Welcome to Gnu tube
This site is the home to much of the Gnu’s musical output and is being built up as a record of Berj’s body of work and in recognition of the scores of people from Christ Church Clifton that contributed their time and talent over the years.
Launched in April 2017 with the content of three “early” albums – Out Of Nowhere, House On The Rock and Rough and Steep – it has since had For All He Gives Us and three volumes of Psalms and Songs added. Other items include the 1989 recording of Candlelit Christmas Carols along with 1993’s All About The Courtly Stable. The Gnu has recently spread his hooves into the realms of orchestral compositions, performed by the LA Philharmonic DLH Orchestra. All of these albums can be found on the Menu along with some Bonus Tracks, new Arrangements and the Gnu’s latest musings in his Blog.
If you are lucky enough to be blessed with fingers rather than cloven hooves you may wish to get in touch with the Gnu via the contact page, alternatively, your Comments are most welcome and provide great encouragement!
The Gnu has his own virtual vestibule on facebook where he provides parish notices and information about occasional updates to the site or his blogs. The most recent posts are displayed below:
The Gnu
The outward and visible manifestation of The Singers and Musicians of Christ Church Clifton from the 1980s and 90s. Recordings are now available at www.gnu-tube.com
On 20th May we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the commencement of the Council of Nicea. Over 300 bishops participated in the First Council (there was a second, 462 years later) which ran from May through July 325 A.D. in what is now the Turkish city of Iznik.
The result was the Nicene Creed, which, among other things, established the divine nature of Jesus. It also set the official date of Easter and established some early precepts of canon law including practical determinations for handling repentant sinners (and recalcitrant bishops).
In his blog, published on Mayday, at http://tiny.cc/n57k001, The Gnu addresses issues of entanglements that may arise from the act of maypole dancing and the need for repentance that may follow. Whilst warning of the dangers of engaging in such mediaeval jollity, he would endorse observance of the clause in the Nicene Creed as expressed in his recording of Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day “Then was I born of a virgin pure, / Of her I took fleshly substance / Thus was I knit to man’s nature” at http://tiny.cc/l57k001
The result was the Nicene Creed, which, among other things, established the divine nature of Jesus. It also set the official date of Easter and established some early precepts of canon law including practical determinations for handling repentant sinners (and recalcitrant bishops).
In his blog, published on Mayday, at http://tiny.cc/n57k001, The Gnu addresses issues of entanglements that may arise from the act of maypole dancing and the need for repentance that may follow. Whilst warning of the dangers of engaging in such mediaeval jollity, he would endorse observance of the clause in the Nicene Creed as expressed in his recording of Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day “Then was I born of a virgin pure, / Of her I took fleshly substance / Thus was I knit to man’s nature” at http://tiny.cc/l57k001
Lazarus Saturday is the day before Palm Sunday when traditionally, hermits would leave their retreats in the wilderness to return to the monastery for the Holy Week services. It celebrates Jesus’ raising of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, from the dead. After Lazarus had died, Jesus came to Bethany. Martha, upon being told that he was approaching, went out to meet him, while Mary remained in the house until he sent for her. On the basis of this narrative, many Christian writers have seen Mary as being “the spiritual one”, whilst Martha represents “faith in action”.
According to Catholic tradition the three days after Palm Sunday are devoted to a thorough cleaning of the house - the most vigorous of the whole year. This custom was taken over from the ancient Jewish practice, for the Jews in the Old Testament cleansed and swept and decorated the whole house in preparation for the feast of the Pasch.
The Gnu has been pre-empting this tradition and remembering the advice of Mrs Gnu, has demonstrated faith in action through the medium of Spring Cleaning. He has blogged about the experience and how it led to a heightened state of Mindful self-awareness at https://tinyurl.com/49hfvxr8
Should you need reminding of the story “When brother Lazarus took a chill / There was no cure for his ill” turn to the first 44 verses of Chapter 11 of St John’s Gospel or alternatively listen again at https://tinyurl.com/dsd85wta
According to Catholic tradition the three days after Palm Sunday are devoted to a thorough cleaning of the house - the most vigorous of the whole year. This custom was taken over from the ancient Jewish practice, for the Jews in the Old Testament cleansed and swept and decorated the whole house in preparation for the feast of the Pasch.
