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Friday 25 March 2016

Two down and two to go

This is what we sang today Good Friday.

For me the combination of beautifully written very atmospheric music and the truly terrible (in the real sense) words of this piece, are absolute perfection.

We had an open day at St. Mary's as we did last year, with two half-hour performances of carefully chosen music from the choir among the many things of interest.

This was followed by the Solemn Good Friday service where we sang Solus ad Victimam so well that the hairs on the back of my head stood on end.
All the Easter music is my favourite part of the choir's work throughout the year, even Christmas coming second in my estimation.

We have a very skillfully and carefully created labyrinth marked out on the church floor with footprints marking the stations of the cross.

There was also this year a cross set out with tea lights on the floor of the chancel just below the alter, people were offered the chance to light one or more of them while offering silent prayer and by the time we started the service all the candles were lit making a blazing cross at the alter.  Very effective.

There was a 'last supper' table set out traditionally and many other ways  to attract people who dropped in.

Last night's Maundy Thursday service was lovely, today's even better.

Two more to go.

Deo Gracias.

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for this, Ray. I didn't know this piece before. I understand why you love it. It sounds like a meaningful day. The choir is such an important part of the Triduum (and of course Easter Day) to set the tone and take people into the heart of this mystery.

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  2. It was a really fulfilling day in every way, one where I felt closer to the 'heart' of things.
    Just as many people believe there are 'thin' places, I believe there are 'thin' days.
    The music as ever helped the process along.

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  3. Thanks for introducing me to this glorious music, Ray. I didn't know it either. Your Good Friday worship sounds very beautiful and meaningful and I'm glad it all went so well.

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  4. It is a very beautiful piece and sets the atmosphere for the day as no other does, for me anyway.

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  5. This swedish newcommer also wants to add a very grateful comment; this was indeed a very solemn and beautiful piece of music. I agree that the music of easter is a clear favourite, this was absolutely new to me, we hardly ever sing in any other language than swedish and sometimes latin. The average choirsinger in our eminent but small countryside choir, is a lady in her midsixties. Oldest is however mr Knutsson 92. They often say that singing in english is a bit too much for them. I hope I can get technical enough to share some of our recordings or at least some music I love. Thank you for sharing this and the service as a whole!!

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  6. Thankyou for the comment and welcome to my blog. Our choir varies in size from 9 or 10 to 28 or so depending on who is free. The ages range from 8 years old to 81.
    Still a good sound I think.

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