Westminster Abbey Choir - I Know that My Redemeemer Liveth

[march131958]

She would be proud of him. How did he marry in Westminster Abbey and his mums funeral was there? Guess she was looking down on him and Kate. God rest her soul.

[jaylahpriest]

Actually, it wasn't entirely "unrehearsed" as ds1866 says. Diana's funeral, since it was so unexpected, was based on Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's funeral plans (Tay Bridge).

As a result, the choirs involved had been rehearsing their part for many years.

[dbgf64]

for in this moment, the little girl who had been brought to Baptism as an infant had the promises of her Christ sung once more..."I am the resurrection and the life..." for whatever trauma and heartbreak she had gone through, the promises at the font were brought around to her as she was brought one last time to church. I just remember crying and finally being able to let go.

[dbgf64]

Throughout the week that preceded this funeral I recall experiencing the world a broken and turned upside-down place...fights over the standard being flown and what the Queen should have said or the crazy things people went up in arms over. Then there was this moment...just after the horrible beauty of the muffled bells falling over one another in mourning, this was the first moment I cried like a child

[march131958]

@dbgf64 , I cried as well..and still do. William and Kate will make her proud. So very sad she was taken from all of us.

[RoddyFN]

Right. A few clarifications:

Firstly, no German choir is as good as this. This is a processional sequence of anthems sung when a choir is moving. Given the circumstances and event this is pure, unadulterated choir perfection. Westminster Cathedral or the Oratory perform as well as this? Not a chance in hell. I say that as an

ex choral scholar.

Secondly, the soldiers are carrying nigh on 1/2 tonne of coffin. That's why there are eight of them. The coordination and timing was superb. I say that

[astrolog7000]

I don't think Diana was treated well. She was not loved and was used as a brood mare, then cheated on and cast aside and divorced, maybe murdered as well. I feel sorry for the poor girl, because I think she tried to do alot of good in the world. She visited the sick like the Bible tells your to do, and even tried to cheer up and embrace the AIDS patients and land mine victims. I don't think it was just an act with her, but that she really cared.

[Nonie46]

@astrolog7000 Don't worry. The way I see Prince William sports himself in relation to his Mum, he has redeemed her honor and pride.

[Paschalboy]

Absolute precision by the choir and the procession, the English always amaze me in their ability to do things right. And with great respect,

[mindspring57]

@anillondon89 So you admit that many mosques were once Christian houses of worship, and therefore stolen or seized, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa?

[ds1868]

@mindspring57 I agree. This is an issue that should be remembered, as well as intolerance to other faiths prevalent throughout the Arab world generally. As in all things, this 'imbalance' of attitudes will one day be confronted, but the process and results may not be pleasant for anyone.

[pjdonagh]

@mindspring57 Agreed.... and also many Christian houses of worship were once Mosques particularly in Spain........I refrain from using the words "stolen or siezed"..........what happened in history happened and should be left in the past!!

[bitterclinger100]

@pjdonagh But not forgotten.

[pjdonagh]

@bitterclinger100 Better forgotten than remembered with bitterness.

[kcksboy]

May the Eternal, one true and only Triune Almighty GOD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit spare England to the end of time if it so please GOD to do so. May this Abbey, called Westminster, nor any other of the Christian edifices built in the homeland for the worship of this one and same Trinity ever be overtaken and desecrated by those who title their places of "worship" - Mosques! So be it, Lord GOD of hosts. Amen!

[skippymagrue]

The boys where so little.

[ds1868]

@skippymagrue They start at seven years old and end at thirteen years (the normal spell for private Preparatory schools in England). They all attend the private Abbey choir school and live on site. They sing every day, and the boarding fees and education are paid free by the Abbey. Not a bad start to a private education.

[kkkkkkatherine]

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4

[Wanch1e1ady]

realise now this was not the forum to comment on the construction of the ceremony. the vioces from the choir were hypnotic. especially the last as the coffin was lead out.

[Wanch1e1ady]

Courtege procesion was awful. Dare say wrists must have been slapped. Hope officer at theback and front did NOT recieve medals for this shamble. 

[ds1868]

@Wanch1e1ady The job was challenging as the coffin was extremely heavy. All members of the British royal family are buried in coffins lined with lead. In life the title HRH was taken away from Diana: in death she was accorded a coffin emblazoned by a royal standard ranking as a Princess of the Blood Royal, and a coffin lined with lead thick enough to be totally impervious and to last for ever. As I say: extremely heavy.

