Thursday, December 29, 2011

Purcell's Own Pipes

The Purcell connection was discovered once again towards the end of 2011. This time the seeker was a member of staff for The Choral Foundation - a charity raising funding for choral scholarships for choristers of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court. Purcell was trained as a chorister there in the mid 1600s. Having found me as a descendant, I was invited to the service led by Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, to celebrate 400 years of the King James Bible. The choir is unfunded and the choristers are drawn from local schools and directed by Carl Jackson whose post is also voluntary. Hence the need for Foundation backing to secure essentials and a little more if possible. The Chapel Royal has many features from Purcell's time although sadly little of the original organ. (Purcell was Keeper of the Pipes.) Speaking of organs and organ music - here's an interesting CD. Also, try this unusual sheet music item for organ. I've sent a Mag and Nunc to the choirmaster, so we'll see what comes of that!