[Magdalen] Funeral Service at Saint Martin's, Houston.

[Marion Thompson]

I really dislike the idea of having choir behind the altar, a  total distraction, taking one’s attention from the altar.  Likewise, having a follow-the-bouncing-ball screen up front.  That just about guarantees that nobody will ever focus on the altar!  Bad enough when they don’t lift their eyes for a second from the bulletin or prayerbook.

Marion, a pilgrim.

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: cantor03--- via Magdalen
Sent: April 22, 2018 2:55 AM
To: magdalen at herberthouse.org
Cc: cantor03 at aol.com
Subject: Re: [Magdalen] Funeral Service at Saint Martin's, Houston.

The organist chose a soft, dreamy background sound for
pre-funeral, and then seemed to pull out all the stops for much
of the remaining liturgy.  That latter sound was a bit bombastic.
 
I am not enamored of the sanctuary arrangement seen
in this church, though there are plenty such set-ups
in TEC as well as other Christian denominations, Protestant
and Roman Catholic.  It's too much a "worship the organ"
for my taste.  When a lovely reredos/altar and usual Anglican
divided choir was ripped out for this arrangement in Madison
(Wisconsin) at Grace on-the-Capitol-Square,  I thought it
mutilation. This arrangement has been much beloved by
the Associated Parishes organization, who were directly
responsible for the Madison debacle.
 
If the typical Anglican divided choir with altar at the liturgical 
east wall is not wanted, then put the choir and organ in the
rear gallery, IMHO.
 
I know; I'm picky, picky, picky.
 
 
 
David S.
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 4/21/2018 10:46:55 PM Eastern Standard Time, michaudme at gmail.com writes:

 
That sound would never go over well here
(except among the Baptists maybe).
But the organ sounded dreadful, too,