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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, that was what I was going to say!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Isn’t it just? Thanks you two!
LikeLike
A lovely post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Sadje
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Keith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Di.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this story. When I was younger, I sang in all sorts of choirs, and directed some. Music is wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too and my daughter is currently begging me to join her community choir!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very unyou, Keith.
Sweet and surprisingly touching.
And concinnity is a gem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have my moments. Not often, just now and again! Cheers CE
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet! Made me smile and the photo you added it delightful! That middle froggy, however, needs a tuning fork … 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, thanks and thanks again Na’ama!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely Keith, you captured the power and emotion a choir can elicit, especially in an impressive setting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can, which is why I attend as many cathedral choral events each year as I can. Thanks, Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“He who sings prays twice.” Sounds heavenly, Keith. Thanks for highlighting the group.
LikeLike
That’s never occurred to me! Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are truly blessed to live near enough to see them singing multiple times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading this. Music is great for the soul,
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks, Mike.
LikeLike
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
I usually learn from you! Thanks so much for you kind words Rochelle.
LikeLike
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/
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
you have captured the moment very beautifully. well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very kind of you, thanks plaridel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s nothing quite like a beautiful choir. We have a couple of excellent ones in this area, i go listen when i can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, I can’t get enough choral music. Thanks, Mimi.
LikeLike
What a wonderful read, Keith. And, add me to the list who appreciates learning new words!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dale. I didn’t realise I was introducing new words when I wrote it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great when we do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
These choirs can be quite amazing. I could almost hear as I read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They certainly can. Thanks so much for your generous words Tannille.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful piece, Keith. You did yourself proud this week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s much appreciated Sandra, thank you.
LikeLike
It must be quite an experience to hear a talented choir in such a setting. And I Googled it – “concinnity” it a real word!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certanly is and … yes it is! Cheers Draliman
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well narrated.
You make it look like a personal experience.
Have looked for an echo after a grand performance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I experience it as often as I possibly can! Thanks so much Anita.
LikeLike
A perfect description of a perfect few moments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
…a few very special moments. Thanks Liz.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Song the inspiration for the soul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed it is James.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really your story Keith – you express the power of the choir’s music so lyrically.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so kind of you, thanks very much.
LikeLike
That must have left quite a profound impression. Even with my vocabulary ,I’ve never heard of concinnity or verger before
LikeLike
What a beautiful story, Keith. I love when “music fills every corner of my being.” Lovely, really!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so kind of you Brenda, thank you.
LikeLike
Catching an echo…that’s beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dawn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glorious
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Laurie
LikeLike
Wonderfully captured, Keith! The way music fills our soul and leaves us wanting more at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does indeed. I can’t get enough. Thanks Fatima.
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike