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Immanuel's Ground is a Quire based in Warwick, was formed in the Autumn of 2001, and draws members from the "Heart of England", which, generally speaking is Oxfordshire, Northants, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. As a costumed quire, we sing music from the West Gallery period, ie roughly between 1725 and 1850, this including not only the sacred music sung in rural parish churches, so well recorded by Thomas Hardy in "Under the Greenwood Tree", but also secular part-songs, glees and catches, and the popular music of the period, with especial emphasis on local composers and musicians. This is accompanied by a small number of instruments such as would have been found in any village band of that time. The other part of our repertoire comes from a parallel and living singing tradition in America, and especially New England, that of shapenote music, with its exciting and sometimes unexpected harmonies, kept alive since the time of the settlers, and with new compositions being written today. We take part in concerts, church services (usually a
form of evening service), carols - concerts, services and pub sessions -
and are happy to share the music with local
choirs by workshops and other participatory events, either on their own or
as a prelude to a shared service. Local historical material is included
wherever possible. |
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When Musick's notes with steps
already move Thro' virtues paths, and breathe with heav'nly love; The rapt''rous mind from earthly mansions flies, And soars aloft above the starry skies. |
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Webmaster: Edwin Macadam, Shelwin, 30 Eynsham Road, Botley, Oxford,
OX2 9BP |
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