CE Westminster Abbey Wed, 20th March 2019 [L]

[ardcarp]

If there were deps in back row they are surely experienced enough singers not to need significant rehearsal time.

Just to make a general point; however experienced deps are (and I've done depping in my time) it is not the same as having a body of singers who work together regularly. OK you can probably pull off Stanford in B flat with a back row of 100% deps, but the pre- and peri-Reformation repertoire needs such careful phrasing and attention to detail, I don't think it comes off at all. It really isn't a case of singing the right notes in the right order.....

I'm not suggesting any of the above applies to Wednesday's CE from Westminster Abbey (said he being careful to avoid arcane words such as 'Wabbey').

[Y Mab Afradlon]

Rehearsal time is insignificant in this case. Look on the Abbey website and you'll see the Tallis was listed as the anthem on Friday 15th. If there were deps in back row they are surely experienced enough singers not to need significant rehearsal time. There is a longer rehearsal period before a broadcast in relation to a normal Evensong. I have yet to be convinced that this Abbey choir are comfortable in performing music from this period as the CD's of music from this era are less convincing than those which contain contemporary and later repertoire.

[Vox Humana]

Their two CDs of Tallis are still some of the best recordings of his music, despite having been made over 30 years ago.

Got to agree with that.

Taverner Ch version is very fine - they make it feel coherent, sincere and loved.
Wabbey? Ahem....................

It IS tricky, and as a poster hinted.............erm .........rehearsal time?

[ardcarp]

Better yet, in my opinion, is the Taverner Choir's version

I very nearly put that one up! I just thought the video was a plus, but I think I agree with you.

[Miles Coverdale]

Here's the William Byrd Ensemble, where individual singers are clearly relishing the lines (in spite of the conductor's relentless beating!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzjcx7VHOTo

Better yet, in my opinion, is the Taverner Choir's version. Their two CDs of Tallis are still some of the best recordings of his music, despite having been made over 30 years ago. Their version of the first set of Lamentations is still the best, I think.

[Edgy 2]

I haven’t listened yet but I do love those Howells Psalm Preludes Sets

https://www.prioryrecords.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_72_115&product_id=1771

[ardcarp]

Agreed about the Joubert. I enjoyed the service up to the end of the Mag. The choir was clearly in its element in the Responses and Psalmody. I have to say I was disappointed in the Tallis. It got off to a poorish start I thought (with even some shaky intonation) and although the choir seemed to get a better grip as it progressed, I got the impression of 'barking at notes'. That's a bit cruel for a choir packed with excellent singers, but as it (Suscipe quaeso Domine) came over through my speakers, it lacked a sense of line and direction. One wonders how long the choir had had to rehearse it together? I was looking forward to this piece greatly; and maybe it is ironic that the non-Lenten parts of the service came off best.

Here's the William Byrd Ensemble, where individual singers are clearly relishing the lines (in spite of the conductor's relentless beating!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzjcx7VHOTo

[edashtav]

IIRC, Joubert's little anthem (a finely wrought piece) won some sort of prize when first composed. A fitting tribute to his memory.

And it sounded very well in the Abbey's expansive acoustic. Not so the announcer introducing the programme who spoke of John Jouburt. JJ was of French Huguenot stock ... more bear than burt.

[mopsus]

The Novello Anthem competition. As far as I know this was the only time that competition was held.

[ardcarp]

IIRC, Joubert's little anthem (a finely wrought piece) won some sort of prize when first composed. A fitting tribute to his memory.

Reminder: Wabbey today @ 3.30 p.m.

And fitting that this is a Joubert anniversary.

CE Westminster Abbey


Order of Service:


Introit: O Lorde, the Maker of al Thing (Joubert)
Responses: Clucas
Psalms 47, 48 (Goss, Turle)
First Lesson: Job 1: 1-22
Canticles: Collegium Regale (Howells)
Second Lesson: Luke 21: 34 – 22: 6
Anthem: Suscipe quaeso Domine (Tallis)
Hymn: Lord Jesus, think on me (Southwell)


Voluntary: Psalm-Prelude Set 2 No 2 in F sharp minor (Yea, the darkness is no darkness) (Howells)


Peter Holder (Sub-Organist)
James O’Donnell (Organist and Master of the Choristers)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003cxt