[Wanch1e1ady]

Wanch1e1ady. Not ipressed by the coffin bearers. These squaddies should all be chosen from those who have done the training course. Am embarrassed for the squad that was on this part. No direction from the officer?????

[SPLITSLEEVE]

Who shines brighter now in heaven Lady D  Mother T

May the Creator of the Universe be wise enough to love them both.

[nodlon20]

They performed this at Princess Diana's funeral. I'll never forget it.

[cris28406]

per sempre nei nostri cuori

[rbsolomo]

Does anyone know what the lyrics are from the beginning of the video to 0:18 (up until they start singing "shall never die")?

[michaeljy]

@rbsolomo The lyrics are the opening sentences of the Order For The Burial Of The Dead in the Book Of Common Prayer, which in turn are taken from Scripture, primarily from the Book of Job: "I am the resurrection and the life saith the Lord; He that believeth in me, though he be dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die; I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth; And though this body be destroyed, (cont.)

[michaeljy]

yet shall I see God, whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

[FriendofRamblinJack]

What incredible brave sons Diana raised, to walk so strongly following their mother's coffin. God bless them. Thank you for posting this.

[gramps2matt]

seeing the young William and Harry at their mother's funeral still fills me with great sadness.

[hiroshi2020]

God rest her soul!

[march131958]

Beautiful, but so sad. God rest her soul.

[tamiasthechipmunk]

Stunning and Sobering performance by the choir.

[DannyJDC]

So English...EXQUISITE! Nobody could do it better.

[OneHolyTrinity]

Is this available for download?

[Cygnusiii]

Does anyone know who composed this setting?

[Operaandchant90]

William Croft... i think.

[padreq12]

it is William Croft.....

[ds1868]

The music is by Henry Purcell, former Organist of Westminster Abbey in the 17th Century. The music was composed for the funeral in Westminster Abbey of Queen Mary II (Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland 1688-1702). Shortly after Mary II's funeral Henry Purcell himself died, and the same music was sung at his funeral in the Abbey. He is buried in the North Transept, about 10 yards from where Diana's coffin is left to rest in this recording.

[Doozieus]

@ds1868 This is awesome information. Thank You for posting. Isn't Queen Mary also burried in the chapel opposite Elizabeth's?

[ds1868]

@Doozieus Mary Queen of Scots is buried with Elizabeth I in one of the side chapels (a tremendous irony, as Elizabeth warranted Mary's beheading). Queen Mary II and other royals are also buried in the Abbey. Currently a team of archeologists are x-raying the Abbey floor and revealing hundreds of unknown coffins - the inscriptions on the stone floor long since being worn away. They lie only inches below the stone floor. I doubt whether there is any other church in the world with so many burials!

[andyrick123]

@ds1868 An error here. Elizabeth is buried with her Catholic sister Mary I. Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots is buried in another chapel

[ds1868]

@andyrick123 Yes you're correct, I was relying on memory from my last visit to the tombs over ten years ago. I've also just read through Walter Thornbury's description of the royal chapels and the tombs within, I had forgotten how densely packed it is in there.

[dleimkuehler]

Dear DSINDC There is no such thing as a "Cathedral Parish" They are seperate. Are you Anglican???

[sallyw64]

@dleimkuehler - there certainly are Cathedral Parishes in the Anglican Communion. Llandaff Cathedral is an example of a Cathedral church which is also a parish church. The Dean of Llandaff is also the Vicar of Llandaff and there are both Cathedral and Parish choirs.

[ds1868]

@sallyw64 Yes indeed there is also the intriguing example of Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, which is of course a Cathedral but is also a Chapel for Christ Church College Oxford. You must remember dleimkuehler that in Great Britain the Established Church of England has many anomalies - and this extends to the Disestablished churches of Wales, Scotland and Ireland. All great fun!!

[3NUNS]

Actually in these times of Sabbath breaking cathedral clergy are less likely to be swayed by technicalities.

