• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Conques Organ Concert

billmclaughlin

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPP/Burgos 2012; Le Puy/SJPP 2013; Aumont Aubrac/Aire sur l'Adour 2014; Burgos/Santiago 2016.
I attended the evening organ concert in the abbey church in Conques on September 19 and I'm writing here just to register my dismay, shared by all the French trekkers I spoke with, at the musical selections performed. There was a variety of pop tunes, some I recognized and some not, that seemed out of character with the setting.

Mind you I have no religious quarrel, nor would most of those I spoke with. But to sandwich the traditional Gregorian chant Veni Creator Spiritus between something that made the French giggle and The House of the Rising Son?

This evening concert is an opportunity to display the organ's capabilities in an extraordinary architectural setting. There's a grand tradition of composition for the organ, and an especially grand French body of work. A kaleidoscope of moods and styles is available.

I'm puzzled that the same clerics who maintain this space and provide an entertaining exegesis of the tympanum would fail so miserably when they have a chance to provide a transcendent experience.

Is it always this bad?

Bill
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Bill, "exegesis of the tympanum" , music to my ears .... and my phrase of the week, to be woven into conversation at every opportunity, thank you. I guess you don't want to borrow my recording ? ;)
 
I attended the evening organ concert in the abbey church in Conques on September 19 and I'm writing here just to register my dismay, shared by all the French trekkers I spoke with, at the musical selections performed. There was a variety of pop tunes, some I recognized and some not, that seemed out of character with the setting.

Mind you I have no religious quarrel, nor would most of those I spoke with. But to sandwich the traditional Gregorian chant Veni Creator Spiritus between something that made the French giggle and The House of the Rising Son?

This evening concert is an opportunity to display the organ's capabilities in an extraordinary architectural setting. There's a grand tradition of composition for the organ, and an especially grand French body of work. A kaleidoscope of moods and styles is available.

I'm puzzled that the same clerics who maintain this space and provide an entertaining exegesis of the tympanum would fail so miserably when they have a chance to provide a transcendent experience.

Is it always this bad?

Bill


Bill,
We were there in May 2013 and were delighted with the musical selection and we were not alone. Many of our fellow travellers, including French Trekkers, also enjoyed the evening. I guess it comes down to personal choice.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
But you haven't said what music you heard.
 
I also enjoyed the music in May,they played everything from pop to classical........I didn't see anyone giggling , just enjoying the music & the wonderful atmosphere..........It just gets back to personal choice,especially as far as music is concerned...........:)............keep smiling.......Vicrev
 
I attended the evening organ concert in the abbey church in Conques on September 19 and I'm writing here just to register my dismay, shared by all the French trekkers I spoke with, at the musical selections performed. There was a variety of pop tunes, some I recognized and some not, that seemed out of character with the setting.

Mind you I have no religious quarrel, nor would most of those I spoke with. But to sandwich the traditional Gregorian chant Veni Creator Spiritus between something that made the French giggle and The House of the Rising Son?

This evening concert is an opportunity to display the organ's capabilities in an extraordinary architectural setting. There's a grand tradition of composition for the organ, and an especially grand French body of work. A kaleidoscope of moods and styles is available.

I'm puzzled that the same clerics who maintain this space and provide an entertaining exegesis of the tympanum would fail so miserably when they have a chance to provide a transcendent experience.

Is it always this bad?

Bill
I'm so late to this conversation it appears. We were searching last night for any discussion or video from this night in Conques. I found the evening totally different, I loved every minute of it and often speak about how a monk ended playing The House of the Rising Sun by the Animals. The tour was amazing and the discussion of the tympanum should not be missed. While I don't buy things to add weight to my pack did buy the book that explains it.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Hi @shefollowsshells ...in 2013???
You've made me smile :) I heard something similar late one evening in Conque, October 2004 -the improvisations on 'The House of the Rising Sun' made me laugh. Afterwards Frère Jean-Daniel lent me a selection of JS Bach scores and allowed me the grand piano. What a night!
 
Last edited:
I also was in Conques June 2018 and will never forget the evening of organ music in the cathedral, culminating in "The House of the Rising Sun". It gave me "unspiritual" chills and a memory I will never forget!
 

Most read last week in this forum

I am fine tuning my packing and I pre package my vitamins/supplements to take daily, which I have done for about 15 years. Do you all take them with you, or leave them home? 36 days of vitamins...
Dear fellow pilgrims! :) I hope to walk from Le Puy to Santiago later this year. I was thinking about starting at some point in august so that I manage to reach Santiago before it gets too cold...
Hey! Thinking about walking Le Puy this year. I am a solo female traveller. On my previous Camino (Spain) I stayed in municipal albergues, but this time I would like to try something...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top