T is for Tuesday and Tallis! Today’s class was all about Palestrina and Byrd. We looked at and listened to Byrd’s “Mass for 5 Voices” and Palestrina’s “Pope Marcellus Mass”. We made comparison, in particular, of each composers Kyrie. A student made the assessment that she feels like she’s swimming when she listens to Palestrina. This is understandable because he uses points of imitation with lot’s of melisma. At first this was interpreted to mean that she gets lost in the music and can’t follow it or that it gets real old real fast such that she drowns. She didn’t actually really explain her feelings but, based on the comments of the students who followed her, I gathered that they interpreted her comment to mean that she finds Byrd more enjoyable because his Kyrie was more melodic, short, and simple. Eventually people began sticking up for Palestrina. He was, after all, the one who made it into the history books. Most of us have probably at least heard of the Pope Marceullus Mass, if not listened to it.
In the afternoon we went with Logan and Jessica to the British Military Museum. Logan picked up a children’s interactive activity backpack. He was pretty enthused about using his spy gear to go through the museum. The first display felt more like a huge advertisement for this children’s book called “Billy The Kid” about the authors experience growing up as a little boy during WWII. I found it interesting to see the war from a British child’s perspective. Next, went through England’s war history from ancient times until today. There were suits of armor, old flags, so many wars.maps, and the classic red coats! There was so much to see and England has been through many many wars. It was surprising to stop and think about how many countries England attempted and many times successfully controlled or at the very least, influenced. After we were done there we headed off on an adventure to find some dinner before the Tallis Scholars concert in Cadogan Hall. We boarded a bus and decided that we’d get off wherever looked yummy. We found a little cafe and sat down to a nice fresh meal. Scott ordered for me which is always an adventure. He likes to do that and I’m happy to indulge him. He typically orders things for me that I wouldn’t think to order for myself. He got me this strange curry chicken dish. It was served cold. WTC? A savory crepe cold was just strange. Well, it was ok :) My favorite part of the meal was dessert! We got a crepe with chocolate, bananas, toffee, and clotted cream and swiss chocolate ice cream. All four of us split this scrumptious dessert and the cost. We attacked that thing like ravenous bunny rabbits. (you were expecting me to say wolves weren’t you. muahaha) Before we knew it we had 5 minutes to be at the concert hall and in our seats so we made a run for the bus and then a run for the concert hall after we finally got off the bus two stops in the wrong direction. I was sweating by the time we got in our seats and we were there just in time! Boom baby!
This concert featured the works of Palistrina and an incredibly talented group of musicians. I was most impressed by their intonation and bright free sound. This music was obviously well rehearsed and yet the singers did not look disinterested in their work. I was a little distracted by what I felt might have been an attempt to connect with the audience. Each of the performers made eye contact with different sections of the audience throughout the performance. To me it was as if they were distracted and looking away from the conductor but, because all of them did it I’m assuming it was intentional. The music was beautiful and precise like nothing I’ve ever heard before but I felt that it lacked expression. A truly emotionally penetrating performance will captivate my attention and by the end of the set I will be compelled to stand and clap. I did not have this experience at the end of this concert. I will say that perhaps it is because the nature of the music that was being featured wasn’t necessarily meant to make a statement but more to create an environment for worship.
After the concert we came back to the flats and just relaxed, blogged, and hung out with our posse. Nothing too exciting for a tuesday night.
cheers everyone!
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