Canterbury Cathedral Choir sings Psalm 42

[bethhhhhh123456789]

This is simply incredible.

Alan Wicks was my choir master's choir master and our choir had the priveledge of singing in this beautiful cathedral in the summer, which was my last choral singing experience before I moved to university, and I couldn't have asked for a better send off.

It was such a beautiful part of my life and it's videos like this that keep it alive, so thank you very much :)

[cocainecomputer]

what documentary is this clip from?

[34eros]

@cocainecomputer It is from a BBC television documentary, filmed and transmitted in 1985, called CLOSE HARMONY, and shown on BBC 2. It was an hour-long programme, featuring Allan Wicks and thew Cathedral choir, with David Flood (who was then sub-organist) and introduced by Barry Rose from various points in and around the Cathedral.

[cocainecomputer]

@34eros Thanks very much! 

[Flutefriend]

Hi jmontgomery7577

I guess we were all too scared of him to find it amusing. ;-)

[Flutefriend1]

I was a chorister here (1953-58) during Sydney Campbell's time as choir master. He kept a reception desk bell on the piano which he rang to stop us singing, as he did once when infuriated with our singing of the third verse of Psalm 54 which starts: "For strangers are risen up against me:". We'd clearly emphasised the first word because he slammed his hand on the bell shouting: "What do you mean - four strangers? One with a beard, one with a moustache, one bald and another goodness knows what?"

[jmontgomery7577]

@Flutefriend1 Great story! How did you keep from cracking up?

[fluteharmonique8]

THE BEST!

[m0bob]

Bless O Lord, us thy Servants who minister in thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts and and what what we belive in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Wally773MTG]

We just did psalm 42 last week, but a different arrangement....John Lemon's arrangement that is. I think I like this better....

Gotta love those English Cathedral Choirs!!!

[EmoDirtBikeGal]

I got the chance to sing at Canterbury Cathedral about a year ago and my choir (from South Carolina, USA) got the chance to hear the boys sing. It was truly amazing how dedicated they were and how much heart went into their singing. This video has brought back memories of this truly wonderful place.

[SuperDaviddavis]

such a great choir....god bless

[andreaprodan]

I was a chorister here, and soloist for a brief spell (1974-76) and fondly remeber Edred Wright as well. Oh, and my voice which 'changed' and left me devoid of a special instrument. I now have a Rock Band!

[MusicPredominates]

two comments: beautiful & most excellent

[tectorama]

That brings back memories of when my wife's nephew was in the choir at Canterbury. That was a few years later, under David Flood (before he was a Dr.), and when Mr Pearce and his wife were at Choir House.

We made many a trip to Canterbury, and also went out to see them perform at the British Embassy in Paris.

The religious side of the Cathedral meant little to me, but it is a wonderful building, and the choir has always been superb.

[eerse078]

Thank you so much for this upload, very inspiring!

Kees van Eersel

[alurisious101]

Sadly, Allan Wicks died on the 4th February 2010, aged 86. He will be missed by many, but his legacy to the world of music will also be cherished and enjoyed for ever.

[gbolagun]

Great to watch this rehearsal of this wonderful choir. It shows how God's work is taken seriously by these young lads and their choir master. May God continue to bless them. It also shows the great work behind the totality of psalm chants which we all appreciate in the open in the presence of congregation. Thanks for uploading this wonderful clip, 34eros.