#08 Joys Seven arr. Stephen Cleobury King's College Cambridge 2009

[07kewlkat]

Wow. Seriously, you people need to chill and just enjoy the angelic voices!

[2Sparks002]

@07kewlkat I agree, but if listeners are being distracted by from enjoying said angelic voices by something that is irrelevant then I think it helps to bring the focus back to the music by pointing out where they have misunderstood

[2Sparks002]

Missed the boat on this discussion by several months but...I think the memory argument is wrong on two counts. As already mentioned this is worship...you not expect the priest to have memorised the bible passages he reads at the services but even more crucially this & similar Cathedral choirs sing services with different & complex music almost every day of the year! it would require a superhuman effort to commit all that to memory (frankly child employment law would not allow it anyway!)

[johns48]

@theusking I agree......Ppl are kinda missing the point of the service. Also, most of these boys are preparing for a life in professional opera or singing. When needed, I think they are more than capable of properly memorizing an entire programs worth. Reading music doesn't detract from a service because if you are in one, everyone is reading music. Choir and congregation together.

[Davvz96]

im so proud that ive ben in camebridge and that ive ben singing with these great singers!

[Gazzadp]

Well I think that is the main difference between an ordinary choir and dare I say it a professional choir like King's College or any of the British Cathedral/Abbey choirs.

As these boys are trained in all aspects of music, not just singing, but singing from sheet music, they learn how to read their music from the sheet, watch their music director and sing at the same time.

In all honesty people should bear in mind that this service is just one of many over the Christmas fortnight.

[PURPLEBEATTIE1]

They have indeed beautiful voices but I have to say that a choir should know their work without having heads down and reading the music.But no doubting their ability to sing beautifully

[bobtrempe]

@PURPLEBEATTIE1

A good point, but I would ask...when you have a full course of studies and perform almost daily, when is there time to memorize. I would venture to say that true scholars are able to pick up music unseen and perform it the way Kings does.

[PURPLEBEATTIE1]

@bobtrempe When I was younger I participated in a lot of choral singing and indeed practised daily and also managed my studies.My choir mistress made sure that we never had music with us on stage.But I dont want to labour the point because it would detract from what is a fine performance vocally

[pmzephyr22]

@PURPLEBEATTIE1 This is NOT a theatrical event. It is a worship service. True the tourists may not realize it. But their is absolutely no problem with the choristers having scores. You will notice that the chapel choir is equipped with music desks. I think it might an American problem to be bothered by such things.

[PURPLEBEATTIE1]

@pmzephyr22 I am British and have years of experience singing like these choristers do.I am simply saying that our choir mistress did not allow us sheet music during a performance believing it detracts from the performance and I agree.If you are head bowed reading then people cannot see the expression on your face and thats an important part of a performance.I have not at any time criticised their undoubted ability to sing.Thier sound is wonderful.

[lcowles]

@PURPLEBEATTIE1 I absolutely AGREE. I've been singning for years and I owe most of my musicianship skills to my high school teacher who NEVER, EVER allowed us to use music in ANY performance...even when doing extended classical works. I absolutely believe that using sheet music detracts from the performance, There is NO way you can be watching the director and listening to the other singers for blend, if you've got your attention on the sheet music. I'm shocked most all choirs use music.

[PURPLEBEATTIE1]

@lcowles A man after my own heart.I agree with ALL that you say

[theusking]

@lcowles I hate to wallow in this debate, but I'm honestly shocked that people don't understand the difference between a stage performance and worship. I think that's what's wrong with so many Protestant churches these days. All flash and show.

[josparkes1]

Incredible and so beautiful, like being in Heaven !

[nick91210]

1:44 It's Moss from the IT Crowd!!!!

[1sttimeminah]

Hello St Bons!!! and Mr Broad****

im sure u guys can sing this perfectly keep trying!!!

[SANDEization]

beautiful voices. love hearing this,god bless this expressions of love

[Eurofrank1]

I´ve said it before-good tenor newbies 2009!!

[Eurofrank1]

Dodgy start here SD.

[loupblanc26]

Magnificent performance of the King's College!