Because I lived in England when I was little, because I know all the verses of God Save the Queen, because I believe in the healing properties of good cuppa of tea, because I am still as much of a romantic as I was when I thought Paul McCartney would realize any minute that he was The One For Me...
Because I think that "holy matrimony...is an honorable estate"...
Because I have seen and sung a lot of weddings, and mourned for how the ceremonies sometimes fail...
Because of all this, I watched the Royal Wedding. It was beautiful, stately, and joyous.
Now, I know a lot of married folks (and have been one myself), and not one of us has had a wedding like this one. That's allright. What's not allright is that some people, though they love each other deeply, and though they show tremendous commitment to the relationship, aren't allowed to marry in royal or in any other fashion.
Love, long love, requires all you have in you. I believe that every couple - and by couple I mean two people - who have courage enough to pledge to live the rest of their lives for, and with, each other should be allowed to do so with the full blessings of church and state. My church, the Episcopal Church, is walking prayerfully and purposefully toward that goal, for which I give thanks to God.
The most glorious music in the ceremony was Paul Mealor's exquisite setting of Ubi Caritas et Amor, and here it is, as sung during the wedding. The clip is in stereo. Be patient, and let it load all the way before you listen. It is well worth the wait.
Here is a link to the tape of the whole event without any of the distracting/annoying/sometimes inaccurate commentary, which you will not miss, as I am also linking to the official programme.
Lovely comment, I don't think anyone could follow your comment.
Posted by: Vince Madden | April 30, 2011 at 07:10 PM
Thank you, Laurel! All I have to say is thank you.
Posted by: Justin Ritchie | April 30, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Laurel, we would also love to know what you thought of the original piece that John Rutter wrote for the occasion: This Is The Day Which The Lord Has Made (sung by that same sublime boys' and men"s choir). The piece seems destined to become a classic, not only as a wedding hymn but also as a Christmas carol, in much the same manner as Benjamin's Britten's There Is No Rose. Some have criticized Rutter as being not sufficiently "serious" as a composer but that seems more a criticism of his unique harmonies, inspired by the Broadway of the first half of the Twentieth Century. In other words, "too popular". But those of us who first fell in love with the Manhattan Transfer, and who have followed your solo career ever since, hear the easy beauty of such qualities and are captivated by such natural songs.
Posted by: Nicholas Vastis | April 30, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Miss Masse, many of us would also love to know what you thought of the original piece that John Rutter wrote for the occasion: This Is The Day Which The Lord Has Made (sung by that same exquisite boys' and men's choir). It seems destined to become a classic, not only as a wedding hymn but also as a Christmas carol, in much the same way as Benjamin Britten's There Is No Rose. Some have dismissed Rutter as being insufficiently "serious" as a composer but that seems more a criticism of his unique harmonies, inspired as they are by the Broadway of the first half of the Twentieth Century. In other words, "too popular". But those of us who first fell in love with the Manhattan Transfer, and who have followed your solo career ever since, hear the easy beauty of such qualities and are moved by such a natural song. Also, because you express your faith so compellingly in your blog, your insights into the spiritual qualities of this music would be appreciated.
Posted by: Nicholas Vastis | April 30, 2011 at 09:27 PM
I appreciate your comments so much, Laurel. I belong to a UCC (United Church of Christ) congregation in Minneapolis, and we've been open and affirming for years. It's good to see that other denominations are having these important discussions.
Also thank you for sharing that stunning song. It's utterly gorgeous.
Posted by: Jean Anderson | April 30, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Yes, I have heard a couple of prominent church musicians (music directors and choral conductors) make disparaging remarks about Rutter. But I have also heard them speak very patronizingly of jazz (while neither understanding it, nor being able to do it), so I don't give any credence to their Rutter reviews.
I will listen more deeply to the piece you've asked about, and will answer your question later in the week.
Thank you so much for starting that conversation!
Blessings, Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Massé | May 01, 2011 at 09:52 AM