Tag Archives: Howells

no complaining in our streets

I thought I knew my psalter pretty well, but Ps. 144 seems to have passed me by altogether as I had no memory of the words at all. The Erleigh Cantors sang it at Sunday evensong in Bristol Cathedral (it … Continue reading

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a return to Swayne

The Erleigh Cantors put on a concert of music for double choir at St. Peter’s, Caversham in May, which I sang in. The most complex item on the programme was the Magnificat by Giles Swayne, which we sang at Southwark … Continue reading

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I was glad

The Chandos Singers’ latest concert consisted of settings of Psalm 122, plus a parody Mass, by various composers (but not Parry). It was the first time I’d performed in the Magdalen Chapel on Holloway, a small venue but acoustically pleasant. … Continue reading

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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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a new organ at Llandaff

I got away for a weekend singing in Llandaff Cathedral with the Erleigh Cantors: a new venue for them, though one I’d sung in a couple of times before. This time there was a very new organ – we must … Continue reading

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the words of the anthem are …

I recently went to hear the Farrant Singers from Salisbury sing evensong at Wells Cathedral. The choir contained a friend of mine (as well as another singer who is ubiquitous in choirs around here!). It was a good service, with … Continue reading

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2009 and 2010’s resolutions

I have to admit that 2009 was a quieter year than I’d have liked on the vocal front. There were some highlights: I revisited Spem in Alium for the first time in a long while, and though between New Year … Continue reading

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plainchant in Winchester

The weekend after Salisbury I was in Winchester Cathedral with the Erleigh Cantors. I don’t know whether this was a deliberate choice, but several pieces we sang were used or were inspired by plainchant. These included Naylor’s Evening Canticles in … Continue reading

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the cathedral with the campanile

I believe that Chichester Cathedral is the only Church of England Cathedral in England with a detached bell-tower.* It’s not in the best of shape, being largely covered in netting at the moment. Perhaps it’s awaiting the attention of the … Continue reading

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the Howells jinx

I am beginning to feel that at the moment something happens to drastically cut rehearsal time every time I have to sing some Howells. At Birmingham Cathedral it was a loss of power, at Canterbury Cathedral with Priory Voices it … Continue reading

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