If you're a fan of the 1975 BBC production Poldark, you'll remember hearing the city name, Truro, mentioned often. Indeed, even the horse-drawn late 18th century cab-carriages have Truro painted in bright red on the side.
Today, Truro is a thriving city in Cornwall, England, proud of its beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral, dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary, built between 1890 and 1910. The cathedral website presents a vibrant parish with plans to secure their communal life and splendid building into the future. Here is a video of their boys choir singing the lovely Benediction hymn, Soul Of My Savior.
The lyrics are an adaptation of the 14th century Latin prayer, Anima Christi. The tune was composed by the Jesuit priest, William J. Maher (1823-1877).
Nation and Church need some cheering up these days. Click on the choir above; listen and look. Maybe then again, with eyes closed, just listening.
The final verse is sung with a descant: an independent treble melody usually sung or played above a basic melody. I'd sum that up more simply—a descant is all engines go - blast off!
