.

[Keraulophone]

Both the S-O and DoM are leaving Winchester Cathedral, the latter, it seems, not through his own volition. This final broadcast of CE is a sad reminder of the termination of Dr Lumsden’s great legacy, having carried on the work of his distinguished predecessors, at the helm of this well-loved and widely admired cathedral choir. I have admired and enjoyed all their CE broadcasts and commercial recordings of recent years under his consummate direction.

[moulin]

It was disappointing that the announcer failed to mention the fact that the organists are departing. I don't think one could have expected on air a detailed denunciation of the Precentor and Dean and their actions that have precipitated this crisis, but a tribute to 22 years of top class service in one case, and consistently superb organ playing from an up and coming future DOM with a bright future in front of her in the other, might have been nice.

Out of interest, one can watch a "recording of the recording" here. Yesterday I enjoyed the pictures via the webcast (again, having watched it at the time) whilst listening to the radio broadcast. The webcast includes the item the BBC chopped out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i02iZ0lf6tc

It goes without saying the it was a superb Evensong, illustrating what we are losing thanks to the damage the Dean has allowed on her watch.

[DracoM]

So what role will Mr Lucas have upcoming?

[moulin]

https://slippedisc.com/2024/07/an-english-cathedral-runs-out-of-organists/

(Until today I hadn't caught up on the news that Oliver Morrell is also moving from St Alban's to Winchester).

[Cockney Sparrow]

https://slippedisc.com/2024/07/an-en...-of-organists/

(Until today I hadn't caught up on the news that Oliver Morrell is also moving from St Alban's to Winchester).

Oliver Morrell occupied the post of third member of the music department - as have many done before him, for a two year term. It was always the expectation it would be limited to that term – my impression is that the remuneration and accommodation, etc, reflects it is a post for one starting out. His departure was well known and his work acknowledged.

For what its worth, I have formed the definite impression that Andrew Lucas has been/is supportive of his staff and the third organist. So, a very experienced Director and Organist, after his well-known, planned retirement, will have a young assistant he has worked with previously, when he is at Winchester.

As to CE, I’d be interested to know if the producers think the context of the programme is a subject for comment, and whether the individuals concerned would want their employment status and intentions referred to during the broadcast nationwide of a service.

[moulin]

[
As to CE, I’d be interested to know if the producers think the context of the programme is a subject for comment, and whether the individuals concerned would want their employment status and intentions referred to during the broadcast nationwide of a service.

Indeed, but it has often been the case in the past that the closing announcements after a CE have specifically mentioned a departing DOM or organist, with a reference to the number of years served. As I said, no need for a full exposé, but an acknowledgement of 22 years in post was noticeable by its absence.

[DracoM]

Good Qs

[chitreb]

Beautiful CE. I do hope a way is found to preserve our wonderful choral heritage in Winchester.