[dsindc]

Oh really? They're common in the Angl. tradition, & are observed in the R.C. See the following: Cathedral Parish=The current Cath. Parish was formed by the merger of 3 Catholic parishes that served Madison since the 19th century:

St. Raphael the original Cath. parish in Madison, designated the Cathedral when Mad. was made a diocese in 1946. Holy Redeemer founded to serve German-speaking Catholics of Madison in 1857. St. Pat. founded to serve English-speaking Irish.

I am Anglican.

[NashvilleJermz]

Listening to this moves me in a very genuine way......I feel such deep reverence.

[Justozz50]

I know...that our Redemeemer liveth:-)*

[MissAnna211991]

No, we will never forget.. rest in peace dear Diana....

[Operaandchant90]

This is what a church choir should sound like. Strong, full of guts.

[episcopal100]

Such a difficult day. So much sadness, as you say, a huge state occasion. My heart broke for the family and I felt for the pall bearers, their cargo so sad, and I believed they were carrying a very heavy casket. Yet, I was never so proud to be an Episcopalian. Through the sadness we held each other up and it was a moment.

[dsindc]

episcopal100 I could not agree more. The events on this day hit me perhaps more than others. I was raised in the Episcopal Church & have one older brother. Our church was a cathedral parish. I watch this & remember the sadness even though I was only 6, my brother 10. My mother also died in a car accident. My British grandparents struggled through the liturgy. Yet the Church in all her glory & magnificance supported us in her own way. I feel very fortunate to have born into this tradition.

[3NUNS]

@dsindc Well, the music put out by the Church of England all over the Empire everywhere exceeds in quality the music of the papacy even in Rome. One must never forget that the pope is a political scientist first and a parsimonious philistine.

[dsindc]

Amen. Thank you 3nuns.

[3NUNS]

Thanks for thanking me. I think so many performers in the church of rome consider the music choral and organ to merely 'arrive' in sequence within the liturgy without actually listening to how it is being sung or played - intonation and rhythm &c. I followed the funeral of the previous 'old red socks' and the singing in the basilica of rome was flat and lacked both harmonic and rhythmic precision. The same comments apply to the playing of the organ works of JS Bach in the church of rome. Slack.

[Eurofrank1]

I agree wholeheartedly with you 3NUNS. I think the only feasible solution for the big occasions at the Vatican would be to ask their own choir to take a break and "import" Westminster Cathedral Choir. Maybe this can be discussed with the Pope on his state visit to England later this year (2010).

[3NUNS]

The only feasible approach to the visit of the Pope who is first amd foremost a cunning political scientist by whom the world-wide peoples of Abraham would be fooled -until judgment day - would be for all decent Britishers to take to the streets in protest. For he is the anti-Christ that man of sin. If only the Cof E was more faithful to the Bible instead of ´priesting´ its ordinands into children. Organ irrythmicism and musical disharmony is one more mere devilish fruit of Roman Catholicism.

[3NUNS]

Are you a syndicalist or a syncretist? Just what does you nomer stand for please ?

[dsindc]

I am neither. My nomer stands for my name, and location. I consider the Anglican tradition a continuation of the orthodox Catholic faith, and its "reformation" a rejection of Medieval encroachments. Next question?

[dsindc]

Father of a nation?? Why yes of course, but only if I get to wear a very big crown.. oh please please please... lots of diamonds would be quite nice too. Something like the tiara the popes of old used to wear ( hee hee ).

[learning41230]

Thank you for posting. One of the finest women to ever walk the earth. How can we forget. Thank you.

[mgpsychpp]

Die Musik ist nicht von Purcell, sondern von W. Croft!

[CampanitaSilv]

Doch, zu mindest ab Minute 3:00 bis 4:23, nämlich:

"Thou Knowest Lord, the secrets of our hearts",

an Anthem for the Funeral of Queen Mary II, von Henry Purcell!

[padreq12]

Does any one have a link to the text of this? I would appreciate getting a hold of the words

[ds1868]

Funeral Music by Henry Purcell for Queen Mary II (Queen Regnant of England, Scotland and Ireland 1688-1694). Words from the Book of Common Prayer (1662), The Order for the Burial of the Dead: 1) I am the resurrection and the life (St John 11.25,26) 2) I know that my Redeemer liveth (Job 19.25,26,27) 3) We brought nothing into this world (I Timothy 6.7. Job 1.21) etc, see Book of Common Prayer Pages 388-397.

[davbear221]

thank you for taking out editors comments! It ruined the whole thing for me!

