King’s Nine Lesson and Carols Will Be Pre-recorded.

2020 continues to take its toll.  Now that toll includes the Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, at least a live version.  From King’s:

…For safety reasons it had previously been decided that no congregation could be present this year. In the face of Covid-19, King’s also decided to make a recording of the service a few weeks before Christmas as an additional precaution. In the light of current conditions, it is this recording of 2020’s A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that will be broadcast at the usual time on 24 December.

Given all the lockdowns now around London, the decision is understandable, perhaps inevitable.  And King’s College is to be praised for their foresight in pre-recording a service just in case.

Still Christmas Eve this year will not quite be the same.

For those wondering, the broadcast schedule should remain the same:

The scheduling information for A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will remain the same, with the service broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service on 24 December at 3pm (10:00 EST or 07:00 PST). The service is also broadcast at 1pm on Radio 3 on Christmas Day, and at various times on the BBC World Service. In the United States the service is distributed by American Public Media and is broadcast by around 450 radio stations, including Minnesota Public Radio and WQXR in New York.

Additional information, including the Order of Service may be found here.

One has to have sympathy for Director of Music Daniel Hyde.  Now into his second year, he has yet to have a live Nine Lessons and Carols without difficulty.  Last year was at the end of his first Michaelmas Term and in the shadow of Stephen Cleobury.  It takes time for a new director and choir to work seamlessly together.  Last year’s service seemed to show that at times although it was excellent overall.  Then in a dark Lent Term came the COVID.  And now the live service is cancelled.  Like much of the UK, the man cannot seem to get a break.

Daniel Hyde Makes His Mark On Nine Lessons and Carols (and on the BBC)

This year’s Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge on Christmas Eve was the first under the new Director of Music Daniel Hyde. And he certainly was not shy about leaving his mark on the famous service.

Further, some of the millions listening around the world may have thought him more mad or presumptuous than courageous as more than one of the carol arrangements were very different than in years past.  As I listened while driving on a road trip, I strongly disapproved of one or two rearrangements while I thought I could eventually get used to one or two others.  Still one must marvel at Hyde’s bravery, especially given that this is his first year.

Fortunately, during the latter half or so of the service any changes in the carols were subtle, and I found myself able to enjoy the service again.

Having said that, there was one significant change towards the end I much admire – unless I miscounted, the choir sang all the verses of O Come All Ye Faithful as the Baby Jesus intends.  I cannot recall that happening during the years I’ve been listening.  Now, as most of you know, that makes it a rather long hymn, and the service went longer than scheduled – or at least longer than the BBC scheduled.  It was as if Daniel Hyde was showing the BBC who’s boss!

In turn, on BBC World Service at least, the BBC cut off the live broadcast of the service in the midst of the last hymn, Hark the Herald Angels Sing.  Yes, very foolish and ungodly of them.  Boos and other imprecations surely arose from around the world.

In any case, it made for an eventful Christmas Eve drive and part of a Christmas I will always fondly remember.

I hope you had and will have (for Christmas lasts until Epiphany, you know) a very happy Christmas as well.

Sir Stephen Cleobury RIP

Sad news comes this morning of the death last night of Sir Stephen Cleobury, past Director of the Choir of King’s College Cambridge.  He died in his hometown of York after a long illness.

I will leave it to others to note his many musical accomplishments. In person, he was a gracious man as I’ve experienced more than once, particularly when meeting him in Beeville, Texas of all places where he gave a organ recital.

November 22^ndhas not only claimed John F. Kennedy and C. S. Lewis, but now Dr. Cleobury as well.  May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Yet Another Open Letter to the Dean of King’s College Cambridge

Dear Rev. Dr. Stephen Cherry,

This seems to a time for open letters, does it not?  So I thought I would throw mine in, which I hope you will find more supportive than Dr. Paul B. Rimmer’s.

First, I want to thank you and King’s College for how you have enriched me.  And that not only through Choral Evensong, although that is wonderful enough, but how you all (Sorry. I’m Texan.) have been accommodating far beyond the call of duty in a number of ways.

One example: Some years back, I asked to be able to visit the Chapel to study and photograph the windows as part of my studies.  Not only was permission granted, but the entry fee was waived although I did not ask for that. Further, and this also without my asking, I was invited to visit the College library and study relevant documents there.  In that and other ways through the years, I have found King’s College most hospitable and accommodating.

I say that because I am confident that if Dr. Rimmer would have approached you before that Trinity Sunday, you would have been most glad to make arrangements suitable to his family while still respecting the service and those attending.  I’m sure you would have come up with an excellent experience for the boy and family.  (And I have a special place in my heart for autistic children due to personal experience.)

I am also confident that your staff would not ask anyone to leave Evensong unless disruption was out of hand.

