Even the most mundane information can be made beautiful when sung in Anglican chant. The Master Singers showed this in 1966 when they recorded the weather forecast (well, not a real one) in Anglican chant. I first heard it on a program called "Weekend Radio." My daughter Anne heard it and began shreiking with laughter. I'm not sure whether I could ever take her to a sung Mass at an Episcopal church. She'd probably start laughing uncontrollably when she heard the Anglican chant. Thanks to Lisa at Eudaemonia for instructions on how to embed the YouTube video. And thanks to Tubeyou18a of the Netherlands for creating the video.
10 comments:
See, this is the reason why I could never feel comfortable in one of those newfangled modern churches as I like to think of them. Over the years I've had a lot of friends drag me to services at churches outside my (Episcopal) denomination and I could never enjoy the lack of formality. I know the ritual and the ambiance shouldn't be the point, but to me they make things feel more...holy. This is hysterical!
R...O...F...L !!!
Steve, this is priceless. Do you mind if I embed it up on my WordPress blog (with suitable credits).
I am up to my eyes in blogging at the moment but have posted Wordsworth in grasmere photos plus info on blog changes.
Lisa--I think a liturgical service is important for a lot of us. Too often, post-Reformation Protestant and independent Protestant churches depend so much on the minister. If the minister's great, the church is great. But woe to any such church without a dynamic minister.
Julie--As far as I know, anyone can embed a YouTube video. I was less considerate than you--while I did give credit to the person who created the video, I didn't ask permission. I have no problem with your using it.
I love it-- they list the shipping districts and say, "will be affected by weather for several days." LOL
What got me into Orthodoxy was the music but then they changed it to something a bit more modern. I love the style of chant that you played even though it is meant as a joke. It makes our language sound so beautiful.
"If the minister's great, the church is great. But woe to any such church without a dynamic minister."
Sadly true-- the focus gets lost!
this was so great and amusing!
But I doubt there are palm trees in Wales!!!
Tea, the beauty of the singing certainly makes it funnier. Some of the Orthodox chants are incredible. I have 78 rpm recording of the Don Cossack Choir doing "Gospodi Pomilui" (Lord Have Mercy) with a deep bass singer doing the solo parts.
Szelsofa, Thank you. There are palm trees in southern Wales, put they're very short. My wife says they're not native species, but they do grow along the coast of south Wales, Cornwall, and southern Ireland. I think the Gulf Stream allows them to survive. But the palms in that picture weren't the kind I saw in Wales. I suspect that may be Florida.
Everything sounds good when sung in Gregorian chant.
Just fabulous! Here in the USA, no one can imagine what it is like to live on an "island" so never get forecasts like this which were just normal for me, growing up in Somerset. I would listen to the wireless every night (no telly, of course) and, even now, can list all the shipping areas by rote! If the Brits didn't have the weather to talk about, what would they do? Also, singing in an Anglican choir for yonks, I absolutely agree with Lisa - I just love the formality of it all, even if I don't believe in virgin births. So I now feel holy again, but with a giggle! Heather in up-state NY
A word to Szelsofa - There actually are palm trees in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight! We moved there in 1958, and my step-dad worked in Ventnor where my brother currently lives. As opposed to the north of the island overlooking the Solent, the south side is much more sheltered and balmy. Mad stuff, English weather - but it's true. Go visit! It's like a step back in time. Heather in up-state NY
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