The Gnu has been pre-empting this tradition and remembering the advice of Mrs Gnu, has demonstrated faith in action through the medium of Spring Cleaning. He has blogged about the experience and how it led to a heightened state of Mindful self-awareness at https://tinyurl.com/49hfvxr8
Should you need reminding of the story “When brother Lazarus took a chill / There was no cure for his ill” turn to the first 44 verses of Chapter 11 of St John’s Gospel or alternatively listen again at https://tinyurl.com/dsd85wta
Sixty years ago, Frank Sinatra sang: "Fly me to the moon / Let me play among the stars / Let me see what spring is like / On Jupiter and Mars …" but it’s unclear as to whether he was referring to meteorological spring or astronomical spring. The latter starts on the vernal equinox which varies from year to year due to leap years and the Earth's elliptical-shaped orbit around the sun.
Today it is Ash Wednesday. In most western traditions it falls 46 days before Easter which is determined as the Sunday following the first full moon that happens on or after the March equinox, unless that full moon is on a Sunday... (you get the idea).
It is to lunacy that the Gnu turns in his latest blog at https://tinyurl.com/3n8xns76 In the week that Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost landed on the surface of the moon he discusses the effect of mining for minerals, international treaties and the possible consequences of the moon being stolen.
Lent-observing Christians may choose to contemplate these mysteries, being reminded of the psalmist’s desire that “righteousness shall flourish for ever; abundant peace till moon is no more” by recalling Psalm 72: Give Justice To Your King at https://tinyurl.com/458b6thk
Today it is Ash Wednesday. In most western traditions it falls 46 days before Easter which is determined as the Sunday following the first full moon that happens on or after the March equinox, unless that full moon is on a Sunday... (you get the idea).
It is to lunacy that the Gnu turns in his latest blog at https://tinyurl.com/3n8xns76 In the week that Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost landed on the surface of the moon he discusses the effect of mining for minerals, international treaties and the possible consequences of the moon being stolen.
Lent-observing Christians may choose to contemplate these mysteries, being reminded of the psalmist’s desire that “righteousness shall flourish for ever; abundant peace till moon is no more” by recalling Psalm 72: Give Justice To Your King at https://tinyurl.com/458b6thk
Disruptive political actions relating to trade are nothing new. In 1549 the imperial government of Japan encouraged a Catholic mission to the country thinking that they would facilitate trade with Spain and Portugal and reduce the power of the Buddhist monks.
By the late 1500s the new government decided that the imported foreign religion was becoming too powerful and ordered all Christians be expelled from Japan. On February 5th 1597, a dispute about the cargo of the wrecked San Felipe, provided reason enough for 26 missionaries (including 3 altar boys) to be tortured, mutilated, and paraded through villages across Japan before being impaled with lances, and crucified on a hill that overlooks Nagasaki. These ‘Martyrs of Japan’ are remembered in the C of E on 6th(!) February each year.
In his one hundredth blog at https://tinyurl.com/yumvc77m, the Gnu turns his attention to an unusual obituary - that of an orange gas giant (the planet Saturn). Here he muses on the nature of time, and the X9 bus.
Returning to terrestrial matters, All People that on Earth do Dwell should ponder the mysteries of the Gnu’s arrangement of JS Bach’s Cantata BWV 130 at https://tinyurl.com/4p7xbrc9
By the late 1500s the new government decided that the imported foreign religion was becoming too powerful and ordered all Christians be expelled from Japan. On February 5th 1597, a dispute about the cargo of the wrecked San Felipe, provided reason enough for 26 missionaries (including 3 altar boys) to be tortured, mutilated, and paraded through villages across Japan before being impaled with lances, and crucified on a hill that overlooks Nagasaki. These ‘Martyrs of Japan’ are remembered in the C of E on 6th(!) February each year.
