Westminster singing

Yesterday Westminster Choir performed the Brahms Requiem in this basilica in Newark, N. J. Basilica means church. I sang this piece, too, at Westminster about 1974. The program notes state that the first performance in Vienna in 1867 became a shouting match of boos and cheers. That kind of public input makes me think of the Beatles coming out with "Lonely Hearts Club" in 1967. Some people wanted them to stay with the simple love songs they started with. Anyway, this building looks like it's here to stay. There's reason to love it and reason to question it serving as a location for worship. The acoustics were great and I loved it.

what I do--Sunday

So, vocal ensemble on Saturday. Early next morning it's off to Souderton, Penna., to play a service at Zion Mennonite Church--with Felix Hell, the 22-year-old German wunderkind, in the audience. He played Bach Toccatta and Fugue in D minor for the offertory and also played the postlude. http://felix-hell.com/

His photo on his web is way out of date. His hair is down to his shoulders.

Was my hymn playing too loud? I asked him. He didn't think so. You have a large space to fill up, he said.

At 4 p.m. he played a professional concert. Of technique he has no shortage.

Afterwards I told him it was electricty and light. He was pleased