CE Chester Cathedral Wed, 16th Dec 2015

[LTFC1990]

I've only just had a chance to listen, and what a pleasure it was. I particularly enjoyed the psalm, very well sung throughout the choir, fantastic trebles, and ably supported by very sensitive and musical singing from the back row.

Well done to all involved!

I wish that we could stop having this endless discussion every week about the gender (and now the age) of the choristers. It's almost as though that matters more to some on here than the quality of their singing, the music sung, and how well this helps those present, and those listening on the radio to worship.

I'll just finish by saying well done to Chester Cathedral Choir again; a triumph.

[DracoM]

Endorsed.

[alto88]

As far as I'm aware Chester Cathedral takes girl choristers up to the age of 18

[decantor]

I wish that we could stop having this endless discussion every week about the gender (and now the age) of the choristers. It's almost as though that matters more to some on here than the quality of their singing, the music sung, and how well this helps those present, and those listening on the radio to worship.

I’ve only just noticed the above post, and would like to make a counter-wish: that members should not attempt to censor what may be of interest to their fellow-members. There is no obligation to read any posting: if it is not of interest, move on – as I have to so often myself.

I spent twenty years trying, as a volunteer, to persuade boys with unchanged voices to sing music liturgically – we tried anything from Josquin to Joubert. This was an educational project, attempting to plug a gap in our education system by introducing boys to the power and joy of choral singing, and to a spectacularly fine body of music (and, by extension, to more of it beyond our scope). That was thirty years ago, but I still welcome reassurance that boys are performing to a high standard as there is severely limited opportunity for them – and even less to be heard – outside the foundations of the Christian church.

“Endless discussion”? It arises mainly because the relevant information is not forthcoming – if it were, there would be no need for any discussion whatever. For sure, nobody wants to make the case that boys’ voices are ‘better’ or ‘more appropriate’ than girls, though my personal belief – based on experience – is that boys do have a potentially unique vocal quality and mindset, that they relish the ‘tribal’ aspects of a choir, and that they gain from the self-discipline required. I cannot regard these considerations as inconsequential.

I apologise if I have said anything horribly contentious or offensive. I wanted simply to declare the reason for my interest – viz. educational – which lies in parallel with but does not displace my love of the music and admiration for all its performers.

And yes: Chester gave us a wonderful service.

[anoncoward]

I have to say that this choir exhibited some of the best singing that I've heard during a bbc broadcast of evensong. The extraordinary beauty and brilliance contained in the music of Byrd's Great Service in particular was communicated here with sensitivity, clarity, conviction and a technical assurance which I thought outstanding and profoundly moving. Congratulations to all at Chester.

[ardcarp]

I’ve only just noticed the above post, and would like to make a counter-wish: that members should not attempt to censor what may be of interest to their fellow-members. There is no obligation to read any posting: if it is not of interest, move on – as I have to so often myself.

“Endless discussion”? It arises mainly because the relevant information is not forthcoming – if it were, there would be no need for any discussion whatever. For sure, nobody wants to make the case that boys’ voices are ‘better’ or ‘more appropriate’ than girls, though my personal belief – based on experience – is that boys do have a potentially unique vocal quality and mindset, that they relish the ‘tribal’ aspects of a choir, and that they gain from the self-discipline required. I cannot regard these considerations as inconsequential.

Well said on both counts, decantor! May I also add to the bits I have had the temerity to highlight? They are the valuable source from which many (most?) of our very able ATBs are drawn.

[DracoM]

Agreed.

[jean]

...boys do have a potentially unique vocal quality and mindset, that they relish the ‘tribal’ aspects of a choir...

As one by definition excluded from these, I'd welcome some further explanation.

(I remember a previous posting suggesting that muddy knees came into it somewhere, too.)

[ardcarp]

Hence cassocks from the earliest times.......

[mw963]

As one by definition excluded from these, I'd welcome some further explanation.

(I remember a previous posting suggesting that muddy knees came into it somewhere, too.)

Spoiling for a fight again aren't you Jean.

It's like listening to a cracked record.....

[jean]

If people insist on making these provocative postings, what can I do?

[W.Kearns]

Keep up the good work, Jean, and thanks. Some of us find your questions refreshing.

[Keraulophone]

these provocative postings

Sorry jean, but IMV there was nothing 'provocative' in decantor's post #34. If anything, I felt it was taking care not to be contentious, but reasonable and honest, based on years of experience. Having sung in a cathedral choir with boys for 26 years and, since last October with girls (including my daughter, plus an excellent female alto choral scholar), I concur with all decantor wrote, and am sorry to say that it is your reaction I find provocative - well, it's provoked me anyway!

[jean]

I'm just interested in what it is about the extra-musical attributes of boys that is relevant to their music-making. Those are the statements that provoke me, as an outsider by definition.

Is nobody is going to say any more about the particular mindset of boys, or their special susceptibility to discipline?

[vinteuil]

Is nobody is going to say any more about the particular mindset of boys, or their special susceptibility to discipline?

... and what is significant about those muddy knees?

I never had muddy knees when I was a boy. But then I wasn't a choirboy neither...