Day: 21 December 2018

Another performance of the Messiah and this time back to the original venue. Is it fifteen or more times now?: from the small churches to the international venues.

The chorus comprised 130 people this time and it showed. The volume overall was impressive and as Shazz noted, the balance was better between male and female voices. More man with a better balance and power.

The soloists dod well with projecting in such as venue which maybe was helped for us being in seas quite low down though not the stalls.

I really enjoyed the experience and would probably rate it as number 1 in the hit parade of Messiah performances. Maybe we will have the opportunity of listening to the Huddersfield Chorus again sometime.

Thursday night after work and we were at Westminster Cathedral; the Catholic version.

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Shazz wanted to go to a big carols event and the evening here was available. It was a paid event but full all the same. I suppose used to help with the upkeep of the building and support the musical infrastructure: choir, musical directors and I assume and organ that is not cheap to keep in ideal condition.

The evening was a combination of music and readings. The latter delivered by a variety of well known individuals.

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There were German language carols and traditional English language ones. Maria wiegenlied was beautiful whereas the arrangement for Wachet auf did not seem to work so well for me. Sometimes the choir was difficult to appreciate. O come all ye faithful and Hark! the herald angels sing were winners as to be expected.

I loved the John Betjeman poem ‘The Advent wind begins to stir’ which was read by one of EQ’s favourite actors.

Keep the music flowing!