But instead of showing consideration and exercising common courtesy (which is becoming less common nowadays, it is not?), it appears that Dr. Rimmer showed up with his child who, by Rimmer’s own admission, expresses himself in ways that are “often loud and uncontainable.” Further, “there is no realistic way for him to be quiet.”  So he knew frequent disruption was likely, yet he willfully presented you and your staff with a difficult situation anyway – not to mention those attending that Evensong. 

And you have received much undeserved criticism for how that was handled on the spur of the moment.  I cannot help but notice that much of the criticism comes from those who dismiss Evensong at King’s as a concert disguised as worship.  Most of these have never attended.  And, yes, I very much worship when at King’s, and am thankful for that.  Also, many of the critics display contempt for those who attend to worship and/or enjoy the music.  Dr. Rimmer appears to be among the latter with his attitude that he has the right to “[lessen] the satisfaction of certain tourists around the world who attend.” 

I admire your grace to Dr. Rimmer and to others under such undeserved criticism.  At the same time, I urge you not to allow such people, who hardly respect the rich tradition of worship and music at King’s nor respect those who wish to experience it – many at great traveling expense – please do not allow such people to pressure you, your staff or the Director of Music to diminish the worship at King’s, whether that be by allowing frequent disruptions or in other ways.

But you have surely heard enough advice already.  Again, though I come from a slightly different churchmanship, I greatly appreciate you and King’s College.  I hope I am not too forward by thinking this a time to say that openly.

May God bless and guide you and King’s College.

Warm Regards etc.

Christmas in England 100 Years Ago

One of my alter egos gave an informal talk this week on Christmas in England 100 years ago just after the end of World War I.

Those interested in the Great War, in J. R. Tolkien, or in the Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve service at King’s College Cambridge may want to listen. 

By the way the Tolkien books recommended in the talk are Tolkien: Maker of Middle Earthby Catherine McIlwaine, which is the book for the exhibition in Oxford this year and Tolkien and the Great Warby John Garth.  Both are excellent and reasonably priced.  Much pricier is King’s College Chapel 1515-2015, but it is close to a must have for those interested in that august institution. 

100 Years of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College

A reminder that this Christmas Eve will be the 100^thanniversary of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Cambridge.  It will also be the last one directed by Stephen Cleobury.

It is hard to imagine anything good coming out of World War I, but the Nine Lessons service was in large part a response to that bittersweet Christmas of 1918 being just six weeks after the Armistice.  The Dean of King’s, Eric Milner-White, was convinced the usual Christmas Eve service would not do, and his response was Nine Lessons and Carols.

Readers know what I normally think of liturgical innovations, but this was a godly innovation indeed, and one I listen to every year.

More information may be found here, including this year’s program, and a more detailed history of this service. An even more detailed history of the service may be found in a chapter of King’s College Chapel 1515-2015.  And the program of the 1918 Nine Lessons service may be viewed here.

Daniel Hyde to Direct King’s College Choir

I am slow to note this.  But Daniel Hyde has been chosen to direct the Choir of King’s College Cambridge beginning in October 2019.  Dr. Stephen Cleobury had previously announced his retirement at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year.

Here is the announcement from King’s.

Here is the announcement from St. Thomas, New York where he currently presides.

And here is a slightly provocative article from the Telegraph.  It seems changes may be coming in the King’s College sound:

Mr. Hyde also confessed that when he was an undergraduate at Cambridge he thought the choir of King’s College was labouring under its huge reputation, leading to its performances being stifled, in marked contrast to the choir of nearby St John’s College.

“It wasn’t just the buildings,” he told the paper. “I think there was a freedom of expression at St. John’s because there wasn’t the pressure of expectation. So I tried to soak both those things up, and wherever I’ve gone since I’ve tried to mix that detail and accuracy of King’s with that more open-throated, expressive, musically phrased singing of John’s.”

Hyde’s most prestigious post up to now has been at Magdalen College Oxford.  I frequently attended Evensong there during Michaelmas Term 2011 during the years he directed.  My memory is fuzzy, but I remember the choir being very good.  (Knowing me, I probably would remember if it was not good.)  And one of the strengths of Magdalen’s Choir for many years has been the utilization of the voices of trebles.  I look forward to seeing how Hyde does that at King’s.

Stephen Cleobury to Retire from King’s in 2019

I cannot let pass without note that Stephen Cleobury has let it be known that he will retire from his directorship of the King’s College Choir in 2019.

I do like the understated headline on the King’s site – “King's advertises for a new Director of Music”.  Anyone wish to apply?

