Rather than process in as normal, the choir was seated in the choir stalls from the start so as not to disturb the array of microphones and equipment set up in the chapel. The boys had been warned against any fidgeting that could be picked up by the recording equipment. The congregation in the pews were all on their best behaviour, hardly daring to move, in case the pews squeaked.

The music performed was astonishing in both breadth and quality, spanning 500 years of English musical history. The service opened with Bob Chilcot’s contemporary introit God so Loved the World, moving through the Renaissance composer William Byrd’s settings for the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, to Herbert Howell’s 20th century setting for Psalm 42, Like As the Heart Desireth the Waterbrooks. The beauty of the Qs singing of the Introit, the psalm and the sung prayer Drop Drop Slow Tears was truly moving, and Sebastian B gave a marvellous solo in the Magnificat.

Watching the rehearsal gave a real insight into just how much effort and precision is needed to perform music of this quality, and the producer from Radio 3 was generous in her praise of how the choir sang as a single voice.

We are all looking forward to hearing the service when it is broadcast on March 20th at 4pm. It will then be available on BBC Sounds for 30 days, to be enjoyed again and again.

Freddie Holmes
Q Paren1