Decima Wraxall: ‘Phoenix in Waiting’

Phoenix in Waiting

Notre Dame, jewel in the City of light, rings with chisel
pings and hammer blows. Battle-scarred survivor
of a major conflagration, her soul untouched.
Wonder of stained glass, metal, oak, and stone. Soon
to relish again the scent of incense. Portal to the 12th
and 13th Centuries, workers find a treasure trove
of secret burials in the ground. Home to gargoyles
and chimeras, mythical beasts to ward off evil spirits.
Copper statues escape the fate of the building’s fabric.
Vivid decorations freshly painted, welcome saints and sinners.
New limestone in pillars is carefully matched with old.
Artisan skills bring the will and determination to restore
this wonder of the world. Scaffolds and drop sheets adorn
the scene. Timber support for bells, contains vibrations,
to bring back that magic carillon. Reverberations ensure
a wonderful listening experience for concert audiences —
challenge, confuse, and worry singers, unable to hear
their own voices. Columns and walls assist with melody
and harmony. Tall, vaulted spaces, of rough or polished
stone, enhance chants in rainbows of upper voices.

Notre Dame, icon in history, wonder of the world. Masterpiece
of intricate engineering. Ancient markings show exactly where
each piece of oak should go. The flaming spire flamed, plunged
and fell into the building, and left gaping holes; the nave, gravely
bereft of acoustics. The four outer layers of the octagonal structure,
take weeks to complete. The hand-carved replica, uses complicated
Medieval techniques and joints. Archaeologists explore the soundscape
through the ages. They envisage holy and secular frescos of sound,
fresh scores from an old musical tradition. The curved apse exacts
three different widths, difficult to get right at a great height. In the forest
of timber beams, the spire rises, moulded, and dressed in sand-cast lead, barrier to rain, sleet, and snow. Within the roof space, fire suppressant systems, cameras, and detectors, will ensure the safety of Our Lady.
The visual splendour of tapestries, curtains, and paintings, add depth to the aural and spiritual joy of holy themes. Tall gothic vaults allow polyphonic music to soar, perfect support for Medieval singers. The world
anticipates with exhilaration a harmony of songs, hymns, and Latin
prayers, for a once-in-a-century event. Imagine the glow and flicker
of candles. Thousands sitting, entranced by the voices and mystery of sacred music. Choristers, organs, and bells dream of Notre lady’s resurrection. This marvel of timber, metal, stained glass, and stone,
will be a Phoenix rising from the ashes of 2019 to yet greater glory …

Decima Wraxall