Through a series of readings, hymns, motets and prayer, the congregation was encouraged to reflect upon the final sayings of Jesus during his crucifixion. Opening with Hosanna to the Son of David by Thomas Weelkes, Winchester College Organist from 1598-1601/2, the Chapel Choir projected the complex polyphony of this declamatory unaccompanied motet right across the nave from their position at the west door.

Christus factus est by Anton Bruckner (1824-96) was sung at the midpoint of the service from the crossing to which the choir had long since arrived during the processional hymn. For me, the most moving part of the service was Da pacem, Domine by Arvo Pärt, composed in 2004. Each part enters one after another, smoothing over the silences that Pärt introduces by separating each syllable of the text by a rest.

It is an incredibly hypnotic work and, as I listened to the treble voices punctuating the seamless texture below with their fragmented melody, I called to mind the slow, constant swinging of a pendulum; the passage of time; the passing of Christ.

Written by a Y5 parent