[pianoandpipes]

Which setting is this again? For the life of me I can't remember.

[bladeboi2]

Croft - Burial Sentances

[3NUNS]

When  you are older you will first be saying that and then you will have no life to trade for something that relatively might not be worthwhile remembering anyway.

[augustusgl]

Its very nice without that commentator actually.

[treblechoir99]

Another historic moment.

[TheChristianView]

This is, without question, the best choir on our planet! I never get tired of watching these videos.

[dangerousdan71]

Westminster Cathedral and Brompton Oratory choirs are far better.

[evarae87]

I think it is the best choir in England. However, I think the best in the world, without question, is Tölzer Knabenchor, from Germany. The quality of their musical performances, as well as hystorical approach are simply excellent. Then comes the Wienner Sängerknaben from Austria. And then this one, I would say. But you've got good taste, however.

[ds1868]

I think you miss the point here. This is the best choir to sing this music. Henry Purcell the composer, Organist of Westminster Abbey, performed by the choir of Westminster Abbey in Westminster Abbey. That is the point: you need an English Choir to perform this music, and this performance alone is quite stunning, given the timing and context in which it took place.

[evarae87]

Yes it is stunning. I agree, for the context, place, and time it took place it is a very very good interpretation. I just wanted to express my taste for some other choirs which I also like!!

[treblechoir99]

'given the timing and context in which it took place', you all right. Come from England It's a long tradition with this historic's music. Westminster Cathedral and New College, Oxford are great with Renaissance's Music as Palestrina or others. Tölzer and Wiener are so great, but other approach with vocal performance: other culture.

[gustavo2828]

Some, or many, may disagree with you. Still, the Tolzer Kchoir is a fine choir.

[ANTOONMAKA]

J'ai pu voir les obsèques de CHruchill (en noir et blanc!!!) la pompe britannique n'a rien perdu sinon que la polonge de sir Winston était tirée par des marins et qu'une autre "ambiance" régnait à travers le faste de (feu) l'Empire

[TruthLightSeeker]

Such a beautiful hymn, more than beautiful. I also notice how the soldiers hold the casket with such love, as if it was one of their relatives. Watching this takes me back to August-1997. I remember getting up very early to watch this service.

[ncguy27713]

Is the lead welded shut?

[ds1868]

Awesome performance. The Abbey choir was away on tour at the time, and had to hastily return to England for this unrehearsed and very sad funeral. Utterly professional, only the English can pull this off with such utter perfection and professionalism.

[evarae87]

Right you are!

[nauort23]

@ds1868  The same can be said about Diana's execution.

[handelfan610]

can someone tell me why the men carrying the body are shaking it like that. is just the way they march? it looks frightening.

[3rdhayes]

I think it's probably because they were carrying a lead-lined coffin, so it was VERY heavy.

[4sm2use]

The soldiers also march a good distance before arriving at the abbey. Fatigue set in, I'm sure.

Note to Burwelling: Mrs. Clinton attended the service, not President Clinton.

[ds1868]

Yes, there are several coffins within coffins, the innermost is made of lead. It will be extremely heavy. It is a Royal tradition that all royal bodies are entombed in lead for burial.

[Dhbrydon]

All entombments above ground are, by law in Britain contained in a lead Coffin and all Royals have a lead liner.

For an interesting insight go to West Norwood catercombs website

[Burwellington]

bill clinton tom hanks and stephen spielberg all attended

[tallswede68]

...three reasons not to go.

[bec4547]

does anyone know where I can find a complete recording of this song?

-I first heard it the other day at a rehearsal by University college Durham chapel choir, which was amazing, and (arguably) better than this one, seeing as they weren't processing!

[pipeup1]

I love a good funeral, this was one of the best :)

[handelfan610]

i know what you mean...i do like the processionals i think that makes the service.

[Justozz50]

Thanks for sharing, what Moments!

[jwpalm53ls]

Learn to spell... that would be a redeememing feature :)

[jennywren413]

This is absolutely beautiful! Who is the composer? I know it's not Handel, it's not peppy enough :)

[sdcheezhd]

See the earlier post. William Croft, from near the beginning of the Burial Service. The first part (I am the Resurrection and the Life . . . shall never die) is cut off since the announcers were yakking over it.