Any salute I give to Dr. Cleobury will either fall short of what this great man merits or will veer too close to idolatry.  I will say that I have been impressed by his energy and accessibility.  Some of the youth of my church and I enjoyed a concert of his in Beeville, Texas of all places, and we all enjoyed chatting with him.  I have also enjoyed briefly chatting with him in King’s College Chapel on more than one occasion.

As for why he is retiring, I do not presume to know his mind.  But although his longevity is remarkable, he is not as young as he once was.  He began his service at King’s in 1982!  And after listening to the Nine Lessons and Carols this past Christmas, I thought that after the Lessons later this year might be the time he would choose to retire.  For this year will be the 100^th Anniversary of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s, which started just after the end of World War I.  It would be very understandable if he desired to preside over that.

That now shall be all the more a special, if bittersweet, occasion indeed.

Christmas Has Begun.

In the Chapel of Kings,

a lone boy has sung.

The glorious feast of Christmas . . .

has begun.

Carols from Kings 2015

The excellent YouTube channel, Collegium Regale, has the music from this years Carols from King's up in playlist form here.  (Unfortunately there are ads.)

In several past years, this channel has the complete Carols from King's up.  I hope it will do so again this year.  But having just typed that, I think found the complete Carols from King's 2015 at the VoicesChoral channel.

Remember this is the made for TV program with a different format than the live Christmas Eve Nine Lessons and Carols service on radio. (Trust me I could be more critical, but I will relent this day.)

Enjoy and have a Happy Christmas.

King’s College Christmas Broadcast Schedule

I know many of my readers make a point to include King’s College in their Christmas celebrations.  For me, Christmas begins just past 9am (Texas time) on Christmas Eve when a lone boy sings, unaccompanied, the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City before the packed Chapel and a listening world.

So for your assistance, I am posting the schedule for the Christmas broadcasts from King’s.  The information comes straight from King’s College itself.

The times below are UK times.  Subtract 6 hours for the Central Time Zone, U. S.  And, unfortunately, Carols from King’s can only be seen on TV in the UK, not in the U.S.  (Please correct me if I am mistaken!)

And for those who have SiriusXM Radio, I think BBC World Service is one of your channels.

Have a Happy Christmas!  

Christmas Broadcast Dates

Daily Service (Choral Scholars)

24 Dec 0945: BBC Radio 4 LW

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

24 Dec 1500: BBC Radio 4 / World Service

Carols from King's

24 Dec 1715: BBC Two

1954: Carols from King's

25 Dec 0235: BBC Four

Carols from King's (repeat)

25 Dec 1100: BBC Two

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (repeat)

25 Dec 1400: BBC Radio 3

Seeing the Choir of King’s College Cambridge Again

In addition to doing book signings for my novel Pilot Point next week in Denton and in the town of Pilot Point itself, I am looking forward to seeing the Choir of King’s College Cambridge again in Dallas on the 26^th.  It is part of their U. S. Tour that I believe begins tonight in New York.

This, of course, reminds me of the very first time I saw this great choir just over ten years ago, also in Dallas.  It was a wonderful night.  And my attachment to the Choir has only grown through the years.

This will be the third time I’ve attended a U. S. Tour by this choir.  It has been excellent the past two times and surely will be again.  If you can get a ticket, I highly recommend attending.

Christmas Has Begun

In the Chapel of Kings

A lone boy has sung.

The glorious feast of Christmas

Has begun.

10th Anniversary: The Choir of King’s College Cambridge

As I began looking forward to this year’s Nine Lessons and Carols service from King’s College Cambridge, I remember that I first saw the great choir ten years ago this month in Dallas.  I wrote of my experience here.

And, yes, I do plan to see them again in Dallas this March.

I later found out the name of the cheeky soloist.  Any guesses?

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Housekeeping:

Like many of you I’m sure, I am behind on getting ready for Christmas and other matters.  So I may imitate a favorite blog, Instapundit, and have short posts with links instead of my usual erudite commentary.

I do have some treats in mind for you nonetheless, particularly with Christmas upon us and with the 10^th Anniversary of this blog coming to an end.

By the way, if you need some assistance with gifts, don’t forget my novel Pilot Point.  Thanks.

A Carol for Holy Innocents

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Holy Innocents in which we remember those small children of Bethlehem slaughtered by Herod in his mad attempt to murder the young Jesus.  Yes, not very Christmasy. . .

Or is it?

For as I wrote some years back, there is a dark side of Christmas, and we impoverish ourselves if we ignore it.  It is fitting that we remember the first martyr of the church, St. Stephen, on the day after Christmas and the first child martyrs of Christ two days after that.

There is a Christmas carol that has become a favorite of mine, Unto Us is Born a Son, as arranged by David Willcocks, the venerable past Organist of the Choir of King’s College Cambridge.  Here is it from Carols from Kings back in 2003.

