We were delighted to return to St Michael's Church in Hernhill last Friday, for what proved to be an evocative combination of choral music and silence coming together in 'Breathing Space.' During the winter months, the fifteenth-century church hosts a series of Breathing Space events, each of which is an hour-long sequence of music and silence by candlelight. Usually recorded music is played, but last Friday we took the opportunity to sing several pieces from our repertoire this year at the service. After our rehearsal, candles were lit all around the church and the lights were turned off, creating a hushed atmosphere. We were seated in the choir-stalls behind to rood screen, and in the darkness it wasn't possible to see the congregation arriving, all that you heard was the click as the timbered door was opened and shut as people arrived. The service began at 7.30pm without preamble - at the appointed hour, we stood and launched James Webb's moving Blest are the Pure in Heart into the hushed darkness. Over the ensuing sixty minutes, we sang music by David Truslove, Anna Phoebe, Haydn, Pelham Humpfrey, and plainsong, concluding with Sarah Quartel's charming The Birds' Lullaby which emerged out of the sound of bird-calls being imitated by ocarinas and tiny recorders. There was a remarkable atmosphere ushered into existence by the combination of sound, silence and candles, as the music wove a meditative space rich in contrasting colours: the church bell striking eight during a moment of silence partway through was especially atmospheric, matched by the sighing of the wind in the roof, the creaking of the ancient timbers and the guttering candle-flames dancing in the draughty dark. Magical. The vicar stood at the end to thank the Choir and say a closing prayer, and then the congregation left the church to step out into the night. Afterwards, we talked about how effective the event had been, and how much we wanted to do it again. Watch this (breathing) space...
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Daniel hardingPianist, conductor, Deputy Director of Music, University of Kent Archives
March 2019
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