LP XXVI--Central Methodist, Music, Plays

I apologize for my blogging delinquency. When Clairissa and Joel arrived, we took an out of town trip and had a great but exhausting experience. Upon our return to London, I realized I was behind on grading and class preparation. I think things are back to normal (whatever that means) and I can get back on my regimen of essays about London.

In a short period of time, the three Tuckers (Rob, Clairissa, and Joel) have enjoyed Lion King, the London Philharmonic, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, a play, and lots of great food. Sunday morning we walked to Russell Square station, grabbed the Piccadilly line, changed to the Westminster line at Green Park and walked to Methodist Central Hall Westminster. Completed in 1911 as a way to honor the centenary of Charles Wesley's death, Methodist Central Hall is a large, beautiful church located across from Westminster Abbey. Walking upstairs to Central Hall we were stunned by the beautiful sanctuary that included a large pipe organ, carpet on the floor, free standing soft chairs, screens, and a bold sound system.


Immediately predicting a type of informal, social-oriented service with a nice juxtapositioning of old and new, we sat down near the back. The hour and half long service included a lengthy baptism, a long series of announcements, extended private and public prayers, and a mixture of hymns and choruses. My favorite moment occurred at the end of the service when we sang All Hail the Power with the grand pipe organ. In the middle we sang How Great Is Our God with an excellent guitar player/singer. The hyper-talent of the pianist/organist was demonstrated in his piano improvisations and his unparalleled organ playing. We later learned it was his last Sunday before going on the road playing and leading Phantom of the Opera. The warm, caring message matched the informal and rather emotion-based music.

Following the service and a nice traditional carvery of roast beef, we walked to Southbank to hear the London Philharmonic perform Hindemith, Sibelius Violin Concerto, and Rachmaninoff Dance Suite. With the Sibelius being one of my favorite works in all art music repertoire, I was entranced with the performance. Wonderful playing by the orchestra with the marvelous soloist taking center stage. In spite of my trained, critical ear, I was unable to find any mistakes in the virtually flawless performance. In addition, we had the fortune to sit behind the orchestra where we experienced the facial expressions and body language of the remarkable conductor. Great concert in all respects.

Last night we left Joel in the room and went with the group to a play called "Tis a Pity She's a W....". Published in 1633, this moral tragedy has been steeped in controversy since its first publication. The uncomfortable subject matter deals with the tragic results of incest and promiscuity. This particular performance retained the original language of the play but included contemporary music and visual idioms. We were treated to great acting, drama, sets, lighting, and sound but also exposed to rather graphic violence near the end and some suggestive scenes of inappropriate relationships. We left artistically and morally convinced, if we were not already, that incest has no place in society nor in God's plan! Maybe that is yet another role of art, to remind us of the potential darkness and results of human foibles and sins.

Today will be a quick journey to Buckingham Palace, Southbanke to get some tickets for a concert, and a trip to an art museum. Tonight we experience another rock concert and tomorrow we visit the house where George Frederick Handel lived when he composed Messiah. London is a wonderful place to be and made even better with my family by my side.