Voices and Virtues in Northeast
February 22, 2009
Catholic University of America
The drive from Springfield through downtown Washington to Northeast Washington was easy on a Sunday. There was ample street parking, too. The recital was held at the School of Music at the Catholic University of America. CUA, founded in 1887, is a liberal arts univeristy with graduate and professional schools and a noted music school. On the university grounds is the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (of which more is to follow). The basilica is noted as the largest church in North America.
The recital was an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternnon. My coworker, along with a sproano colleague, performed a program of lieder and arts songs on the general theme of "virtues and vices" as the first part of the joint recital. The second half opened with the Act II duet from Verdi's La Traviata and then moved into lighter fare. I rarely get to Northeast, so after the recital concluded, I walked around campus a bit. I also used this outing as an opportunity to visit the National Shrine.
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Catholic University of America
McMahon Hall, Catholic University
Mullen Library, Catholic University
Caldwell Hall, Catholic University
School of Music, Catholic Univer…
Ward Recital Hall
Visiting the National Shrine
The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a landmark in Northeast Washington. The very large Catholic church is not a cathedral or a parish church. It was begun as a center for Catholic worship in the USA--a national church--and as a shrine to Mary. Regular daily services are held.
Construction began in 1920 but was interrupted by the Great Depression and World War II. Construction resumed in 1954 and the church was completed in 1959. (The Shrine is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009.)
The architectural style is a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine influences. (Gothic architecture had already been claimed by the Episcopal Church's Washington Cathedral.) Everything is on a grand scale here and the Shrine is noted as one of the ten largest churches in the world. It is 459 ft (140 m) in length, 240 ft (73 m) wide at the transept, and the dome 108 ft (33 m) in diameter.
The interior is colorfully decorated in marble and Byzantine influenced mosaics. Dominating the ceiling of the apse is the mosaic titled Christ in Majesty. Numerous side chapels celebrate Mary in many manifestations and diverse ethnic traditions ranging from African to Vietnamese.
A cafeteria and gift shop are on the lower level as is a separate Crypt Church modeled after the Catacombs. The 329 ft (100 m) campanile houses a 56 bell carillon. Carillon recitals are given on Sunday afternoons.
Construction began in 1920 but was interrupted by the Great Depression and World War II. Construction resumed in 1954 and the church was completed in 1959. (The Shrine is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009.)
The architectural style is a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine influences. (Gothic architecture had already been claimed by the Episcopal Church's Washington Cathedral.) Everything is on a grand scale here and the Shrine is noted as one of the ten largest churches in the world. It is 459 ft (140 m) in length, 240 ft (73 m) wide at the transept, and the dome 108 ft (33 m) in diameter.
The interior is colorfully decorated in marble and Byzantine influenced mosaics. Dominating the ceiling of the apse is the mosaic titled Christ in Majesty. Numerous side chapels celebrate Mary in many manifestations and diverse ethnic traditions ranging from African to Vietnamese.
A cafeteria and gift shop are on the lower level as is a separate Crypt Church modeled after the Catacombs. The 329 ft (100 m) campanile houses a 56 bell carillon. Carillon recitals are given on Sunday afternoons.
Basilica of the National Shrine …
National Shrine of the Immaculat…
Interior mosaics, National Shrin…
Campanile of the National Shrine…
