I was a chorister here (1953-58) during Sydney Campbell's time as choir master. He kept a reception desk bell on the piano which he rang to stop us singing, as he did once when infuriated with our singing of the third verse of Psalm 54 which starts: "For strangers are risen up against me:". We'd clearly emphasised the first word because he slammed his hand on the bell shouting: "What do you mean - four strangers? One with a beard, one with a moustache, one bald and another goodness knows what?"
This is simply incredible. Alan Wicks was my choir master's choir master and our choir had the priveledge of singing in this beautiful cathedral in the summer, which was my last choral singing experience before I moved to university, and I couldn't have asked for a better send off. It was such a beautiful part of my life and it's videos like this that keep it alive, so thank you very much :)
really is amazing that was 35 years ago. I still sing. I am a countertenor in the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys, and we proudly carry out the tradition here in Michigan. Martin Neary works with our choir twice yearly, and we are privileged to have him. Wonderful to ponder how much Dr. Wick's influenced my life and his imprint left here. Joy to watch these videos.
I sang for Dr. Wicks in 1977 in New York City for the RSCM summer camp. I emember trembling as an 11 year old treble waiting to audition for a select group of 24 that was to sing evensong at St. Thomas in NYC. He had everyone sing the first two lines in the hymn "the Church's one foundation" as he played weird melodies underneath. I am so glad I was selected. He drilled us so hard on the psalms. Something that was rare in the US. I think we sang them 100 times. It
Bless O Lord, us thy Servants who minister in thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts and and what what we belive in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
That brings back memories of when my wife's nephew was in the choir at Canterbury. That was a few years later, under David Flood (before he was a Dr.), and when Mr Pearce and his wife were at Choir House. We made many a trip to Canterbury, and also went out to see them perform at the British Embassy in Paris. The religious side of the Cathedral meant little to me, but it is a wonderful building, and the choir has always been superb.
I was a chorister here, and soloist for a brief spell (1974-76) and fondly remeber Edred Wright as well. Oh, and my voice which 'changed' and left me devoid of a special instrument. I now have a Rock Band!
@cocainecomputer It is from a BBC television documentary, filmed and transmitted in 1985, called CLOSE HARMONY, and shown on BBC 2. It was an hour-long programme, featuring Allan Wicks and thew Cathedral choir, with David Flood (who was then sub-organist) and introduced by Barry Rose from various points in and around the Cathedral.
Please, can anybody tell me how I might obtain a formal, printed score for this arrangement of Psalm 42?? As I am under time pressure, any assistance would be greatly appreciated. :-)
LIKE as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul after thee, O God. 2 My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: * when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? 3 My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God? 4 Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself; * for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God; 5 In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * among such as keep holy-day. 6 Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me? 7 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God. 8 My soul is vexed within me; * therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, from Hermon and the little hill. 9 One deep calleth another, because of the noise of thy water-floods; * all thy waves and storms are gone over me. 10 The LORD will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime; * and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer unto the God of my life. 11 I will say unto the God of my strength, Why hast thou forgotten me? * why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me? 12 My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword, * while mine enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth; 13 Namely, while they say daily unto me, * Where is now thy God? 14 Why art thou so vexed, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me? 15 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
I was a chorister here (1953-58) during Sydney Campbell's time as choir master. He kept a reception desk bell on the piano which he rang to stop us singing, as he did once when infuriated with our singing of the third verse of Psalm 54 which starts: "For strangers are risen up against me:". We'd clearly emphasised the first word because he slammed his hand on the bell shouting: "What do you mean - four strangers? One with a beard, one with a moustache, one bald and another goodness knows what?"
Allan Wicks...what a super chap..humble, marvellous musician...one of the last greats.
Nothing like a brilliant choir singing evensong, with brilliant sensitive organ accompaniment
This is simply incredible.
Alan Wicks was my choir master's choir master and our choir had the priveledge of singing in this beautiful cathedral in the summer, which was my last choral singing experience before I moved to university, and I couldn't have asked for a better send off.
It was such a beautiful part of my life and it's videos like this that keep it alive, so thank you very much :)
really is amazing that was 35 years ago. I still sing. I am a countertenor in the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys, and we proudly carry out the tradition here in Michigan. Martin Neary works with our choir twice yearly, and we are privileged to have him. Wonderful to ponder how much Dr. Wick's influenced my life and his imprint left here. Joy to watch these videos.
I sang for Dr. Wicks in 1977 in New York City for the RSCM summer camp. I emember trembling as an 11 year old treble waiting to audition for a select group of 24 that was to sing evensong at St. Thomas in NYC. He had everyone sing the first two lines in the hymn "the Church's one foundation" as he played weird melodies underneath. I am so glad I was selected. He drilled us so hard on the psalms. Something that was rare in the US. I think we sang them 100 times. It
I was a lay clerk from 1976 to 1984 Alan Wicks was a musical genius but more importantly a fine man Mick Graham.
Bless O Lord, us thy Servants who minister in thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts and and what what we belive in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you Barry, all the best for your 90th :)
Wonderful, high up in the Cathedral, with the Angels view from above the Rood screen between the Nave and Quire ceiling vaults.
such a great choir....god bless
That brings back memories of when my wife's nephew was in the choir at Canterbury. That was a few years later, under David Flood (before he was a Dr.), and when Mr Pearce and his wife were at Choir House.
We made many a trip to Canterbury, and also went out to see them perform at the British Embassy in Paris.
The religious side of the Cathedral meant little to me, but it is a wonderful building, and the choir has always been superb.
I was a chorister here, and soloist for a brief spell (1974-76) and fondly remeber Edred Wright as well. Oh, and my voice which 'changed' and left me devoid of a special instrument. I now have a Rock Band!
The "dorky looking pudding bowl with the glasses" is a real cutie. You must feel so blessed to have been a part of this.
@cocainecomputer It is from a BBC television documentary, filmed and transmitted in 1985, called CLOSE HARMONY, and shown on BBC 2. It was an hour-long programme, featuring Allan Wicks and thew Cathedral choir, with David Flood (who was then sub-organist) and introduced by Barry Rose from various points in and around the Cathedral.
Thank you so much for this upload, very inspiring!
Kees van Eersel
Beautiful and heavenly👍👏
Outstanding!
Omgoodness
two comments: beautiful & most excellent
@34eros Thanks very much!
THE BEST!
Nice to see Ken Stiles boosting the counter tenors!! Organist a bit all over the place.
Is this the same documentary in which Gregorio Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus was featured ?
Please, can anybody tell me how I might obtain a formal, printed score for this arrangement of Psalm 42?? As I am under time pressure, any assistance would be greatly appreciated. :-)
The chant is by Gerald Knight and is still in copyright.
did you ever get a response? I am also interested in getting the music...
LIKE as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: * when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
4 Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself; * for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God;
5 In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * among such as keep holy-day.
6 Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me?
7 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8 My soul is vexed within me; * therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, from Hermon and the little hill.
9 One deep calleth another, because of the noise of thy water-floods; * all thy waves and storms are gone over me.
10 The LORD will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime; * and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer unto the God of my life.
11 I will say unto the God of my strength, Why hast thou forgotten me? * why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
12 My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword, * while mine enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth;
13 Namely, while they say daily unto me, * Where is now thy God?
14 Why art thou so vexed, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me?
15 O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
what documentary is this clip from?