ONE AUDIO PIECE A devoted listener contacted me recently to ask about the "theme music" for Musica Sacra, our Sunday night program of sacred choral music. I use the anthem by Hubert Parry, I Was Glad, written for the coronation of Edward VII in Westminster Abbey in 1902. There are many splendid performances of this in print, but not the one I use. Now this listener has been attentive and generous for a long time, and it was Christmas, so I thought nothing of sending her a copy of Musica Sacra's I Was Glad. Here's an e-mail of thanks from a listener who has already done plenty for WOSU. I've added the bold type because I think her words should be our mantra. You want to talk mission statement or core values? This is pretty good:
As soon as I put a few things in the freezer, I kicked off my shoes, got a glass of wine, and settled into my chair to listen to that glorious music. I could never explain why a particular performance is more thrilling than another. I only know that the National Philharmonic Chorus and the English Chamber Orchestra got it right--in my opinion... I grew up in the second oldest town in Ohio--Gallipolis, settled by French emigres in 1790, and among whom I have ancestry. ..Southeastern Ohio has never been known for its wealth. However, in the 30s and 40s, it had something else--a sense of history, a love of music, and a lot of dignity. The thing I enjoyed most and will never forget was singing in Messiah every year. Ours soloists came from out of town and were very professional. And we had a vocal music teacher who had the ability to bring a group together while bringing out the best in each individual... Just know I appreciated it very much and wish you every good thing in 2010 and beyond.
OK. Here's the performance in question. The text comes from Psalm 122: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. [audio:parry-glad.mp3] (Philharmonia Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Simon Halsey)
