What I sing every week (Exeter University Chapel Choir)

TL;DR

The University of Exeter Chapel Choir serves as the musical backbone of the Chapel, leading liturgical services through the singing of hymns, canticles, psalms, and anthems.

Transcript

you guys always asking about what I sing every week and I've got the man who's responsible for everything in that regard this is Michael Graham you're the director chopped music here the University of Exeter and your organ scholar at the Cathedral normal a clock and they'd like oh you just got promoted and yes it is so what is Chapel Choir what do ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💍 The University of Exeter Chapel Choir consists of 24 scholars who engage in both musical and educational activities.
• 🥺 The choir's primary purpose is to lead liturgical services, enhancing the worship experience through a variety of musical elements.
• 😘 Canticles, such as the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, are sung in different settings, including solos and choral arrangements, offering unique interpretations.
• 😘 Psalms are sung in four-part harmony, and antiphonal singing is used to create a conversational atmosphere.
• 😫 Set responses play a vital role in introducing and concluding the services, involving both the choir and the congregation.
• 😘 Eucharist settings, including the mass setting, are performed and can be sung in Latin or English.
• 🧡 Anthems and motets are included in the choir's repertoire, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and compositions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of a chapel choir in a cathedral or a college chapel?

The purpose of a chapel choir is to lead the liturgy through the singing of hymns, canticles, and anthems, enhancing the worship experience and covering important aspects of the service.

Q: Is the Chapel Choir open only to Christian students?

No, the Chapel Choir welcomes students with singing experience, regardless of their religious background. However, sensitivity to the liturgy and worship is expected from all members.

Q: Besides hymns, what other types of music does the Chapel Choir sing?

The Chapel Choir sings canticles, such as the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, as well as psalms, which are sung in four-part harmony. They also perform anthems and motets, adding variety to their repertoire.

Q: How do the members of the Chapel Choir sing canticles in an interesting way?

To make the canticles more engaging, the choir divides into two sections, singing antiphonally or in conversation-like style. This dynamic creates a unique and captivating musical experience.

Q: What are set responses, and what is their role in the service?

Set responses are the opening and closing parts of the service, introducing and concluding certain portions. They are sung by the choir or congregation, facilitating the congregation's active participation.

Q: Do the services performed by the Chapel Choir include Eucharist settings?

Yes, the Chapel Choir performs Eucharist services, including the mass setting, which consists of the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. These settings can be sung in Latin or English.

Q: What types of pieces are included in the Chapel Choir's repertoire besides canticles and hymns?

The Chapel Choir also sings anthems and motets, showcasing various composition styles and periods. One example is "Locus Iste" by Anton Bruckner, sung homophonically, emphasizing unity in singing.

Q: How does the Chapel Choir balance their role in liturgical services and their role as a concert choir?

The Chapel Choir serves as the musical foundation of the Chapel but also functions as a concert choir. They tour and perform in other churches, promoting the musical talent and outreach efforts of the university.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The University of Exeter Chapel Choir consists of 24 scholars, forming a double choir and leading liturgical services.

• The choir sings hymns, canticles (such as the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis), and anthems to support the worship and add musical variety.

• The choir also sings Eucharist settings, including the mass setting, and performs soundings (singing multiple songs) during the Evensong service.