Visit Reports
Musical Tour of Westminster Abbey
11th September 2010
Sixty-eight HEDFAS members were treated to an inspirational evening of music and history on a private visit to Westminster Abbey, which was provided by The Purcell Club,
all former Abbey choristers.
The evening began with an introduction and the first piece of sacred music in low lighting, which gradually increased as specific areas of the magnificent building were
illuminated.
We progressed from the Nave to the Quire, where we sat in the stalls and heard of the early history and architecture. Next came the Sanctuary, with its beautiful,
recently restored Pavement, followed by St Edward’s Chapel, his Shrine and the tombs of five kings and three queens.
The Purcell Club sang unaccompanied at all these special locations following the narrations. They ranged from plainsong to complement the Abbey’s monastic origins,
through Purcell, who was himself a Westminster organist in the late 17th century, to Sir Arthur Sullivan’s “The Long Day Closes”.
Most people were quite overwhelmed by the beauty of King Henry V11’s Chapel. It houses the tombs of Henry V11 and his wife, Elizabeth of York. In the side chapels,
the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots dwarfs those of Elizabeth 1 and Mary 1, as I am sure her son James 1 intended. The banners of the Knights of the Order of the Bath add
great vibrancy but when the ceiling lights were suddenly switched on to reveal the detail of the glorious fan vaulted ceiling, there was an audible gasp.
We returned through Poets’ Corner and when we were once more seated in the Nave, there was another highlight as one of the assistant organists played Widor’s Toccata &
Fugue just for us, on the massive Harrison & Harrison organ, with the swell of its 7000 pipes delivering both the might and yet sensitivity of this famous organ.
Finally, the choir closed by singing round the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior as the lights gradually dimmed. It was intensely moving and above all, peaceful.
What a privilege. Many thanks due to Pat Brooks for having the foresight to book this evening over three years in advance.
Carole Sugden