Merry Christmas!

I'd like to wish all Choristers and their parents a very Merry Christmas.

The singing this term has been of the highest quality, to which the many superlative comments I received following the Christmas Celebration concerts bear witness. It has certainly been a term in which we have been able to go further than simple note learning and really make music together, thanks to the musicianship shown by the oldest boys and especially Alex, the Head Chorister. But that has been supported very enthusiastically by the younger boys in forms 2 and 3 (= years 5 and 6 - this form/year dichotomy probably needs a separate explanatory post!) and it is the full contribution being made by boys across the choir which has had such a positive impact on the choral sound this term.

As I write we have completed Solemn Pontifical First Vespers and are awaiting Midnight Mass. First Vespers is perhaps the most solemn and satisfying (at least to me) service of the Christmas season. The format is that of a normal Sunday Vespers (without Benediction) but with five coped clergy, including two cantors (Fr Alexander and his twin brother!) and with the Archbishop presiding from the throne. The psalms are sung with added solemnity through the use of fauxbourdons in alternation with the chant. Marenzio's double choir octavi toni Magnificat is the one which has been traditionally sung at this service for most of the last half century, and the motet was Palestrina's O magnum mysterium: no twee Classic FM hit this, but surely one of the most sublime settings ever of any Christmas text, scored for divided upper voices, SSAATB. After the blessing and solemn Alma redemptoris mater, Peter Stevens played the hushed Desseins éternels from Messiaen's La Nativité du Seigneur, based on a text from Ephesians: God, in his love, has predestined us to be his adopted sons, through Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace.

I ought to have mentioned it earlier, but do please note First Vespers for next year, especially if you'd like to experience the Solemnity of the Nativity in its traditional purity, devoid of the more secular elements which seem to pervade most carol services. And, after several simulations over the last fortnight, since 4pm this afternoon it really is Christmas, so once again a very Merry Christmas to all readers, and many thanks to the Choristers for their musical achievements this term! And finally, following Second Vespers tomorrow, I hope they have a most enjoyable break and look forward to seeing them in January.