Music on Thursdays
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In Memoriam
A Selection of Recordings
in Tribute to the Life of Service
Given by our Late Dear
Queen Elizabeth II
Thursday, 9th September 2022
We open with the sad, traditional, music written by Henry Purcell for the funeral of Queen Mary.
Baroque Brass of London open with the March, processing in the cloister of Jesus College, Cambridge.
The voices are those of Clare College Choir, directed by Timothy Brown.
In our times, when we are more likely to see funerals as a way to celebrate the life of the departed, this beautiful music may feel too sad.
The texts come from The Book of Common Prayer (1662).
Henry Purcell: Funeral Sentences, and Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
March
Man that is born of a woman
hath but a short time to live,
and is full of misery.
He cometh up, and is cut down like a flower;
he fleeth as it were a shadow,
and ne'er continueth in one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death:
of whom may we seek for succour,
but of thee, O Lord,
who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord, O Lord most mighty,
O holy and most merciful Saviour,
deliver us not into the bitter pains
of eternal death.
Canzona
Baroque Brass of London open with the March, processing in the cloister of Jesus College, Cambridge.
The voices are those of Clare College Choir, directed by Timothy Brown.
In our times, when we are more likely to see funerals as a way to celebrate the life of the departed, this beautiful music may feel too sad.
The texts come from The Book of Common Prayer (1662).
Henry Purcell: Funeral Sentences, and Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
March
Man that is born of a woman
hath but a short time to live,
and is full of misery.
He cometh up, and is cut down like a flower;
he fleeth as it were a shadow,
and ne'er continueth in one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death:
of whom may we seek for succour,
but of thee, O Lord,
who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord, O Lord most mighty,
O holy and most merciful Saviour,
deliver us not into the bitter pains
of eternal death.
Canzona
Scott Methven, the 15th Royal Piper, tells his story for BBC News
Each day at exactly 9am, a little-known ritual takes place in grounds of wherever the Queen is in residence. For 15 minutes, a lone piper in Highland uniform strikes up a selection of tunes below the monarch's window - a position called the Piper to the Sovereign.
Scottish veteran Pipe Major Scott Methven held the role for four years, a job often considered one of the most coveted in the piping world.
From humble beginnings growing up in Stirling, Scott joined the army and travelled the world. Upon returning from service in Afghanistan, he was chosen to be the Queen's personal piper from 2015 to 2019.
There is a little more to his story which makes it all the more worth hearing.
Each day at exactly 9am, a little-known ritual takes place in grounds of wherever the Queen is in residence. For 15 minutes, a lone piper in Highland uniform strikes up a selection of tunes below the monarch's window - a position called the Piper to the Sovereign.
Scottish veteran Pipe Major Scott Methven held the role for four years, a job often considered one of the most coveted in the piping world.
From humble beginnings growing up in Stirling, Scott joined the army and travelled the world. Upon returning from service in Afghanistan, he was chosen to be the Queen's personal piper from 2015 to 2019.
There is a little more to his story which makes it all the more worth hearing.
Happier times, with a favourite reel, an Eightsome Reel, played by Jim McLeod's Band circa 1990, at the Ghillies Ball at Balmoral. Dancers include Princes Charles and Phillip, Princesses Anne, and Diana, and both HM the Queen and HM the Queen Mother. A lovely scene of them all enjoying familiar company.
Let's us move into a contemplative mood with this prelude on the hymn tune Rhosymedre. The tune was written by Rev John David Edwards, Vicar of Rhosymedre, in the County Borough of Wrexham, from 1843 to 1885.
Ralph Vaughan Williams later made it the second of his Three Preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes.
This recording was made on the 1904 TC Lewis organ of Chesterfield Parish Church (acquired from Glasgow City Hall.) The organist is Gareth Green. There is a tenuous Leatherhead connection in that Carol Coslett (née Slater) was once a member of the Parish Church Choir and is currently Archdeacon of Chesterfield.
One more scene-setter. This is Elegy, by Sir George Thomas Thalben-Ball, who, as organist of Temple Church for over 60 years is more remembered as a performer.
We hear the much recorded and simulated Willis/Harrison & Harrison organ of Hereford Cathedral, which despite those more recent names has some very early elements within.
We hear the much recorded and simulated Willis/Harrison & Harrison organ of Hereford Cathedral, which despite those more recent names has some very early elements within.
Possibly the most moving funeral work written during our late Queen's lifetime is John Tavener's Song for Athene. Made popular through its use at the funeral of Princess Diana, it will surely stand the test if time, and reflect our times, much as Purcell's work does from its earlier century.
John Tavener: Song for Athene, a BBC Commission, 1993
Ensemble:Gabrieli Players
Chorus: Gabrieli Concort, Chorus Master: Paul McCreesh
We should undoubtedly finish with the National Anthem. Before we hear it straight, let's listen to what another master musician made of the piece.
Franz Liszt: God Save the Queen: Paraphrase de concert pour piano R98, SW 235
Virtuosic, of course, this is Liszt! Also, most respectful of our National Anthem.
The pianist is Domonkos Csabay:
Franz Liszt: God Save the Queen: Paraphrase de concert pour piano R98, SW 235
Virtuosic, of course, this is Liszt! Also, most respectful of our National Anthem.
The pianist is Domonkos Csabay:
Of course, we have to become used to new words, since the passing of Her Majesty. That is why I have chosen to end with this recording from the Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London, last Friday evening, 9th September 2022.
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If you wish to read the info for last Friday's St Paul's service, please click on the file icon here:
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Previous concert
Kenny Fu, piano - click here
Next Thursday's concert
Catriona Bourne Swinton Hunter, flute, Raymond Yiu, piano - click here
