CE York Minster 15.6.2022 @ 4 p.m. [L]

[Pulcinella]

As ardcarp says, there was lots of contrast in the psalm and elsewhere, so perhaps the broadcast did not do full justice.

But I have indeed heard another person say that the choir (in its current incarnation) can sound a bit 'shouty', though perhaps forceful/forthright/vigorous and energetic might be a fairer description.

As someone who has sung there only as a member of the congregation, albeit in both the nave and the choir, I'd say that it's not a rewarding place to sing in: there's very little warmth fed back from the building and it sounds like you're very much on your own.

And on Wednesday there were only 6 adults each side, so 12 in total, supporting the 23 upper voices: perhaps they were singing out a little more on grounds of overall balance and it came over that way more through the microphones than in the building itself.

Treat yourself to the Beatam CD mentioned above: I don't recall any problems with that (though of course that was a former group of singers).

[Keraulophone]

.
A magnificent 'Me in G' - and the rest, especially Ps 78 including thunderous thunderbolts. Grateful to Mr Sharpe for this tribute and for taking me to Nether Garth.

[jonfan]

A good thing I wasn't at this service as I would have been tempted to stand up at the end of the psalm and applaud! Terrific energy and colour from singers and organist. I could have heard all 73 verses straight away again, and one doesn't say that often after long psalms! Exciting involved singing from everyone; FJ will be proud listening in!
A beautiful voice from the cantor and also very clear balanced sound from the engineering giving us a palpable feel that here is an extra special occasion.
The readings put me in mind of RS Thomas poem 'Bright Field', whether by accident or design fitted the moment:

It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.

[Constantbee]

All the more reason for being pleased that we decided to retire to York: to have this quality of singing (to say nothing of their repertoire: Imogen Holst Mass tonight for Corpus Christi) just a short cycle ride away is indeed something to gladden the heart and lift despondent spirits.

So glad you've found a spiritual home at York Minster, pulci