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| Sunday, 1 January 2006 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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A festival
of carols and nine lessons
by Caryl Nugara A solemn and beautiful evening A festival of Carols and Nine Lessons' was presented by the choir of Christ Church, Mt. Lavinia on December 18, 2005 and it was conducted by the choir master/organist Asitha Tennakoon. That he is a virtuoso was expressed in his technique and by the selection of appropriate hymns and Christmas melodies. Decorations within the church were traditional. Pews were decked with green, red and white net drapes, each festooned with a large, red candle resting on an arrangement of poinsettia, mistletoe and silvery cones on a little greenery. Wreaths on the wall glittered with Christmas bells, red and green adornments and red ribbon bows. The alter echoed the same ideas. The processional hymn Advent of our Lord was rendered by the choristers as they walked down the aisle. Nuances of voices brought out joyfully the advent of the everlasting Son who scorned not a Virgin's womb Night Stars Shine: A melody sung in Sinhala was taken up in triumphant mood and the Tamil choir presented 'A Sacrificial offering and Righteous King' with the persuasive sounds of the oriental tabla, cymbals and violin. Sweet Bells of Bethlehem harmonised only by the choir was an outstanding and melodious rendition with voices that drifted high and joyfully on the last line Jubi jubilate on this blessed day: The varying notes were taken up at the end of each verse and magnified by the combination of soprano, tenor, alto and bass. Gentle Mary. Humble Mary had different piano intonations and the voices were quite in staccato. 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' was a sheer delight and the singers skilfully conveyed the happy message in expression and variation. The chanting of Noel Noel was soft and mellow, loud and merry as well. The forlornness of In the Bleak Mid -Winter was a moving performance with humming voices interspersed. Hark the Herald and 'To the Comes' reverberated in joyous crescendo. The final blessing 'Go in Peace'given by Dr. Perry Brohier was imparted in the form of a melody as we knelt down. Then the girls walked down the aisle carrying baskets of candles which were lit and distributed to each one. Church lights were dimmed and the notes of that endearing hymn filled me with rapture and evoked the loveliness of Christmas. Santa too had found his way at the end of it all dancing in the garden amidst the trees glittering with coloured bulbs. The Festival was appealing and penetrative with its visions of Christmas-tide imparted to the congregation. |
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