William Byrd's 1589 Ne Irascaris Domine (do not be angry, Lord), filmed in the Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral.
During my four years spent in Ely, I attended services in the Lady Chapel every morning. A truly stunning location; perfect for the cathedral's combined male/female choirs. You will note that the boy choristers are much younger than the girls; the boys are members of The Choir School, whereas the girls are all members of the upper school.
N.B. Cromwell's hooligans knocked all the heads off the lower surrounding stone carved 'niches', however I do know of one that still exists; it's well hidden, but I could show it to you if you meet me there. Cromwell lived in Ely from about 1635 onwards; I'm surprised no-one knocked HIS head off.
The true beauty of The Lady Chapel is probably best appreciated if you watch this on YouTube; and do make sure that your laptop is linked to a really good sound system.
I wish I could listen to them there; the acoustic must be perfect!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
They really do make a wonderful sound; one of the better Cathedral Choirs.
DeleteBeautiful Cro .... such fantastic acoustics and the most magnificent setting. Our son was a choirboy from the age of seven and he sang in many of the UK's cathedrals including Ely and Westminster Abbey and was told to try for St Pauls choir but, he didn't want to!!! He did go on to work in the music industry though ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteI was a choirboy in my home village of Lingfield in Surrey, but that's where it ended. I still have wonderful memories of the beautiful old church.
DeleteI've visited Ely Cathedral many times, living not far off. I find it overwhelmingly impressive every time. The Lady Chapel is enormous for a 'side chapel'. There is, however, a ridiculous (modern) sculpture of Mary with her arms raised high, which can be just made out at the back behind the choir.
ReplyDeleteMary wasn't there in my days; I did wonder if it was just temporary. I believe The Lady Chapel is the biggest of its type in the UK.
DeleteThey did knock his head off, but only after he died. They dug him up to execute him and his head was put on a spike.
ReplyDeleteThey should have done it earlier. He was a menace to our heritage.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was an adolescent, I sang in choir and the highlight was singing the Gregorian Chant at Midnight Mass. I remember how good it felt to be part of that.
The one thing I miss about not being part of a religion is the singing and joining with others to raise our voices in beautiful music.
I am a confirmed atheist, but still enjoy singing; especially carols. If you go to Midnight Mass they don't ask you if you are a believer; which for most attendees is probably wise.
DeleteI am very fond of Ely Cathedral.
ReplyDeleteI know about a tenth of it, but that tenth is superb.
DeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed that. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful Cro. I always think that Ely cathedral is one of the best and the outside is best viewed from a train window - it looks amazing as you speed past.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally I have not missed 'Carols from King' for years Cro.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that unexpected treat.
ReplyDelete