Tower and Town, March 2021 (view the full edition)Top Of The PopsSue Tulloh canvassed some of her friends to find out what was their top choice of sacred music. You can probably find recordings of these on the internet. What's your favourite? What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship, chosen by Jill Moss ....a reassuring rock during lockdowns - it reminds us of the awe and wonder that Jesus evokes in us when we consider all that he did for us, bringing life in all it fullness. St Matthew Passion by J.S.Bach, chosen by Gill Mackichan ....in particular the silence after the Crucifixion, followed by the centurion singing Truly this was the Son of God then more silence, before the music starts again. Psalm Prelude (for organ) by Herbert Howells chosen by Andrew Brown ....played at Choral Evensong in Ely Cathedral - the long melodic lines and impressionistic harmonies convey a beautiful sense of peace, with a central section which flows like a river. Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis, chosen by Dick Whitfield ....first heard in Winchester Cathedral - this extraordinarily moving work starts quietly and builds as voice after voice is added towards a proud and majestic climax. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation chosen by Gill Morgan ....sung in four different languages in a Norwegian stave church while on a Scandinavian cruise - a truly uplifting experience which made a lasting impression on all who were there. St Nicolas by Benjamin Britten, chosen by Mary Flecker ....in particular the seventh movement, 'Nicolas and the Pickled Boys', with its transition from appalling tragedy to euphoric triumph and Britten's genius in describing it. Vespers of 1610 by Monteverdi, chosen by Robin Nelson ....in particular the opening Deus in adjutorium - the bold almost operatic nature of some of the music, its enormous energy, opulence and vitality make it irresistible! Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship, chosen by Louise Seddon ....the words remind us that our hope is in Jesus, and that He alone is the cornerstone for our faith - in these difficult times, that hope is a real comfort. Lobet den Herrn by J.S.Bach, chosen by Amanda Brown ....a sublime seven minutes of exuberant praise! - a setting of Psalm 117, thanking God for his generous love, and a perfect antidote to the current climate. L'Enfance du Christ by Berlioz, chosen by Jane Nicholson ....The Shepherds' Farewell - first heard at Christmas in Bucharest soon after the birth of my son, reminding me of celebrating the birth of Christ in a glittering, frozen Romania. The Lord Bless You and Keep You by John Rutter chosen by Pat Cutforth ....deeply important to our family, as it was sung at the weddings of our three children - the final words, And give you peace, are extremely comforting in sad as well as happy times. Sue Tulloh |