In his one hundredth blog at https://tinyurl.com/yumvc77m, the Gnu turns his attention to an unusual obituary - that of an orange gas giant (the planet Saturn). Here he muses on the nature of time, and the X9 bus.
Returning to terrestrial matters, All People that on Earth do Dwell should ponder the mysteries of the Gnu’s arrangement of JS Bach’s Cantata BWV 130 at https://tinyurl.com/4p7xbrc9
Twelfth Night or Epiphany Eve marks the last night of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the start of Epiphanytide on January 6th.
The story of the Magi, carries profound symbolic meaning as it reflects the Magi’s dual role as scholars and spiritual seekers. The Gospel of Matthew introduces them as “wise men from the East”. Notably, the text does not, specify their number, call them “kings”, or provide details about their names, although by the late medieval period, they were depicted as representing different parts of the known world: Europe (Melchior), Asia (Caspar), and Africa (Balthasar).
Matthew is also silent about their mode of travel although Isaiah 60:6 is probably responsible for the picture of Magi riding camels: “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.”
In his latest blog at https://bit.ly/3PjMMNM The Gnu wonders “Just how wise were the Wise Men?” given that their injudicious questioning of Herod led to the Slaughter of the Innocents.
As you ponder their sagacity, hum along to another Candlelit Carol Service favourite at https://bit.ly/4iZs4QP
The story of the Magi, carries profound symbolic meaning as it reflects the Magi’s dual role as scholars and spiritual seekers. The Gospel of Matthew introduces them as “wise men from the East”. Notably, the text does not, specify their number, call them “kings”, or provide details about their names, although by the late medieval period, they were depicted as representing different parts of the known world: Europe (Melchior), Asia (Caspar), and Africa (Balthasar).
Matthew is also silent about their mode of travel although Isaiah 60:6 is probably responsible for the picture of Magi riding camels: “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.”
In his latest blog at https://bit.ly/3PjMMNM The Gnu wonders “Just how wise were the Wise Men?” given that their injudicious questioning of Herod led to the Slaughter of the Innocents.
As you ponder their sagacity, hum along to another Candlelit Carol Service favourite at https://bit.ly/4iZs4QP
The inspiration for the film Finding Nemo sprang from the director’s childhood, when he enjoyed going to the dentist to see the fish tank, assuming that the fish were from the ocean and wanted to return home. The Gnu, whilst waiting for a similar appointment was drawn to a picture book where, instead of searching for an orange and white clownfish, he found himself in pursuit of the elusive, candy-striped Wally.
In his latest blog at http://bit.ly/3CQXAjy as well as describing parallels with parish ministry, with many people doing peculiar things in claustrophobic proximity, the Gnu emphasises the importance and means of finding calm amidst the pre-Christmas chaos.
The Church of England's theme for Advent and Christmas 2024 is “Follow the Star: Calm and Bright” drawing from the words of the carol, Silent Night. The theme is meant to enable people to find calm during the busy Advent period, with reflections offering a chance to pause during the busy season. Should you need one, there is therefore now a legitimate reason to revisit a 1980’s Candlelit Carol Service rendition of Silent Night at https://bit.ly/3CKlAVb
In his latest blog at http://bit.ly/3CQXAjy as well as describing parallels with parish ministry, with many people doing peculiar things in claustrophobic proximity, the Gnu emphasises the importance and means of finding calm amidst the pre-Christmas chaos.
The Church of England's theme for Advent and Christmas 2024 is “Follow the Star: Calm and Bright” drawing from the words of the carol, Silent Night. The theme is meant to enable people to find calm during the busy Advent period, with reflections offering a chance to pause during the busy season. Should you need one, there is therefore now a legitimate reason to revisit a 1980’s Candlelit Carol Service rendition of Silent Night at https://bit.ly/3CKlAVb
The Force Is With Us - GNU Tube
“May the Force be with you”, say some. Maybe it’s better to say the Force is with us. We are not alone out on a limb with a catastrophic jumble of people and events round us.
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