I have just heard two hours of chorale music. Gorgeous chorale music.  'Tis the season, and all that, but what can I say? I love good music.

First hour was with the St Olaf chorale and orchestra. St Olaf College is in Northfield, Minnesota, and has long been known for its superior music education.  There are five different chorale groups, plus the orchestra.  Some of the songs were presented by the full choir, and some were given by one of the individual choirs.  Each choir was robed in its distinguishing color. 

The orchestra had all the bells and whistles you can imagine an orchestra would have.

And the voices.  Glorious.  All young.

The organist was featured one number, very nicely done on a 3-manual organ. Couldn't see the name plate, so don't ask.

And, of course, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It's been around so long, I don't remember it never being around.  They sang some standards, and some I've never heard before.  The program was varied.  That organist, too, was featured one number, but that organ has five ranks, and buttons and levers all over the place.  I should know the maker of that organ, it's world famous, but it escapes me now.

I couldn't help noticing the difference in the appearance of the men of the two choirs.  The men of St Olaf's, being a college boys, had such a variety of hair styles, beards, and no beards.  The Mormon men had nary a beard, and the hair was neatly cut.  Not so much as a long sideburn.

But did it make any difference in the quality of their voices?  Not so's you could notice.    Oh...and no hysterical audience, and no commercials.  Perfect!

And now I'm going to bed.  No girl-child charges tomorrow, and if I don't manage to sleep in, there's something seriously wrong with me!!!!


Bless