Gothic

Before last night's performance at the Logan Center by Fred Hersch, we walked over to Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the University of Chicago campus with technical camera and 23mm Rodenstock lens in hand.  Would have liked some snow on the ground, but you take what you can get.  Turns out, I guessed correctly.  The 23mm was the perfect lens, permitting me to capture the chapel's gothic architecture without being forced to include the blue porta-potty in the frame.  It was in back of me, on the curb.

We arrived early, which resulted in an unexpected treat.  We were allowed to climb 271 steps leading to the observation deck of he cathedral's carillon tower, providing 360-degree views of Chicago.  Unfortunately, the light was blah, and the view of the city is partially obstructed by an apartment building, but it is awe-inspiring.  The experience reminded us of Salisbury Cathedral.  To get the top, both structures require a walk above the internal ceiling along a catwalk.  

The cathedral was completed in 1928,  Designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the work was funded by John D. Rockefellar, the university's first major benefactor.  Not surprising, the limestone covering the cathedral's surface comes from quarries in Indiana.  

The chapel is used for a variety of purposes, including as the site of freshman orientation.  We have had the pleasure of attending some excellent concerts there, including last fall's solo piano recital by Randy Weston.