Saturday, January 23, 2016

A Chapel In The Gallery

This is one of the great delights of the National Gallery, and a work of art in and of itself. Rideau Street Convent Chapel once stood in a downtown convent here in the city. While the convent was demolished, the Chapel was saved and reconstructed here in the National Gallery. It is a beautiful space inside, and there was an additional element- forty or so speakers set up around the room, with the recording of a choir singing religious music. Standing by one would let you hear the individual singer over the rest of the choir, while the centre of the room offered the unanimous sound of the choir. The overall effect was very soothing, almost like immersing in the music itself. I had considered a video recording, but the Gallery's relaxation of rules about photography do not extend to video. Trust me, the acoustics in this room are exquisite.

44 comments:

  1. I like the ceiling of that chapel, very interesting.

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  2. That first photo is breathtaking. They all look so peaceful. And the people inside appear to be at peace. Good way to start the day!


    Janis
    GDP

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  3. @Linda: it really is.

    @Tomas: indeed!

    @Revrunner: definitely!

    @Marianne: it has always been so to me.

    @Janis: it was a very peaceful feeling.

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  4. How amazing that they were able to reconstruct the chapel in the museum William, this would be worth a visit all of it's own. I can just imagine how wonderful the choir sounds. Super experience.

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  5. Wonderful building, I specially like that ceiling. great that it's been conserved this way. In combination with the music it must have been a very nice visit.

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  6. Everything is beautiful here, but that ceiling is spectacular!

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  7. @Grace: it's quite an experience. It feels very peaceful in there.

    @Jan: it was!

    @Marleen: definitely. Saving this was a great idea.

    @VP: it really is!

    @Nancy: I figured people would like it.

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  8. Que templo suntuoso e lindíssimo
    Uma linda semana William
    Um abraço

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  9. It's amazing that they reconstructed the building. The sound system could keep you going all day.

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  10. I really like that interesting ceiling.

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  11. Simply stunning! That ceiling alone is gorgeous. That must be quite an experience.

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  12. It is a very special place...everything is a delight to the eyes. Would love to hear the music. And your photos are superb!

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  13. Beautiful place and the ceiling is lovely.

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  14. The ceiling is amazing! Someone made a fabulous decision when they saved the chapel. Thanks for showing this, William.

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  15. Very beautiful, and such an unusual ceiling.

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  16. @Gracita: thank you!

    @Red: it really could, at that.

    @Stuart: the chapel was well worth saving. I wonder where they put it- if it was in the original Gallery; this one dates from the 80s, while the convent was torn down in the 70s.

    @Sharon: it certainly is.

    @Lowell: it is a delight!

    @Carolann: it really is.

    @RedPat: it was a very good decision.

    @Linda: I enjoy being in here every time I visit the Gallery.

    @Bill: very much so.

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  17. William, the ceiling is simply dazzling. And, with the sounds of sacred music? That qualifies for "Wow!"

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  18. just amazing. i would say my favorite part is the ceiling. very cool. ( :

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  19. That's fantastic William, great that sense prevailed on this occasion and that it was not demolished with the rest of the building...

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  20. What a beautiful ceiling. I love the pattern.

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  21. Smart to save such a treasure! Convent in the midst of the city reminds me of a powerful piece I read decades ago and never forgot. Perhaps you will find it eloquent too, William:

    http://cloisters.tripod.com/towerhermits/id10.html

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  22. @Jack: it is one of those occasions when sound becomes art.

    @Birgitta: thank you!

    @Beth: it is very distinctive.

    @Geoff: saving this was worthwhile.

    @Susan: so do I.

    @Cloudia: I shall check it out.

    @Mari: it is!

    @Gill: I agree.

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  23. The ceiling alone is worth the visit. Add music and it must be sublime. What a wonderful place!

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  24. Beautiful, I also like in particular the roof.

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  25. Something different...and a unique ceiling!

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  26. If the music is a Gregorian Chant, it must be a work by George Bures Miller and Janet Cardiff. I knew it in another place and it's A M A Z I N G! Your experience must be even better because I heard it in a white museum room.

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  27. There's a short video in their site: http://www.cardiffmiller.com/artworks/inst/motet_video.html and photos, including the National gallery of Canada

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  28. @Kay: it really is.

    @Orvokki: it is popular!

    @Norma: very unique!

    @EG: it is.

    @Luiz: yes, that's it- the moment I saw Janet Cardiff's name, it came right back to me.

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  29. Wow! Spectacular chapel and look at that ceiling!

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  30. @Beatrice: that it is.

    @Linda: it's a grand space.

    @Bill: that it is.

    @Jennifer: it's a beautiful spot.

    @Jenny: I enjoy each time I'm in there.

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