Advent Carol Service: St John's College, Cambridge [L] 1.12.24 @ 3pm

[Alison]

This service was a bit of let down last year was it not?

Normal service please

[Roger Judd]

Well - I confess I don't recall that being the case.
RJ

[Keraulophone]

There were a handful of carols for Advent earlier today (11am-1pm) live from St Michael's Mount, Cornwall, sung by Truro Cathedral Choir, as part of Radio 3's Carols Across the Country. I may be a little biased, but nicely sung in the ancient chapel on top of the mount. The carols, including the premier of this year's commission from Piers Kennedy, are interspersed with other Cornwall-related pieces and introduced by Petroc Trelawny.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0025dcb

[Pulcinella]

Well - I confess I don't recall that being the case.
RJ

Here's the thread: both Alison and Nick were not overly impressed, it would appear.
https://www.for3.org/forums/forum/classical-forum/the-choir/1292407-a-service-for-advent-with-carols-r-chapel-of-st-john’s-college-cambridge-3-xii-23

As last year, I shall be at the York Minster Advent Procession, streamed live at 17:30.
Hoping, without much expectation, that Little Conrad might go at a slightly less lugubrious pace this time round!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzokS9JSjsQ

[Ein Heldenleben]

There were a handful of carols for Advent earlier today (11am-1pm) live from St Michael's Mount, Cornwall, sung by Truro Cathedral Choir, as part of Radio 3's Carols Across the Country. I may be a little biased, but nicely sung in the ancient chapel on top of the mount. The carols, including the premier of this year's commission from Piers Kennedy, are interspersed with other Cornwall-related pieces and introduced by Petroc Trelawny.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0025dcb

Yes although I was predisposed to be in a Scrooge like mood at Radio Three’s now three week long festival of carols starting today I think it’s been a pretty good effort so far. Although there was a regrettable sighting of The Lamb early on there’s been a lot that’s unfamiliar and some good non Carolling Christmas music . A break from some of the standard Sunday trivia,
I have never managed to successfully get to St Michaels Mount despite being South west based for decades . I’ve filmed it from the distance several times but for some reason the tides are never right or the ferry’s booked.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Looking at last years thread and listening to this year’s service I can’t tell whether the trebles / sops are mixed or not. Have they been working on a blended sound ? Or is my hearing just duff ? Quite an echoey acoustic doesn’t help,

[Roger Judd]

The St Johns boys and girls sing together as a single ensemble.

A trick was missed, I felt, on Petroc's visit to St Michael's Mount. It was a shame that carols that have their root in Cornwall were not explored. The Cathedral choir is clearly in good heart, which is great to hear under its new management.
RJ

[cat]

Looking at last years thread and listening to this year’s service I can’t tell whether the trebles / sops are mixed or not. Have they been working on a blended sound ? Or is my hearing just duff ? Quite an echoey acoustic doesn’t help,

They only have 12 trebles this term, not sure why. There are 18 on the back row.

[DracoM]

Whatever the chorister muster, I thought this a beautifully articulated, calmly delivered, and as dignified an Advent service as we have had from St John's in years. Fine, fine stuff.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Whatever the chorister muster, I thought this a beautifully articulated, calmly delivered, and as dignified an Advent service as we have had from St John's in years. Fine, fine stuff.

Yes it was truly excellent.

[cjsb]

I very much agree with the previous posts. I was lucky to hear them live a couple of times recently and they were in excellent form. Congratulations to all involved!

[Alison]

Yes really good this year, a service I shall revisit during the season I feel sure. I like the sound of the new Dean.

[CallMePaul]

Whatever the chorister muster, I thought this a beautifully articulated, calmly delivered, and as dignified an Advent service as we have had from St John's in years. Fine, fine stuff.

Agreed, but I only remembered it this afternoon so did not download the order of service. This would have enhanced my appreciation of the service and I should remember to do this for the Kings' Nine Lessons and Carols this year.

[Finzi4ever]

For many years, the Gibbons' 'Record' was sung at this Johnian event by a tenor. I thought the alto/counter tenor particularly fine this year. My bet is on that it was the latter but waiting to be proved wrong...

[Finzi4ever]

Aaaargh! They faded out 615! In the words of Harry Enfield's Self-Righteous Brothers: "Oi, Radio 3, NO!" ...and that's on top of St J's omitting Helmsley.