And it was also sung in this year’s Nine Lessons and Carols service from King’s on Christmas Eve.  (And at this time, you may still listen to said service from BBC for a few days.)

While listening to the service this year, I noticed a verse dedicated to the Holy Innocents, which I’ve highlighted.

U us is born a Son, King of quires supernal:

See on earth his life begun, Of lords the Lord eternal.

Christ, from heaven descending low, Comes on earth a stranger;

Ox and ass their owner know, Becradled in the manger.

This did Herod sore affray, And grievously bewilder,

So he gave the word to slay, And slew the little childer.

Of his love and mercy mild This the Christmas story;

And O that Mary’s gentle child Might lead us up to glory.

O and A, and A and O, Cum cantibus in choro,

Let our merry organ go, Benedicamus Domino.

Whoever wrote these words in the 15^th Century (then in Latin) understood well that remembering the Holy Innocents is very much a part of Christmas.

May God bless you on the Feast of Holy Innocents and in the remainder of this Christmas season.

Christmas Has Begun

In the Chapel of Kings, a lone boy has sung.

The glorious Feast of Christmas has begun.

Lessons and Carols

As you may know, I love a good Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols.  (Here you may find a good summary of the origins of this format at Truro.)  And when a chosen solo chorister bravely commences the glorious Nine Lessons and Carols in the Chapel of King’s College Cambridge, Christmas for me begins.

And, of course, I will be listening tomorrow morning when allergies will no doubt make me teary-eyed.

However, there is a contrary opinion about such services:

By and large, however, loyal churchmen agree that it is better not to attend services of Nine Lessons and Carols, even if your favourite nephew is singing in the choir. However beautiful the music, nine carols is far too many for a single evening, and the meretricious extravagance of Lessons and Carols cannot compare to the simple beauty of a Christmastide service of Said Matins and Commination.

Whether you celebrate the Nativity of our Lord with Nine Lessons or with a heartfelt Commination, may you have a Happy Christmas.

Church of England Cathedral Attendance is Up

Amidst all the handwringing about the future of the Church of England, attendance at cathedral services is up.  Yes, up, and notably so.

The linked article cites a desire of anonymity among other factors for the increase, and that might be so.  But I think something more fundamental might be happening.

People desire beautiful worship with reverent traditional liturgy, excellent choirs, and a stately setting.  And cathedrals are among the chief places to experience that.

In the past, I’ve seen all the empty seats at such excellent services and thought the English do not appreciate what they possess.  Perhaps that is changing?

Indeed, when friends and I worshipped at Ely Cathedral on a Sunday morning late this Spring, we arrived a bit late (not on purpose) and found we had to sit way back even though the service was in the nave.  Ely is a very small town, yet their cathedral is indeed well attended.  And understandably so given the excellent choir and setting.  That weekend we were also surprised by the lines to get into the Chapel of King’s College Cambridge (which is not a cathedral, of course, but also excels in glorious worship).

Beautiful worship can be an important way of evangelism.  Perhaps we are seeing that in England.  Let us pray so at least.

Henricus Sixtus Rex Ora Pro Nobis! (At Kings and Eton)

Yesterday evening in the Chapel of King’s College, I attended a majestic Sung Requiem in Commemoration of the holy life and death of King Henry VI.  The musical setting was Durufle’s Requiem.  The service included a simple procession of offering roses and lilies in which Choral Scholar Sam Landman (Yes, him again I’m glad to say.) participated.

Among the highlights was congregational singing in Latin during said procession (Rex Henricus), all the parts featuring the choristers (They are sounding wonderful as usual.) and a beautiful singing of Ley’s Prayer of King Henry VI.  I’ve come to really love it and the prayer itself, which captures the humble submission and trust of Henry VI so well.  I am adopting it as my prayer.  The English translation from Latin:

O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast created and redeemed me, and hast brought me unto that which now I am; thou knowest what thou wouldest do with me; do with me according to thy will, for thy tender mercy’s sake. Amen.

A last note about the service – as I was entering the Chapel, I saw a man in cassock beside those entering who looked like Dr. Rowan Williams.  I thought, Surely not.  But I looked again, and it was him, and he looked very well and in good spirits.  He attended the service.

This past Tuesday morning I attended the morning chapel service at Eton.  Remembering King Henry with 1300 Eton students, formal uniforms and all, was definitely a new experience for me.

Morning chapel is still mandatory at Eton.  And in front of me, roll was taken at random of one of the houses.  I was told punishment for skipping chapel was severe.  I dared not enquire further.

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And, yes, it is surely providential that my schedule has very naturally allowed me to attend services remembering Henry VI at both of his foundations, King’s and Eton, and where he is buried, St. George’s Chapel.  For which I give hearty thanks to God.