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December 18, 2005
Messiah by candlelight
My annual Advent treat is the English Symphony Orchestra and St Michael's Singers (Coventry Cathedral) rendition of the Messiah by Candlelight. Absolutely stunning performance with a sell-out audience in the Abbey, branches of candles between the huge Norman drum pillars and soft lighting in the aisles and over the high altar. I sat among the 600 or so people and listened yet again to the glorious sound of Handel's masterpiece.
One of the most effective parts of this performance each year is the trumpet passages - from the West end of the Abbey in Part 1 and then from the pulpit in the recitative "And the trumpet shall sound!" The building resonates to the clear notes of the trumpet and picks up beautifully the rich blend of the orchestral backing to the soloists and choir.
My batteries are recharged, and now I am ready for the Christmas onslaught!
Posted by The Gray Monk at December 18, 2005 11:17 AM
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