[Legendry101]

Well I'm not sure about all of the music, but I know that "Though Knowest Lord" is by Henry Purcell which he composed for the funeral of Queen Mary.

[churchlad]

its good to give to God the BEST we can offer

[nauort23]

hahahaha, allsweetnessandlight. I'm sure you'll be beaten to death by other YouTube surfers, but before that happens, I have to say you made me laugh--even more than this incredibly beautiful performance put on by the very people (the RF, not the choir) who had Her Highness run down. Now, I'll take more than half the beating.  My best to Uncle Dennis.

[sellisti89]

this is incredibly beautiful!! absolutely one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

[pulvaris]

Perfectly choreographed with the music! VERY well done. Having served as a Verger in Saint Paul's Cathedral, I know how difficult it can be to time a Procession to perfection. THIS is a good example of just that..the Video of the Exit is even better still, but of course the procession is far shorter at that point. Fabulous music to, especially considering its all unaccompanied!

[ericnd123]

Its interesting this death is still a mystery and conspiracy.

[pinecry]

it's comforting to a very tragic and sorrowful event...

[clarinette09]

beautiful

[musoguy69]

I can remember when this happened. It brought me to tears to hear the choir sing this beautiful set of works. I've only just found it on here and it brought me to tears again. The Choir of Westminster Abbey spent 4 days rehearsing all the music for this service. It's awe inspiring to see that choirs of this magnitude are still going strong.

[caesarjay]

Thanks for this vid - I remember the occasion well. It was a low moment for the British nation - unprecedented and (largely) unwarranted mass hysteria from which the country has never really recovered.

But it was a high spot for the Abbey choir, who graced this awful occasion ("awful" wherever one stands on the Diana issue) with music of awesome power. It's good to find it preserved on YouTube. Thanks again.

[Seddius]

I was 6 in 1997 and I didnt know what happened as well..Now back to watch this I'm in tears..ten years have passed since she left us:(:(

[Reesman95]

I'm 12 whizkidforte so I don't even know what happened

[whizkidforte]

Boy...it was like...a decade when I was still a tad too young to comprehend such a tragedy. Now I understand how harrowing that was. :(

[LynneMezzo]

There is nothing more comforting than the Church of England burial service; the setting of Henry Purcell's anthem "Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts" is a particular favorite of mine. Too bad it is not on this video in its entirety.

[OMM06]

Thank you for posting this video. My heart breaks still for Diana and her family - both sides.

[2468HOTROD]

Beautiful video! I wonder what's going thru the minds of the pallbearers as they carry Diana's coffin?

[jwul004]

probably: "she's quite light!"

[SSsiemianowice]

Dear 24,

They are absolutely concentrating on the job; part of the soldiers training is to be able to stay focused, and to not allow any distracting thoughts to enter the mind.

.

It was said at the anniversary service, that only one of those soldiers still in the army.

Cheers.

from,

del-boy.

[bassfold]

jazzy mcc lol i think i found it

ill send it to u in a message

have a look. tc :)

[bassfold]

Jazzamcc i believe the piece u refer to is the tavener piece called song for athene, starts "Alleluia. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." wonderful piece. hope its right. tc

[jazzamcc]

That's the piece. Can't seem to find it anywhere though!! I absolutely love that piece of music.

[jmontgomery7577]

Priory Records has it on DVD. Just type their name

into your search engine.

[jmontgomery7577]

I'm sorry, I gave you wrong information. You can

find the DVD at Amazon. The name is "Beyond the

Veil". This, of course, is not the funeral performance. I hope this helps.

[2468HOTROD]

You can see this particular song at Diana's funeral as well as the whole funeral service. Just type in Princess Diana's Funeral and all the videos pop up. Peace

[notyobs]

It'll be on my video... I'll have to dig it out for you.

[jmontgomery7577]

Thank you. I'll be looking forward to it.

[jmontgomery7577]

I'd like to see/hear that too.

[jazzamcc]

Has anyone got a video of the song at the end for the final procession. I think it is something to do with Flights of Angels. I love that music!!

[DonRaphel]

The music is from William Croft. In this video the choir sings his "Burial Sentences", which includes Purcell's "Thou Knowest Lord".

[jmontgomery7577]

Beautiful anthem sung superbly! Who was the composer?

[mortonbelcher]

Thank you for taking the time to post this video... I do appreciate it...