i’ve sung in choirs for over 40 years. Maybe I’ve led a sheltered choral life, but Tuesday’s rehearsal was the first time I had faced sight-reading medieval plainchant.
At first glance, it was almost incomprehensible. No traditional stave, bar-lines, key-signature or timing. The notes strange squares, some directly above each other. (We quickly learned that the bottom note is sung first.)
After the initial oddness, we quickly grasped it and made a decent sound.
It’s the vespers hymn Ave Maris Stella – some of the oldest music the choir have ever sung.
It’s in Dorian mode and probably originated in the 9th century, but could be as early as the 6th. It has been used as the basis of composition by many, including Monteverdi in his Vespers of 1610, but also modern composers.
It was quite moving to sing such ancient music, joining countless others who have sung the same piece over the last 1,000 years or so.
We will be presenting it as part of our autumn concert at St Mary’s Church, Glastonbury, at 7:30pm on Friday 6 December. We will also be performing the Mass of St Nicholas by Haydn, motets and carols. Tickets on the door, including mulled wine and mince pies.
Come and hear us!
Eleanor Thomas
