CE Chelmsford Cathedral Wed, 16th Jan 2019 [L]

[dispersered9]

The engineering was a bit odd in the climactic sections in the canticles where the upper line receded and exposed some quite harsh sounds in the lower voices.

I wondered also about the engineering Jonfan, there were certain moments that rather 'stuck out', namely the (presumably) precentor who was intoning the collects very clearly, but at a higher volume than the choir singing tutti, and also the soloist in the anthem, who as it's already been mentioned perhaps lacked some lustre, but carried over the choir on perhaps the sounds of overmic-ing? Does anyone know any more about how that sort of thing is done by the beeb?

[Carolanne]

I wondered also about the engineering Jonfan, there were certain moments that rather 'stuck out', namely the (presumably) precentor who was intoning the collects very clearly, but at a higher volume than the choir singing tutti, and also the soloist in the anthem, who as it's already been mentioned perhaps lacked some lustre, but carried over the choir on perhaps the sounds of overmic-ing? Does anyone know any more about how that sort of thing is done by the beeb?

From previous experience, a separate microphone for each precentor/speaker and soloists is common. No knowledge of exact sound levels and so on however.

[ardcarp]

Only heard it up to canticles so far. Lovely soprano sound. My guess is girls' age- range probably extends to 16 or 18. Anyone know for certain?

[subcontrabass]

Only heard it up to canticles so far. Lovely soprano sound. My guess is girls' age- range probably extends to 16 or 18. Anyone know for certain?

The cathedral website says 11-18: http://www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.u...al-choirs.html

[ardcarp]

Yes thanks subcb. From the website:

The Cathedral Girls' Choir sings Evensong on Tuesdays during term time. It is made up of girls aged between 11 and 18, and is directed by the Assistant Organist.

[DracoM]

I wondered also about the engineering Jonfan, there were certain moments that rather 'stuck out', namely the (presumably) precentor who was intoning the collects very clearly, but at a higher volume than the choir singing tutti, and also the soloist in the anthem, who as it's already been mentioned perhaps lacked some lustre, but carried over the choir on perhaps the sounds of overmic-ing? Does anyone know any more about how that sort of thing is done by the beeb?

Is this a comment on the ENGINEERING, or the singing?
The singer is hardly responsible for where the mics are and thus how her / his voice comes over on radio?

I noticed the delight the choir all took in their singing and projected to congregation / listeners.

[underthecountertenor]

Nice to see two alumni of St Albans Cathedral (Davy as organ scholar, LLJ as chorister) in the same place, and doing so well.

[Lizzie]

I can only speak for Winchester of course but, this CE has been programmed in for ages. I think it is a special anniversary for our Girls Choir. They are absolutely flying at present. I’ll be there of course. Well done Chelmsford!

[ardcarp]

Good to hear from you again, Lizzie! We await your first-hand account of Winchester with interest.

[underthecountertenor]

A while back there were occasional broadcasts from Chelmsford, and if my memory serves me aright, the DoM was Graham Elliot. I was always impressed by their high standard. Can anyone remember the date of the last of those? And was Dr Elliot one of those lured to the USA by a larger pay-packet?

As the Telegraph article linked by mopsus confirms, Graham Elliot did indeed go to the USA in 1999. He was replaced by Peter Nardone in 2000. As I recall, part at least of the interregnum was filled by blessèd Barry of the Roses.

[Lizzie]

Good to hear from you again, Lizzie! We await your first-hand account of Winchester with interest.

Will do, unless we get snowed in!

[Wolsey]

I think it was a bit more than occasional, they came round pretty much once a year in the nineties (as of course did most of the regular cathedrals, unlike nowadays).[...]

A list of evensong broadcasts by Chelmsford Cathedral choir from 1953-2009 is shown here.