A-Z Challenge Day 15

Keith's Ramblings

oShort stories featuring musical instruments and those who play them!

.

o2

.

2366399-1920x1080-Color-RaySitting in the organ loft, he arranges his sheets of music, flexes his fingers and prepares the magnificent instrument. 

Members of the congregation shuffle their way into the wooden pews which are bathed in tinted sunbeams beneath the glorious stained glass windows of the ancient building.

They mutter to one another as the organist’s fingers lightly dabble the ivory keys, a mantle of delicate tones creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. 

Then, hush.

With a blast from the organ, the melody of a much-loved hymn fills the air. A procession of meditative ecclesiastics makes its way down the nave followed by a score of choirboys and lay clerks in their gowns of red and white. As they burst into song the dulcet tones of their mellifluous voices reach heavenward. 

Upon reaching their stalls they turn, and their soaring decant enchants the worshippers as they sing along.

Prayers, hymns, anthems and a sermon follow.

,

Too soon the service is over and the organist plays his closing piece.

The doors are flung open and the congregation makes its way out into the dappled sunlight. The organ falls silent.

His footsteps echo as he walks through the empty cathedral, and leaves.

.

o

Previous posts

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Years past

2020 – Stories featuring obsolete words – Oaass

2019 – Stories for children – O

2018 – My friend Rosey – O

2017 – The village of Amble Bay – O

Click on the letter of the day to revisit.

32 thoughts on “A-Z Challenge Day 15”

  1. Anne Young Apr 17, 2021 / 02:48

    My grandfather was the organist for his church. I always enjoyed listening to him play. He used to intersperse songs such as Happy Birthday into the processional music as we came into the church if it was relevant to a member of the congregation.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Denise Apr 17, 2021 / 11:52

    Don’t ask me why, but organs don’t do anything for me. I think that if an organ was the accompaniment, I would not have studied voice for so many years. Nice story though.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Apr 17, 2021 / 12:19

      I absolutely adore the organ and go to recitals in Cathedrals whenever possible. You don’t just hear it, you sometimes literally feel it! But, as they say, each to their own!

      Like

      Reply
  4. ahtdoucette Apr 17, 2021 / 12:47

    Sounds like a beautiful service. I almost feel as if I were there. Positively heavenly, Keith! Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Christine Goodnough Apr 17, 2021 / 16:15

    Enjoyed your post. For many of us older ones, hearing an organ automatically inspires reverence and evokes memories of high-vaulted old stone churches. Whatever one might say about theologies & opinions preached there, I think the old village church with its chimes and organs did give residents a certain stability.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Apr 17, 2021 / 16:25

      I agree with every word Christine. Being a village dweller for much of my life I know how important the church is, not just to believers but to all. Thanks so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Apr 18, 2021 / 14:32

      Thanks Iain. When I layed our my stories I was not aware what the day would hold. I’m only pleased it worked the way it did.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. JayashreeVats Apr 18, 2021 / 00:56

    Beautiful imagery there with stained glass and sun beams. Music touches ones soul and is always the perfect accompaniment for prayers and worship.

    By the way whenever I see the word ivory it makes me sad . If it’s the color it’s ok but if it’s the material some elephant somewhere had been killed to get it out . I personally feel strongly against hunting and using animal based products .

    http://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/o-for-occlumency-o-for-order.html

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Apr 18, 2021 / 14:08

      I totally agree with you regarding the killing of elephants for their tusks. Many of todays major catherdal organs date back to the late 1800’s when ivory trading was the norm. Thanks so much for your comment.

      Like

      Reply
  12. hilarymb Apr 18, 2021 / 09:25

    Hi Keith – I love being in a church or cathedral where an organ is playing … it has such an ethereal feel as we listen. Excellent … ‘O’ – enjoy your sunny, if chilly, walks – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Apr 18, 2021 / 13:53

      I belong to the Friends of Cathedral Music and the Friends of Winchester Cathedral so before everything got locked down I spent a lot of time listening to organ music. It’s like a complete orchestra in one instrument.
      Off for my daily stroll now! Thanks Hilary.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Arti Jain Apr 18, 2021 / 14:27

    Your story took me back to when we used to live in the UK and to all the church services (especially around Christmas) I’ve been to. Beautifully written Keith.

    Like

    Reply
  14. Frédérique Apr 18, 2021 / 18:53

    I don’t really enjoy churches, but the organ music is just wonderful!
    I hope my comment will appear, as I tried 3 times before this one…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Apr 19, 2021 / 10:46

      Same here! I sometimes feel a bit of a hypocrite attending cathedral services purely for the choir and organ

      For some unfathomable reason, I found your lost comments in my spam folder. Why I have no idea but thank you for your perseverance.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. jenne49 Apr 18, 2021 / 21:22

    That’s such a lovely post, Keith. I could see and hear it, the sounds and the silences. The procession is just glorious!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment