CE Winchester Cathedral [R] Wed, Feb 9th 2022

[Lizzie]

What? No comments about the service? They surely have an excellent back row at Winchester! I heard them in the flesh (with the boys) only a couple of weeks ago and was mightily impressed. The Grayston Ives Canticles (nothing to scare the horses) sounded very good. It was also unusual for ATB alone to do a chant for the Psalm...rather than plainsong. Also very pleasing, especially ending the Gloria on an added sixth chord!

Yes, I was a little surprised too!
Our back row is truly superb, and their work throughout the pandemic has been amazing, often singing changed rep' with an hours notice. The Psalm chant is by Andrew Hayman, one of our Tenor Layclerks, and is a great favourite here now.
Hopefully everyone enjoyed the service...

[Keraulophone]

An unusually moving CE, filled with some special music written for lower voices, beautifully sung by Winchester's super-pro back row, directed by one of the best in the business.

Robert Sharpe's Responses were written for Lichfield Cathedral, where he was ADoM during Andrew Lumsden's reign there. Colourful home-grown psalm chant (with final Amen King's Singers' style!). Effective Bill Ives Canticles and prayerful In pace.

However, as previewed above, the undoubted highlight for me was Ernest Walker's Lord, thou hast been our refuge, which Walford Davies claimed to be 'the greatest anthem of modern times' (1899) - enough said! I've handed the score to our DoM hoping it will soon become part of our ATB repertoire.

Thank you, gentlemen.

[ardcarp]

...and gentlewomen.

[Keraulophone]

...and gentlewomen.

Of course, I must also thank Claudia Grinnell in the organ loft.
Of the choir I wasn’t quite sure, so I viewed the video on YT of their latest webcast, on which I spied only gentle males in the back row. In October of last year… perhaps Lizzie can enlighten us?

[jonfan]

Finally given this broadcast the attention it deserved, and I was not disappointed. Lovely expressive singing throughout with a sense of vast space around the voices. Responses and Canticles beautifully done but as K says above the highlight was the anthem. If Walford Davies rates this piece so highly then it's bound to be something special. This was a great emotional experience with choir, soloist and organ all on top form.

[ardcarp]

Of course, I must also thank Claudia Grinnell in the organ loft.
Of the choir I wasn’t quite sure, so I viewed the video on YT of their latest webcast, on which I spied only gentle males in the back row. In October of last year… perhaps Lizzie can enlighten us?

I was thinking of her!

A.

[Lizzie]

Partly due to Covid, and partly as our back row has now been usually reduced from twelve to eight, there has been quite a lot of Dep' use in recent months. We are especially thankful for the commitment of our usual Layclerks, and also for the exceptional work of our Deps. One of those is indeed, a lady Alto, who is also the wife of one of our Bass Layclerks. We have been incredibly fortunate to have them ALL, especially during such difficult times, which have been so intensely stressful for everyone. Even our Canon Precentor, has recently been badly struck by the dreaded C-lurgy, and we've been blessed with Dep Precentors too! Andy Lumsden has been amazing in keeping everything together, and at the usual exceptional standards.

We have recently been advertising for a new third Bass for the line-up, and also for a Deputy Organist, to share the load with Claudia. They should be in place soon, I believe. Watch the Winchester Cathedral website, and do feel able to sign up for the weekly email newsletter, to get updates.

Hope that gives you a helpful overview.
Best. Lizzie

[ardcarp]

Thanks so much for posting up the inside info Lizzie. You have been much missed, so it's great to hear from you!

[Keraulophone]

Thanks, Lizzie.

[Lizzie]

You're very welcome!