While on holiday last week, I found myself in the Chapter House of Worcester Cathedral. Just walking [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/pKBS4c0KQJg" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] into this circular, stone room it was clear that the acoustic was magnificent – as was the silence. My guitar and Zoom H2 recorder were just across the road in the multi-storey car park, and before long, I was making enquiries about the possibility of making a recording. The cathedral staff, Susan Macleod in particular, were very friendly and accommodating.

These are not magnificent performances by any means (I hadn’t exactly been shaping up for a performance of any sort) but I couldn’t resist playing in this room and was grateful to have the opportunity to be able to direct pupils to an example of the difference that acoustics can make to the feel of a performance.

Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 BWV 1007 (J. S. Bach) cello-prelude

Now Westlin’ Winds (Burns arr Coady) now-westlin-winds

For Michael (Coady) for-michael

Three Jigs:(Coady) three-jigs

1. Hamish Henderson

2. Dick Gaughan

3. Jimmy Johnstone

 I also messed around with a few notes (and spaces) just to play with the echo: playing-with-chapter-house-echo