Choir of the Canons at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Albi
In what is essentially a church within a cathedral, a stone screen separates the choir area from the rest of the cathedral. It is a church within a cathedral because it has its own altar which faces the opposite side of the main altar of the cathedral. I wasn’t sure why it had to be so. I could only speculate that perhaps the cathedral was just too large and that the choir would be large enough for whatever celebration needs to be done. The choir is almost surrounded by the stone screen which itself is a work of art. The screen is carved with intricate designs that would would be forgiven had they thought it was made of wood.
Detail of the Stone Screen at the Choir of the Canons at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Albi
The choir of a cathedral is obviously where the church choir sings. It is usually occupies the three sides of the room with most of the members facing each other. Although I have seen enough of these choirs in old cathedrals, I have never seen or heard them in use. The choir itself seems to be intimidating to use with the choir member seated face to face. I assume that a conductor would be in the middle instructing everyone how to proceed.
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