It’s now time to quickly cover some services I sang at Bath Abbey during the gap between the departure of Dewi and the arrival of Adam. (Much of the Abbey Chamber Choir’s 4-year existence to date, including one period of 18 months, has been this sort of interregnum.) Actually, Adam did conduct a number of services and rehearsals during this time, when Exeter Cathedral could spare him. And as I’ve already said, I missed the big event when the St Peter’s Singers made their return visit.
As it was a time when numbers were also low – I myself sang only three services – and conductors of services chopped and changed, there were some pieces that made repeated appearances in recent months: Palestrina’s Missa Brevis, Elgar’s O Salutaris Hostia, and Bairstow’s Jesu, the very thought of Thee. However there was one new anthem for me, by a composer I’d never sung before: Amy Beach’s Peace I leave with you.
The autumn marks a fresh start, and the possibility of some welcome changes inspired by what happens over in Exeter. See my September post for an explanation!