Tag Archives: Byrd

the Byrd 5-part Mass reappears

I joined Priory Voices for a weekend of services in Wells in autumn half-term. The highlight for me was a chance to sing movements from Byrd’s five-part Mass. This was especially welcome because I had had to decline an invitation … Continue reading

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the heaviest peal of eight

I’m told these are the bells at Sherborne Abbey*, which may explain why all the weekends on offer for the visit of the Cathedral Chamber Choir also had a visiting team of ringers doing a lengthy peal on the Saturday. … Continue reading

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the view from choir 8

I’ve written before about singing in Spem in Alium, I admit partly to see if it resulted in an invitation to sing the work in Tallis’ anniversary year of 2005. But I had to wait until now, with a performance … Continue reading

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a Messiah and a carol service

I’ve got a bit behind with performances. Just before Advent began we had a come-and-sing Messiah in church, for which I joined the chorus. This was an informal performance so we could wrap up well and I dug out my … Continue reading

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the Gloucester Service in Wells

I made it to the final Priory Voices weekend of the year, at Wells Cathedral.  Strangely enough, this was the first time I’d ever done a full weekend of services in Wells, which has been my local cathedral for over … Continue reading

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a visiting choir at Beverley Minster

Beverley Minster must be one of the best-kept secrets on the cathedral/greater churches visiting choir circuit. Apart from the summer holidays the only weekends available are those after Christmas and Easter. No wonder few of us in the Cathedral Chamber … Continue reading

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two familiar pieces for Ash Wednesday

Just a brief note until I can prepare some longer entries. On Ash Wednesday we sang two very familiar pieces: Allegri’s Miserere and parts of Byrd’s 4-Part Mass. I know both pieces very thoroughly, but as it happens I haven’t … Continue reading

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2006’s and 2007’s resolutions

In the closing minutes of 2006, it’s time to review my ambitions for the year and to look ahead to 2007. The musical highlight of this year was (as I suspected a year ago) joining the Bath Camerata on Good … Continue reading

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At last! Lætentur Cœli!

The Erleigh Cantors were visiting Winchester Cathedral last weekend, arriving as the Knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre (Equestrian Division) were holding a service of their own in the Cathedral. This time, there was no music I hadn’t … Continue reading

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a double dose of Tchaikovsky

I performed Tchaikovsky’s Hymn to the Trinity during an ordination service on Sunday night. There was more choral music at the first mass the following night: I sang Byrd’s Tu es Petrus for the first time and also a rare … Continue reading

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Psalms at York

York Minster must – in the words of our conductor – have known that I was coming with Priory Voices, as they laid on lots of psalms. In addition to the full whack for the 27th evening, we got all … Continue reading

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Caer

I sang a couple of days of the Cathedral Chamber Choir’s week at Chester Cathedral. We began with a Tudor evensong – Tomkins Second Service and Byrd’s Teach me, O Lord, in the latter of which I did the verse … Continue reading

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