Saturday, April 8, 2023

Serenity Found In The Rideau Chapel

 To start today, another look at the garden courtyard in the National Gallery.


Adjoining the courtyard is the Rideau Chapel. The Convent Of Our Lady Of The Sacred Heart once stood downtown, but was torn down in the 1970s. The chapel was relocated to the heart of the National Gallery, where the space itself is a work of art. 


Within the chapel is The Forty Part Motet, a sculpture of sound with forty speakers spread out in a circle. Janet Cardiff devised the concept, using 16th century music and a choir. You can feel the music when you're in the midst of it. Hard to explain, but it works. And in this space, the combination makes for a very peaceful effect. Have a look at her talking about the work here.


The room is astonishingly beautiful.

42 comments:

  1. Hello,
    I love the courtyard and the chapel. The chapel ceiling is lovely. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

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  2. Well, you know that bit about music having the power to soothe the savage breast, so it's no surprise that you can "feel" it.

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  3. It’s a fine experience. We have taken guests to the NG mainly for that reason.

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  4. ...serenity is a welcomed thing these days.

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  5. That is so beautiful to see, William.

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  6. Wonderful captures of the beautiful interiors.

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  7. It is a grand space yet looks calm.

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  8. Truly a place of serenity ~ lovely photos ~

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  9. What an amazing and beautiful chapel.

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  10. What a strange ceiling in this church !

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  11. Fabulous photos of this stunning chapel. Those ceilings are amazing!

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  12. Estas imagens são um verdadeiro espetáculo
    Que nesta Páscoa você possa sentir a presença de Deus em cada momento e renovar sua fé e esperança.
    Uma feliz e abençoada páscoa
    Um abraço

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  13. The garden is so inviting. The ceiling is amazing.

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  14. "Astonishingly beautiful" is an understatement. I don't have the vocabulary of superlatives large enough to describe this place.

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