CE Winchester Cathedral 28th Sept 2011

[ardcarp]

There was certainly an emphasis on diction

... in favour of it! There was however a sort of exaggerated 'choirboy diction' yeras ago which was overdone, I think, and I speak as one who did it!

[Lizzie]

At LAST I've been able to listen - my local library no longer gives access to BBC iplayer I discovered yesterday! I must admit I was pretty impressed with the way the huge sound was managed and I was able to hear every word from start to finish, which is far from always the case on the radio. That was due very much to the diction which Andy insists upon. I know I'm biased but, I genuinely thought this was a superb programme and hats off to those who managed the sound. It didn't sound at all mushy as I'd feared it might - and I was only able to listen on the radio on my mobile 'phone, through small headphones. Thanks everyone who took part and once again, for a superb SCF 2011. All Bws. Liz

[Simon]

I'm glad I took the trouble to listen via the radio, as the LA system let ithis wonderful service down. It was very good indeed, in my view. The sharpness, which seemed to be missing via my PC speakers, and which is always difficult to get with large forces, was, on the radio, there in the main. Possibly the least effective piece was the Wood, which most certainly needs particular focus and attack to bring off the drama. I think the ATB on a couple of occasions intruded too much, but that may have been different on site and in any case it would have been almost impossible to prevent this in the circumstances.

Hats off to whoever was responsible for programming such a glorious range of the best of the best, including Ad Nos.

And I think someone ought to mention the Precentor - wonderful to hear such absolutely perfect tuning throughout - and what magnificent phrasing and breath control!

Thanks to all involved.

[decantor]

Lizzie, I happened to listen to Sunday's repeat on my elderly ghettoblaster rather than the hi-fi. The smaller speakers took all the rumble out of the broadcast, leaving a much clearer sense of the choirs' power and the cathedral's space. I much enjoyed the rich texture of the combined choirs, and conclude that your ear-plug mode of listening was probably well advised.

As for final consonants - I did observe that the final S's in the 'Lord/Christ/Lord have mercy' responses were perfectly placed - and this sort of care was not the exception. In general, considering how little time the three choirs have to rehearse together, I reckon they work wonders: it speaks well for the discipline and flexibility of the individual choirs, especially as the house styles of, say, Chichester and Winchester are vaguely as woodwind to brass.

[Lizzie]

I'm glad I took the trouble to listen via the radio, as the LA system let ithis wonderful service down. It was very good indeed, in my view. The sharpness, which seemed to be missing via my PC speakers, and which is always difficult to get with large forces, was, on the radio, there in the main. Possibly the least effective piece was the Wood, which most certainly needs particular focus and attack to bring off the drama. I think the ATB on a couple of occasions intruded too much, but that may have been different on site and in any case it would have been almost impossible to prevent this in the circumstances.

Hats off to whoever was responsible for programming such a glorious range of the best of the best, including Ad Nos.

And I think someone ought to mention the Precentor - wonderful to hear such absolutely perfect tuning throughout - and what magnificent phrasing and breath control!

Thanks to all involved.

Canon Michael's good isn't he?! He's a joy to sing with when we in the Nave Choir get the chance. Nice to hear a Precentor get a 'cheer' too! The Wood sounded clearer on the day I think. It was a cracking programme all round and Simon and Andy's teamwork so superb. Simon's playing is fabulous and you might be interested in his new solo cd - on the website as always. Looking forward to the Organathon in a couple of weeks. Think they're all brave and a bunch of stars! Best. Liz

[Lizzie]

Lizzie, I happened to listen to Sunday's repeat on my elderly ghettoblaster rather than the hi-fi. The smaller speakers took all the rumble out of the broadcast, leaving a much clearer sense of the choirs' power and the cathedral's space. I much enjoyed the rich texture of the combined choirs, and conclude that your ear-plug mode of listening was probably well advised.

As for final consonants - I did observe that the final S's in the 'Lord/Christ/Lord have mercy' responses were perfectly placed - and this sort of care was not the exception. In general, considering how little time the three choirs have to rehearse together, I reckon they work wonders: it speaks well for the discipline and flexibility of the individual choirs, especially as the house styles of, say, Chichester and Winchester are vaguely as woodwind to brass.

Decantor - Absolutely spot on! And when you think that this service was only one small part of the music over three days, I think it becomes even more exceptional. I'd had my doubts about whether the sound would be just too big for the radio but, I totally recant! It was masterful and for once, I think the BBC deserve a real congratulatory pat on the back too. I was so proud of them ALL, not just the Winchester crew which I know you all fairly tease me about! All best. Liz

[Finzi4ever]

Picking up on #33, while I enjoy 'ad nauseam' as a true tour de force, though can even get bored two-thirds of the way through when playing it, it is to my mind the classic exemplar of which Joseph II could quite validly have said "too many notes"!