CE Winchester Cathedral 18th Jan 2012

[Lizzie]

I'm so thrilled that you all liked it so much and I'm sure the Musicians and Clergy will be even more so, having put in so much in credibly hard work. I know I get very boring about it but, I feel so privileged to hear such incredible music day in and day out, week by week. All of it delivered with such utter commitment, discipline and relish. That said, yesterday was one of those real 'specials' for me, that especially stood out. If you're reading this chaps, Thank you SO much! It was worth using a day of my precious annual leave to be there!
All very best. Liz

[terratogen]

The choirs at Winchester never seem to disappoint, and this broadcast certainly wasn't an exception to that rule. I listened in primarily to hear the Dove anthem—a piece I first heard only last year but which since has become a stand-out favourite of mine among new carols—as was just as impressed as I've ever been. Dorothy Sayers' text is stunning both in terms of what's said and what's left unsaid, and the choir, I think, succeeded tremendously in bringing that across in their execution of Dove's music. Lovely.

[salymap]

Dear Lizzie, Thanks for reminding me elsewhere about this wonderful CE. I shall listen again on Sunday and probably record it, to be played early in the day when my tinnitus is not so bad.

best wishes from saly

[DracoM]

Interesting point about the cathedral layout for this CE from Lizzie.

Did those who know Winchester Cath well notice any difference in the acoustic as a result of clearing out so many chairs and creating more truly empty space? Serious question.

[AuntyKezia]

Nick Coleman's contribution on this week's "Midweek" (R4 Jan 18th) gave some fascinating insights into how we hear and perceive music - a reminder, if one were needed, not to take this wonderful ability for granted. His piece begins about 25 minutes into the programme.

[Lizzie]

The choirs at Winchester never seem to disappoint, and this broadcast certainly wasn't an exception to that rule. I listened in primarily to hear the Dove anthem—a piece I first heard only last year but which since has become a stand-out favourite of mine among new carols—as was just as impressed as I've ever been. Dorothy Sayers' text is stunning both in terms of what's said and what's left unsaid, and the choir, I think, succeeded tremendously in bringing that across in their execution of Dove's music. Lovely.

I found that piece absolutely stunning and very moving. I'd only heard it before a couple fo times but, heard it in a whole new light this time. Fabulous.

[Lizzie]

Dear Lizzie, Thanks for reminding me elsewhere about this wonderful CE. I shall listen again on Sunday and probably record it, to be played early in the day when my tinnitus is not so bad.

best wishes from saly

Dear Saly, Do hope you enjoy it! It was such a special service and a real privilege to have been a very minor participant! God bless. Liz

[ardcarp]

Well, that CE gets an unreserved thumbs up from me. It was surely everything a lover of the trad M&B cathedral choir could hope for. A superb back row and treble voices that...well, behave like treble voices should, crescendoing as they ascend a scale so that natural arching phrases just happen.

Whilst not a big fan of Tavener, his Mag setting is most original; and taking it for what it is, it was IMO superbly done.

I didn't have too much problem with the recording either. I don't know any technical stuff about it, and whilst the 'soundscape' seemed to vary a bit throughout the service, the mikes seemed on the whole well back, i.e. giving something of the impression of distance a person in a not very good seat might have.

I had no problem with Winchester's diction...appropriately Anglican.....but I look forward to hearing St Thomas's opening their vowels in the Dove.

[terratogen]

Nick Coleman's contribution on this week's "Midweek" (R4 Jan 18th) gave some fascinating insights into how we hear and perceive music - a reminder, if one were needed, not to take this wonderful ability for granted.

Thanks for directing attention to this programme, AuntyKezia. Will have to give it listen. I'm very interested in the ways in which we perceive, judge and—as the language of this thread reminds me—subsequently describe—music. Going by the R4 description, Nick Coleman's selection of the Midweek programme seems to be more about the neurological mechanism of perception than about the social, but his piece sounds fascinating nonetheless, and I'm eager to hear it.

[Op. XXXIX]

Whilst not a big fan of Tavener, his Mag setting is most original; and taking it for what it is, it was IMO superbly done.

Perhaps a fan of Tavener myself - - I loved it. Great service, and many thanks to all involved.

[ardcarp]

!

[Lizzie]

Listening again in the library and it sounds as good, if not even better, than it did on the day! I've heard some cracking CE broadcasts from Winchester but, I think this is probably the best to date for me, even allowing for my bias! Stunning all round, chaps! !

[paradisum]

For those who have Facebook, here is Winchester Cathedral Choir's page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winchester-Cathedral-Choir/191944850822510

[ardcarp]

Lizzie

I think your delight at our delight is almost as delightful as hearing the delightful music itself.

[Lizzie]

Lizzie

I think your delight at our delight is almost as delightful as hearing the delightful music itself.

AND the new rescue dog arrived at home today. I'm delighted!