We stood as a solemn verger, rod in hand, led the robed choir to the candlelit stalls.
We sat.
With a sweep of their leader’s hand, the choir burst into song. At first, soft as a whisper, then, loud as thunder. The concinnity of voices and harmony took my breath away.
I shivered.
Thirty voices swooping and swirling, this way, that way; up, down then up again. All thoughts drifted from my mind as music filled every corner of my being.
Too soon the choir fell silent, turned and disappeared from sight.
For a few moments, I sat in hope of catching an echo.
As a member of Friends of Cathedral Music, I regularly visit Winchester Cathedral to listen to their magnificent choir.
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle and this week’s photo is from Ted Strutz.
Click the Froggie Choir to join in the fun!
concinnity – what a lovely word!
Hey, that was what I was going to say!
Isn’t it just? Thanks you two!
A lovely post.
Thanks so much Sadje
You’re welcome Keith.
Wonderful!
Thanks Di.
You’re welcome
I loved this story. When I was younger, I sang in all sorts of choirs, and directed some. Music is wonderful.
Me too and my daughter is currently begging me to join her community choir!
Very unyou, Keith.
Sweet and surprisingly touching.
And concinnity is a gem.
I have my moments. Not often, just now and again! Cheers CE
Sweet! Made me smile and the photo you added it delightful! That middle froggy, however, needs a tuning fork … 😉
Thanks, thanks and thanks again Na’ama!
🙂
Lovely Keith, you captured the power and emotion a choir can elicit, especially in an impressive setting.
It can, which is why I attend as many cathedral choral events each year as I can. Thanks, Iain.
“He who sings prays twice.” Sounds heavenly, Keith. Thanks for highlighting the group.
That’s never occurred to me! Thanks so much.
You’re welcome.
https://youtu.be/bkIDNnZ9pMk
Simply beautiful, thanks so much for posting it. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve sat before this wonderful choir over the years and been transported to another place by its inspirational music.
You are truly blessed to live near enough to see them singing multiple times.
I enjoyed reading this. Music is great for the soul,
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks, Mike.
Dear Keith,
That’s two new words for me today. Verger and concinnity. Thank you. Your descriptions of the voices dipping and swirling were pitch perfect. Lovely piece. Love the choral frogs, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
I usually learn from you! Thanks so much for you kind words Rochelle.
This was a beautiful piece, Keith. I enjoyed seeing the choir. What a place!
A friend took this photo and I liked it knowing some good stories would come. You can see her work here… https://instaology.com/
Thanks, Ted. It is a magnificent building and it boasts the longest cathedral nave in Europe – .and Jane Austin is buried beneath the floor!
Just visited your friend’s site – what wonderful photos.
you have captured the moment very beautifully. well done.
Very kind of you, thanks plaridel.
There’s nothing quite like a beautiful choir. We have a couple of excellent ones in this area, i go listen when i can.
Absolutely, I can’t get enough choral music. Thanks, Mimi.
What a wonderful read, Keith. And, add me to the list who appreciates learning new words!!
Thanks Dale. I didn’t realise I was introducing new words when I wrote it!
It’s great when we do!
These choirs can be quite amazing. I could almost hear as I read.
They certainly can. Thanks so much for your generous words Tannille.
Beautiful piece, Keith. You did yourself proud this week!
That’s much appreciated Sandra, thank you.
It must be quite an experience to hear a talented choir in such a setting. And I Googled it – “concinnity” it a real word!
It certanly is and … yes it is! Cheers Draliman
Well narrated.
You make it look like a personal experience.
Have looked for an echo after a grand performance.
I experience it as often as I possibly can! Thanks so much Anita.
A perfect description of a perfect few moments.
…a few very special moments. Thanks Liz.
I, too, had to look up concinnity. Well done with that one.
It’s amazing what people can do with their voices from music to acting to oration… The concinnity (this is probably the only time I’ll ever use that word.) of a choir can leave one in awe. I can understand why you go back.
It can and does leave me in awe, every single time. I think it’s the second time I’ve used that word. Whether or not I will again I really don’t know!
Song the inspiration for the soul.
Indeed it is James.
I really your story Keith – you express the power of the choir’s music so lyrically.
That’s so kind of you, thanks very much.
That must have left quite a profound impression. Even with my vocabulary ,I’ve never heard of concinnity or verger before
What a beautiful story, Keith. I love when “music fills every corner of my being.” Lovely, really!!
That’s so kind of you Brenda, thank you.
Catching an echo…that’s beautiful.
Thank you Dawn
Glorious
Thanks so much Laurie
Wonderfully captured, Keith! The way music fills our soul and leaves us wanting more at the end.
It does indeed. I can’t get enough. Thanks Fatima.
Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!