Baroness Thatcher's funeral, St. Paul's, 17 April 2013

[Mr Pee]

Perhaps because it's a communion motet?

I think that subtle distinction should not be enough to prevent it being performed at a funeral; the musical nature of it is eminently suitable- and many pieces that seem far less appropriate are played at funerals nowadays.

When I was in the RAF Central Band we used to play at the annual Battle of Britain remembrance service at Westminster Abbey- a couple of our regular pieces for that occasion were Vaughan Williams's superb arrangement of The Old Hundredth, and the Epilogue from the film score of "Things to Come" by Sir Arthur Bliss. Both sounded magnificent in the Abbey, and I am sure they would be equally so in St.Pauls.

We would set up in the Organ gallery at Westminster Abbey on these occasions- being a couple of feet away from that magnificent instrument as it went full pelt was an experience I will not forget in a hurry- and when Organ, Band, Choir and Congregation all gave it some "welly" in the last verse of The Old Hundredth- well, it was a quite awe-inspiring sound.

[Barbirollians]

Will it be shown on Sky Arts ?

[Miles Coverdale]

I think that subtle distinction should not be enough to prevent it being performed at a funeral; the musical nature of it is eminently suitable- and many pieces that seem far less appropriate are played at funerals nowadays.

I agree that the character of the music may be suitable. However, the text, from a theological point of view, would not be, I wouldn't have thought. The text is addressed to the Blessed Sacrament, which would not be present. Unless, of course, you're suggesting that Maggie's body is comparable! (Only joking).

I'm not even sure why I, a non-believer, am advancing this argument. Time for bed...

[ahinton]

Shame on you! Did BF nick your parking space or something that you wish to associated him with this of all occasions?!

I would suggest Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem - appropriate in every respect, and probably counting as "great Music" by the sort of person who regards her as a "great stateswoman".

I was trying hard not to think of next Wednesday's shindig as an "occasion"; if an "occasion", then Elliott Carter - all three of them, indeed - not that I'm suggesting this work for next Wednesday's shindig, of course (especially as there's no choir involved - yes, FF, I am paying attention!)...

[ahinton]

How about "Go Forth upon thy Journey", from the Dream of Gerontius? She enjoyed Elgar's music, and though I'm no fan of bleeding chunks, I think that would be highly appropriate.

Elgar. Grave. Turning.

Please. No.

[MrGongGong]

Elgar. Grave. Turning.
.

well with the power crisis that is looming maybe that would work as a means of generating power ?
I hear that the Italians are doing a similar thing with Berio after hearing that he was the teacher of a certain Einaudi

[Mr Pee]

Will it be shown on Sky Arts ?

That would be a bit pointless since it will be all over Sky News, BBC news, ITV...etc.,etc........

[Mr Pee]

Elgar. Grave. Turning.

Please. No.

Why? Because it would be out of context, or because it would be for Lady Thatcher's funeral?

[ahinton]

well with the power crisis that is looming maybe that would work as a means of generating power ?
I hear that the Italians are doing a similar thing with Berio after hearing that he was the teacher of a certain Einaudi

I hadn't thought of that! I imagine that Elgar wouldn't have thought like that about power generation either, otherwise he might have pedalled his bicycle harder - but then it wasn't quite the issue in his day as it is today, of course. Be that as it may, I do, however, think that it's important not to appear to blame the teacher for the student; after all, Boulanger taught Glass and Carter taught Curran...

[ahinton]

Why? Because it would be out of context, or because it would be for Lady Thatcher's funeral?

Correct on both counts. I have said before that one does not have to be a "Christian soul" to be susceptible to being moved by this music (and I know because I'm not one and am very much moved by it), but I take leave to doubt that, whatever MT might have thought of Elgar, his finest works, of which Gerontius is undoubtedly one, would have cut much ice with her. Also, Elgar's character and MT's were hardly identifiable with one another...

[Serial_Apologist]

the Epilogue from the film score of "Things to Come" by Sir Arthur Bliss.

If you mean "more of the same" I agree.

[Mr Pee]

If you mean "more of the same" I agree.

I'm sorry SA, I don't understand what you mean by that comment?

[BBMmk2]

Would any setting of Ave verum really be the thing for a funeral?

True enough. I just love the William Bryd setting.

[Petrushka]

Wading into a Thatcher thread with some trepidation may I suggest that the St Paul's Choir could include the Nunc Dimittis by Geoffrey Burgon ('Tinker, Tailor...) and Crossing the Bar by Sir Hubert Parry?

[Flosshilde]

Wading into a Thatcher thread with some trepidation may I suggest that the St Paul's Choir could include the [INunc Dimittis[/I] by Geoffrey Burgon ('Tinker, Tailor...)

Ooh yes, that would be perfect.

Is there anything that might be ice-cream related?