First things first. This is not a review, still less a critique. It aims essentially to draw attention to the series of four Lenten concerts organised by the enterprising Jan Spurlock, which began on March 13 and continue on Tuesday and on April 3. They take place at 6.15pm in the Chapel of Queen's College and last less than an hour. There is no admission charge, only a voluntary leaving collection for charity.

That may read like information overkill, especially for performances focused on Last Things - the suffering, martyrdom and death of Christ. In the event, a rare atmosphere of quiet meditation is evoked.

Jan Spurlock reminds us that in previous centuries Lent was more strictly observed, public entertainments were closed and special devotional music was composed.

She has chosen two such works; Buxtehude's choral meditation on the wounds of Christ, Membra Jesu nostri, and Haydn's Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross.

Sections from both these great works will be heard at each concert. The singers and instrumentalists are all well-known experienced performers - directed unobtrusively from the chamber organ by Owen Rees.

Buxtehude chose the text by the Cistercian monk Arnulf (about 1200) who used the medium of Latin rhymed verse for his meditations on the wounded Christ. The singers weave in counterpoint, in trios, duets and solos, or hold long sonorous notes in harmony, ending in quiet reflective mood. Haydn's Sonata I ("Father forgive them") also uses short simple phrases and falling cadences, with a special part for a throbbing cello.

As well as this carefully selected music, Spurlock has arranged for six artists to produce an image or icon linked to the theme. At the first concert there was a Crucifixion in stained glass by the Headington artist Martin Smith (pictured). The tilted head, drooping torso, thorns, the cup to catch the Holy Blood (later, as the Grail, to be such a potent force in western civilisation) were very moving, and echoed the poem by Edwin Muir included with other material for thought in the programme.

All this may sound rich fare, yet as I say, that short time was filled with stillness and calm. I shall try to be there again.