CTCC Document Archive
Articles
The articles are published in an easy-to-print format and you can continue from one article straight to the next
Where late the sweet birds sang
With the publication of this article in 1995, Bernard Haunch opened up a debate on the new girls' cathedral choirs. No longer would it be possible to sweep under the carpet the problematic issues they raised. Rather than a progressive step forward, he points out, these ill-thought-out ventures spell grave dangers for the future of the ancient choral tradition.
Ichabod: The glory is departed
The late Dr Bernarr Rainbow reflects on upheavals in Anglican church music and unexpected developments in France.
I fear I saw a new Jerusalem
The Millennium Service at St Paul's featured rows of schoolchildren singing "upbeat" songs while the cathedral choir could only sit and watch, twiddling their thumbs. Peter Giles looks at another occasion where the girls heavily outnumbered the boys, and examines the tricky role of boys in the now girl-dominated "children's choirs"
Laudate pueri
Edward Higginbottom of New College, Oxford, and Bernarr Rainbow, the Campaign's first President, take issue with remarks of Peter Phillips of the Tallis Scholars who had cast slights on the singing ability of boy choristers.
Dischord in the choir
These days, cathedral closes reverberate to more than the sweet sound of heavenly voices; the advent of girl choristers has unleashed a chorus of opposition. John Cunningham of 'The Guardian' hears both sides of the argument.
Our Unique Choral Heritage
Hugh Curtis, a choirmaster with many years of practical experience behind him and with insight gained from that experience, makes a passionate plea for keeping to tradition.
Say not the struggle!
Cathedral music has never been a given that could be allowed to look after itself. There have always been threats to it. Today is no different. In this article, Bernard Haunch spells out why he believes those who treasure this precious heritage must not give way to despondency but work actively to ensure its survival and well-being.
Psalm 49 - This is the way of them – this is their foolishness
Peter Giles has spent a professional lifetime in cathedral and church choirs. The step-by-step disappearance of the choirboy he describes here is what he has witnessed on countless occasions. This article can be usefully read in conjunction with the articles on the Research page by Dr Arthur Saunders.
The Winchester Issue
A series of articles and extracts discussing the high-profile launch of a girls' choir at Winchester Cathedral.
The Winchester Debut
The Campaign's position.
In Tune With The Times
An extract from TIME Magazine.
Traditionalists Dismayed
An extract from Music Teacher.
Choirs in the Media
A round-up of news relating to cathedral choirs.