- Diana Princess of Wales 19611997 The BBC Recording of the Funeral Service (19 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Please Bring This CD Back Into Print!

Paul W. Patterson, Jr. | Evanston, Illinois United States | 12/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The end is chillingly beautiful!! Over the sounds of the Coldstream Guards pallbearers' feet, the choir sings John Taverner's "Alleluia" live in the most gripping version ever. Then, there is a pause which seems endless. Suddenly, the great bells of Westminster Abbey erupt with a heart-wrenching, echoing antiphony of distinctly English change-ringing which eventually fades away forever, just like the lost Princess."

A must have for your collection

A. Burchfield | Conway, Missouri USA | 08/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Many of us got up early to watch the funeral on TV, most have also seen it innumerable times in television programs and videos. For your money you get a live recording of the funeral services which means that there will be sounds that were not filtered out as a studio recording would be. An example of this is Elton John's performance of "Candle in the Wind", several times you can tell that his mouth got very close to the microphone.The jewel case booklet appears to be a miniature of the funeral program with additional explanatory notes inserted at the appropriate times"

Thoughtful

A. Burchfield | 06/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The funeral service of one of the most well-known members of the Royal Family brought this nation together like no other event. How thoughtful it was of the BBC to record the ceremony, at which the music was brilliantly performed and the readings were so heartfelt. I strongly suspect that of all the music, the two tracks that will live for ever in everyone's minds will be Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" and John Tavener's "Song for Athene", both of which were fitting tributes and added something to the ceremony that nothing else could. Other highlights for me include the Purcell "Funeral Sentences", Tony Blair's reading of the lesson, "Though I speak with the tongues of men" and the courageous tribute by Earl Spencer, worthy of the applause it received. This is a disc of precious memories so touchingly and magnificently preserved. Even so, there are those who I am sure may find it too heartbreaking to purchase- I will admit to being one of them."

May she rest in peace...

FrKurt Messick | Bloomington, IN USA | 04/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prior to the recent death of Pope John Paul II, the funeral service of Diana, Princess of Wales stands out in recent history as one of the most dramatic, most watched, and most awe-inspiring in majesty and scope. Perhaps the tragedy that surrounded her death made the event even more poignant. Taking place at Westminster Abbey, the Funeral Service followed a fairly standard Anglican pattern of liturgy, but had certain additions and flairs that befit the style of life of the Princess.

The readings on this recording are preserved; this is not simply the music from the service, but includes the tribute readings done by Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes, and Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as the somewhat shocking statement read out by her brother, the Earl Spencer, who said much in emotional tenor that people felt but were afraid to say.

The music includes some hymns and service music pieces that are familiar and favourites of Diana. These include pieces by well-known composers such as Holst and Verdi, as well as a prelude by William Harris, the National Anthem (God Save the Queen), and the stunning 'Alleluia' at the end by John Tavener, modern composer from the Orthodox tradition, whose haunting strains cast a tone of reverence and mystery over the entire proceeding. Perhaps the more bizarre (but not entirely inappropriate) piece was a modification of the song, 'Candle in the Wind', performed by Elton John in honour of Diana.

In some ways, it feels as if the funeral were conducted only yesterday, and in other ways, that it is a lifetime ago. Not even ten years have passed since the funeral on Saturday, the 6th of September, 1997. The world is a different place, but Diana's image remains a strong one in the minds of all who knew her, and of most who knew of her. This album is a loving tribute, and a great remembrance.

I dedicate this review to Bob Zeidler, fellow Amazon reviewer. May he also rest in peace.

"

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