Plainsong Psalmody from Portsmouth

The current BBC Choral Evensong is from Portsmouth Cathedral, and presents an outstanding example of plainsong psalmody. Most cathedral Evensongs are done with Anglican Chant, and it is worthwhile to listen to the plainsong as a contrast; it begins about 7'20” into the broadcast and continues for about ten minutes. A few items to note:

-- the pause at the asterisk: I have learned from my own singing of the psalms and from choral rehearsals in trying to do it this way (and undoing past habits of not making much of a pause) that this is spiritually valuable. It causes one to slow down. Evidence for this is that I tend to forget and rush through the asterisk when I am in a hurry, or not focused on the moment. I would go so far as to say that this little silence is a principal contributor to the following:

-- the hypnotic quality of the chant, when carried through the large quantity of psalmody appointed in the Offices: This has the potential to aid in the spiritual connectedness that is sought in Taizé music, and more effectively in plainsong than in the latter, in my opinion.

-- the shaping of phrases: In plainsong, most phrases have an arched shape, especially when there is much text on the reciting note. There is a slight crescendo through the reciting note, and relaxation through the ending. Many have likened it to ocean waves calmly and rhythmically washing up the beach and receding. The Portsmouth choir does it exceedingly well.

-- the objectivity: In our parish, we sometimes sing Eucharistic psalmody to the Ionian Psalter of Peter Hallock. These settings are excellent, and much valued. Hallock takes a radically different approach, with wide swings of dynamic, expressive of the text – and there is much in the Psalter that, on its surface, calls for such expressiveness. Anglican Chant psalmody can partake of such expression, as well. But that is not the approach of plainsong psalmody; it is the calm, meditative prayer of Holy Mother Church, generation after generation through all the vicissitudes of life, in spiritual union with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit.

-- the organ accompaniment: It is modest, and entirely in the background. In our parish, we generally sing plainsong without accompaniment, but if the organ is to be used, this is the way it should be done. Good plainsong accompaniment adds to the hypnotic quality of the chant.

The BBC only keeps the Evensong broadcasts online for a week; this one will disappear after Tuesday, Dec. 27. For those who encounter this posting after that, similar examples from Portsmouth might be found on YouTube – I haven't looked, so I cannot say for sure.

Next up from BBC Choral Evensong: the Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, beginning on Christmas Day.