The Daily Telegraph

Solo survivor

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SIR – Melanie Mcdonagh (Comment, October 3) wonders if there is anything more terrifying than singing solo the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City at King’s.

I had that particular duty in the York Minster service of Nine Lessons and Carols in 1949, which was broadcast. If my distant experience is any guide, solo choristers are proud to have been chosen. They are aware that the success of the hymn, sung as the candlelit procession moves into the nave, depends on their ability to hold the right pitch – confirmed when the organ joins in. They are given the job because they can do it, and the task of fulfilling that responsibi­lity does not leave room for terror. It is, rather, an early lesson in profession­alism.

Mine took place under the distinguis­hed choirmaste­r and organist Dr Francis Jackson, who was 100 this week. He inculcated a love and understand­ing of music that has lasted a lifetime. As a churchward­en, I still give those carols and hymns my best, such as it is. Ian Morton

Highworth, Wiltshire

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