Well, well; there was an electrifying ensemble sound to the Cecilian Choir’s rehearsal this afternoon. I can’t quite identify a specific reason for this; partly, perhaps, a growing familiarity with the repertoire we are learning, or a more comfortable social feeling developing as the choir gets used to singing together. I had set the choral seating slightly further back, in the position in which they will be singing on the night behind the orchestra – so perhaps there was an acoustical difference.

Whatever the reason, the sound was completely different; much more vibrant, the unity of ensemble was much improved, the singing was much more positive. I’m going to set the chairs in exactly the same place next week, too, to see if the sound continues to improve. The choruses for part One of Handel’s Messiah were in sparkling form; now we just have to make sure that we deliver in the same manner in the concert in three weeks’ time…!