What a wonderful tribute to a great musician. I worked under George Guest in South Africa for a full week at an intensive choral week, also as soloist under him, only a couple of years after this recording. It was a huge privilege to have worked with him, and I learnt a good deal from him during that week. In 1982 while on a visit for a few days to Cambridge I was able to attend a couple of his boys' rehearsals and also rehearsals of the full choir, which gave me invaluable experience and insights which I was able to carry over and try to impart to my own parish choir here in Pretoria.
The man was a total legend!! I remember him coming to Hereford for Evensong once during his retirement years. Will always remember his wonderful smile and presence - it was a privilege to sing for God 1st and George 2nd !!
It’s amazing how much St John’s has changed since this film was made. There are some plant pots in Chapel Court now that weren’t there before and that’s literally it.
What this doesn't tell you is that his passion other than music was for Chester FC. He was a chorister at Chester Cathedral and this is when he must have started going to matches. The obituary on 22nd Nov 2002 in The Times details this aspect of his life. He kept notes of all the matches he attended. I, for one, as a Chester fan, would like to see them.
I remember going to Evensong at King's and John's on the same day, probably at around this period (78). The King's one was absolutely impeccable. John's was perhaps slightly untidy in comparison, but the anthem, which may have been Schütz, went well beyond anything I'd heard 'down the road' in emotional power. It's clear that this was what GG cared about most.
I was at St Johns around the time of this documentary, and the purple-clad rabble down the road with the telegenic chapel were the #1 rivals in singing, in sport and in academic achievements. While I was there, we outshone them in every area (if my failing and hideously biased memory serves me well). And I completely failed to contribute to any of these triumphs. I was, however, in the School Chapel Choir at John's, and we were pretty decent. Not at the College Chapel Choir level in any way, but a well-drilled unit all the same.
Priceless and magnificent recording. Thank you!
What a wonderful tribute to a great musician. I worked under George Guest in South Africa for a full week at an intensive choral week, also as soloist under him, only a couple of years after this recording. It was a huge privilege to have worked with him, and I learnt a good deal from him during that week. In 1982 while on a visit for a few days to Cambridge I was able to attend a couple of his boys' rehearsals and also rehearsals of the full choir, which gave me invaluable experience and insights which I was able to carry over and try to impart to my own parish choir here in Pretoria.
The man was a total legend!! I remember him coming to Hereford for Evensong once during his retirement years. Will always remember his wonderful smile and presence - it was a privilege to sing for God 1st and George 2nd !!
Was so damn fortunate to hear them under Dr. Guest. The sound was incredible.
It’s amazing how much St John’s has changed since this film was made. There are some plant pots in Chapel Court now that weren’t there before and that’s literally it.
What this doesn't tell you is that his passion other than music was for Chester FC. He was a chorister at Chester Cathedral and this is when he must have started going to matches. The obituary on 22nd Nov 2002 in The Times details this aspect of his life. He kept notes of all the matches he attended. I, for one, as a Chester fan, would like to see them.
Very interesting, especially his thoughts on the difference between John's and King's, and also the practice session ("a Bb Edward? Good Lord!"
I remember going to Evensong at King's and John's on the same day, probably at around this period (78). The King's one was absolutely impeccable. John's was perhaps slightly untidy in comparison, but the anthem, which may have been Schütz, went well beyond anything I'd heard 'down the road' in emotional power. It's clear that this was what GG cared about most.
I was at St Johns around the time of this documentary, and the purple-clad rabble down the road with the telegenic chapel were the #1 rivals in singing, in sport and in academic achievements.
While I was there, we outshone them in every area (if my failing and hideously biased memory serves me well). And I completely failed to contribute to any of these triumphs. I was, however, in the School Chapel Choir at John's, and we were pretty decent. Not at the College Chapel Choir level in any way, but a well-drilled unit all the same.
The Archive has an LP and a couple of private recordings from the St John's College School Chapel and as you say.. they were pretty decent!