The third in a short series of programmes celebrating English choral foundations and featuring Worcester Cathedral, with the cathedral choir, directed by Donald Hunt. Presented by Barry Rose and broadcast on 8 December 1986.
The intro got me. I had just taken a deep breath to sing "I was glad" and then Barry Rose appeared! Lol. That apart, I haven't heard Worcester live for years. I thought they were excellent here - but then again in the 70s, 80s and 90s most cathedral choirs with men and boys ranged from very good to awesome. A shame that this is no longer always the case. The selection of music here was unusual, in my view - but that is maybe only because it included quite a number of works that I never sung as a cathedral chorister elsewhere. I thought the Boyce anthem was superb, but am glad I never had to sing the Magnificat, which I disliked. Thank you for the upload.
I miss the old Worcester organ. It had some fabulous reeds as you can hear at the beginning. I lived in the city at the beginning of the noughties when Adrian Lucas was there and the choir was fabulous. I am looking out for Henry Sandon here but can’t see him.
Absolutely wonderful! The unmistakable conducting style of Dr. Donald Hunt. So precise and always very clear. It was a real pleasure being taught by him and singing in his choir in Leeds. Thanks for uploading this piece of history. Regards, Michael Denton
