I did something today I haven't done in over 2 decades. I got up in the middle of the night to watch a royal wedding. Yes, I was curious about 'the dress', but more than that I wanted to experience the music of Westminster Abbey during the ceremony, knowing full well that the music is not considered a highlight to be replayed in its entirety later in the day. There were some glorious moments! The bride's entrance to "I Was Glad" by Sir C.H.H. Parry was wonderful. (I'm not sure that was entirely the context intended by the Psalmist but whatever...) The fanfares by the two groups of trumpeters were marvelous as well. If I'd had a say in the matter, I'd have heard more organ and not quite as much orchestra, but then one has to consider supporting the singing of about 1,900 people in a building with very live acoustics.
The couple's choice of hymns was very interesting. They were: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (Tune: Cwm Rhondda), Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Tune: Blaenwern) and lastly, And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time (Tune: Jerusalem). The first 2 tunes are Welsh and it made me wonder if this was a deliberate tribute to Wales (William's surname as Charles is the Prince of Wales). There are other reasons, of course, for choosing those 2 hymns. I understand that the second is a very popular choice for English weddings and with this particular tune - one that is not well known in North America. The third hymn always makes me think of the movie, Chariots of Fire; that's the first time I ever heard it.
The big question today seems to be, "What was your memorable moment during the wedding?" Well, the moment I'll remember occurred during the singing of Love Divine. The TV camera was on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they both sang the words, "...'Til we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love and praise." It was a poignant reminder to me that earthly kingdoms - past, present and future - will someday pass away and we will glorify only the King of Kings, and be "lost in wonder, love and praise".
6 comments:
Rats...I was hoping some of the music would be rebroadcast tonight. I have a course starting next week and just couldn't afford to get up to hear it. Would have liked to hear Jerusalem.
The entire service is available on iTunes today for $11.99 or some individual tracks for .99 each, incl. Jerusalem.
It was interesting to see people in the crowd belting out Jerusalem (although some younger people were seen to be looking at the older ones with wonder as to how they knew all the words). It is a beautiful hymn musically, if somewhat jingoistic textually.
CBC is saying there's a 're-broadcast' tonight, but whether it is the entire ceremony or not, I don't know.
I especially enjoyed The Anthem which I thought was sung exquisitely by the young boys/ older men combo choir...something so British. I was glad to have the printed program to follow along. The variety of instruments lent majesty to the service...kind of a nice change from just the organ which is sometimes the only accompaniment. It's interesting that the couple apparently had considerable input in the choice of music. Much of it was to honour his mother and that is special to know.
Having seen only parts of the re-broadcast late in the day, as you noted, little of the music was actually played. Certainly the Abbey is breathtaking and I can only imagine how majestic the music would have sounded to those actually there. Thank you for your observations about the message of "Love Divine." Your post is excellent and, now that I know about your site, I will let others know. God bless.
@ Bev - Thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, the men & boys' choir tradition is SO English. It's a unique sound not often heard anymore.
@ Maxine - Nice to know you visited my blog! I agree, hearing it in the Abbey (for a music lover anyway) would have been amazing.
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