Paisley Abbey Choir - Hymns & Anthems

'By cool Siloam'; 'Do no sinful action'; 'God be in my head', Kenneth McKellar. Dir.: George McPhee

The Abbey is unique in many respects. It was the cradle of the Stewart Dynasty. Robert, the second grandson of Robert the Bruce, was born on the premises. His mother, Princess Marjorie fell off her horse when coming to the Abbey to pray for the safe delivery of the child. She was brought to the Abbey and found to be dead. By a posthumous operation, the child was delivered and lived to be the first of the Stewart Kings.

In 1807 a musician and composer well known in Scotland, R.A. Smith was in charge of the music at the Abbey. Thorough his talents, the Abbey Band and choir became famous throughout the country. A feature of the Abbey choir has been the Boy's Choir. Joining the Paisley Abbey Choir is Kenneth McKeller who has been called "Scotland's greatest tenor".

The Boys' Choir was reformed at the beginning of the 20th century, robed in the red cassocks and white surplices which the choir still wears. In the mid 1990s, a girls' choir was formed and, in 2000, the girls' choir and boys' choir were amalgamated to form 'the choristers'. At the present time, there are some 20 choristers comprising 14 boys and 6 girls.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• paisley
• abbey
• boys
• choir
• trbles
• hymns
• anthems

[dimstar4now]

Simply sublime, thanks so much!

[treblechoir99]

@dimstar4now You're very welcome.

[MattheTenor]

I am so lucky to sing with this choir. It is my mission to get the boys choir (now boys and girls) back to these glory days. Such a beautiful thing must never die. Long live Paisley Abbey and Kenneth McKellar.

[treblechoir99]

Yes, you're very lucky. And 'must never die'.

[MissyFergy]

Thanks for putting this choir on with Kenneth McKellar singing so beautifully. When was the original recording made please?

[treblechoir99]

1995. Exuse me for this time limit.

[jcriedijk]

I have heard maybe 1000 tenors in the past 45 years,but Kenneth Mackellar is without any doubt the best.His Scottish, Irish,Welsh and British folksongs are superb.Such easy singing,such a glorious voice,no disturbing vibration, such breathcontrol,a voice to lean against,a warm bath!His LP Songs of the Hebrides is a jewel.He should be world famous,although I'm Dutch I fear he still is underappreciated over there,but for many he is the greatest,beating John McCormack easily.A statue for Kenneth!

[MattheTenor]

Hey there, I'm a Choral Scholar at Paisley Abbey and I'm running a Campaign to get the Choristers back to these glory days. It is such an important tradition. Please everyone, spread the word and check out the new webpage

[sagitaire17]

Una lastima que mi inglés sea tan limitado.Magnifico las voces,la música...y las imágenes :)

[jevalles]

@MissyFergy @treblechoir99 This recording actually dates from 1969. Issued as a vinyl LP titled: Sacred songs ; Kenneth McKellar at Paisley Abbey LONDON SW 99471 (1969)‎

[jevalles]

This is one of the most beautifully produced albums of sacred song ever created, and features the great Scottish tenor Kenneth McKellar at the pinnacle of his vocal powers, backed by Paisley Abbey Choir in its best incarnation. The technical recording was absolutely perfect. Filled with devotion and sensitivity. Completely moving and unforgettable.

[federalistphilip]

I feel so touched and happy to know that there are a lot of you who want to bring back hymns of "those glory days." It is these songs/hymns that make church service very reverent. more power to you and God Bless U all!

[aphid2008]

@dimstar4now I haven't heard this music for many years. My grandparents are from Scotland and I grew up listening to Kenneth McKellar. Now that I am an adult I can appreciate his voice. Thankyou so much for making this available. Nancy

Nancy

[MattheTenor]

R.I.P Kenneth McKellar. I will be singing for his memorial service in Paisley Abbey. He was such a legend.