12 May 2024: Oxford - A City of Colleges and Churches
Around Oxford with a Don
The weather was excellent. The excitement was high. We set off early to Paddington Station to catch the train to Oxford.
We met up with Josh Getzler, an ex-student of mine, who had agreed to show us around. We were also going to play some duets in one of the college chapels. I am always keen to try out new acoustics.
As an Oxford law don, Josh was able to talk our way in to some colleges usually denied to tourists.
We also had tickets for a chamber music concert at the historic Hollywell Music Room at 3:00pm, followed by a 6:00pm Evensong at Magdalen College.
A big day out.
Paddington at Paddington
Paddington Bear on his way from Peru to London. The tag says: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”
How the magic happens.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
This is the main church of the University of Oxford and is one of the oldest buildings associated with it. This view is from Radcliffe Square.
Notable features are the prominent spire and the façade.
Because of its age, it displays a mixture of styles from different periods. Its Gothic elements, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, stained glass windows, and vertical emphasis, make it a significant representation of the style.
The church is notable for its beautiful stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings.
I love the tall arches.
Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera (Latin for ‘room’ or ‘chamber’) is the reading room of the Bodleian Library. It was designed by James Gibbs and completed in 1749.
It is renowned for its circular design and impressive dome.
A hero shot if ever there was one.
Bodleian Library Complex
On the left is the Radcliffe Camera and on the right is the Bodleian Library complex.
The main gate of the Bodleian Library.
The Tower of the Five Orders located in the Old School Quadrangle of the Bodleian Library complex.
William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke. Patron of the arts and supporter of Oxford University. He was Chancellor of the University from 1617 to 1630.
Classic beard and moustache.
Exeter College
Exeter College was founded in 1314. It’s only the fourth oldest college!
The architecture of the Front Quad, with its crenellated parapets, stone mullioned windows, and the symmetrical layout, is typical of many Oxford colleges.
Merton College
The chapel of Merton College (founded in 1264). More superb Gothic architecture.
New College
New College was founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham. It was ‘new’ then compared to the even older other colleges.
The cloister of New College. The roof, with its exposed wooden beams arranged in a pointed arch pattern, is typical of Gothic architecture. It is similar to those found in the naves of churches.
Fun fact: nave comes from the Latin navis meaning ship (hence navy).
As you can see in the photo, the roof resembles an upside down keel of a ship. The ship was a common metaphor for the church, representing the church as a vessel carrying the faithful through the turbulent seas of life.
Medieval Gothic-style window in the cloister.
The cloister from the outside with the New College Bell Tower above.
The Gargoyles of New College
Just a small selection.
Christ Church Meadow
Looking from the Meadow Building of Christ Church College across the Christ Church Meadow.
The building in the background with the prominent tower is Magdalen College’s Great Tower. We ended the day there at an Evensong in the Magdalen College Chapel.
Christ Church Cathedral
At 11:00am Cathy went to Christ Church for a Sunday church service. Josh and I headed over to Corpus Christi Chapel to play some duets.
The tower of Christ Church Cathedral.
Are we ready to play? You betcha!
Corpus Christi College
The archway into Corpus Christi College founded in 1517. Such elaborate stonework.
The main quad of Corpus Christi College.
The Pelican Sundial erected in 1581. The pelican is the college’s symbol.
Fun fact: the pelican symbolises self-sacrifice and the Passion of Jesus. This originates from an ancient legend that, in times of famine, a mother pelican will pierce her own breast to feed her young with her blood, sacrificing herself to save them.
You can see the pelican doing just that.
Corpus Christi Chapel
It was a real treat to be able to play in this lovely chapel. Once I started playing any jet lag issues seemed to melt away.
The chapel is quite small but the acoustic is warm and resonant and not too boomy. I’d love to be able to record in there!
Josh and I had a great time playing duets by Michel de la Barre and Michel Blavet.
Telemann Fantasia recorded in Corpus Christi Chapel
To give you an idea of the acoustic, here is an unedited warts and all recording of me playing some of the Telemann Fantasia in A minor. I used the Voice Memos app on my phone but the quality is surprisingly good.
Absolutely gorgeous. Notice the ceiling of the nave and the floor.
This was a very inspiring space to play in. The acoustic is warm and resonant.
I felt underdressed.
Cathy joined us after the service at Christ Church Cathedral and was able to take some photos of the two of us together.
Ladies and Gentlemen. Corpus Christi Chapel accompanied by Greg Dikmans and Josh Getzler.
Late Lunch in the Covered Market
Garlic bread, pizza and beer!
Hollywell Music Room
Hollywell Music Room has a lovely acoustic. It was completed in 1748 and was one of the first buildings in Europe designed specifically for musical performances.
The concert was put on by the Oxford Chamber Music Society formed in 1897.
The program presented music by Grieg (Lyric Pieces for solo piano), Clara Schumann (Romances for violin and piano), Robert Schumann (Six Canonic Etudes for piano trio) and Brahms (Quartet for piano and strings).
Not really my cup of tea, but I did enjoy the solo piano pieces by Grieg.
Magdalen College Chapel
Evensong at 6:00pm. We feel so lucky to have heard another wonderful performance of church music in an absolutely beautiful setting.
Fun fact: ‘Magdalen’ is pronounce like ‘maudlin’. In Middle English her name was often written as ‘Maudelayne’ or ‘Maudelyn’. After the Great Vowel Shift (15th to 18th centuries) the older pronunciation was retained.
Magdalen College was founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete.
Photography was not permitted in the chapel, so here is an image from the internet.
There are 3 banks of choir stalls on each side. The choir occupied the two central banks facing each other.
The music included excellent works by 16th- and 17th-century English composers, but the highlight for me was the Magnificat by Arvo Pärt (b. 1935).
“Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed” for I have heard this music in this place.
The Magdalen College School Tower. So cute.
The school was founded in 1480 and is one of the leading independent schools in the UK.
Stay tuned for more adventures on our European Odyssey!