The articles below are taken from my monthly columns in St Edmund's Church parish magazine ("The King"), which includes full details of my organ voluntaries for that month. Audio clips have been designed to work with Real Player (available for free here - the link to the free player is on the right-hand side of the screen.)
HARROW DEANERY CHOIRS FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 2009
Cartoon by Bruce Driver, former Vicar of St Edmund's
(Cardinal Newman - Reims & Maria von Paradis - Paris & Coe Fen - Christmas & Davis Sanger - City of Leicester Singers - Jehan Alain - Christchurch Priory
Choir at New Milton - David Sanger Memorial Concert - Liszt, Boyce, Guilmant & Grainger at Classic Concert - Ave Maria at Classic Concert - Hubert Parry)
The day after the St Edmund’s Carol Service we travelled to Manchester for a one-night pre-Christmas break. Each year
the city hosts one of the UK’s largest Christmas markets which is spread out over eight sites and I particularly
enjoyed the German craft stalls. We went on the massive big wheel installed in Exchange Square from where I took this
photograph of Manchester Cathedral. A church on this site is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book although the present
building dates from the fifteenth century. Initially a collegiate church, it became a cathedral in 1847 on the creation
of the Diocese of Manchester. The building, including the organ and its George Gilbert Scott case, was severely damaged
in the Manchester Blitz of 1940 and it took nearly twenty years to repair all of the destruction. A particularly striking
feature is a set of 16th Century carved wooden musical angels on each side of the nave, wind instruments on the north side
and string instruments on the south. The current organ was installed between 1952 and 1952 and consists of 89 speaking
stops on four manuals. As part of the Manchester Cathedral Development Project, there are plans to build a new organ
and place it on the pulpitum (screen), the location of the instrument destroyed during the Second World War.
During our stay, Alex and I also took a tour of Old Trafford, christened “The Theatre of Dreams” by Sir Bobby Charlton.
Aline and I saw Southampton narrowly beaten there in a match almost fifteen years ago! Whatever your views of
Manchester United, you cannot fail to be impressed by the scale of the 76,000 stadium, the eleventh largest in Europe.
Feb 5th
Prelude – Prelude (“The Dream of Gerontius”) – E.Elgar
Postlude – Prelude & Fugue No 5 – J.S.Bach
Feb 12th
Prelude –Bailero – J.Canteloube
Postlude – Prelude & Fugue No 6 – J.S.Bach
Feb 19th
Prelude – Promenade Sentimentale – V.Cosma
Postlude – Prelude & Fugue No 7 – J.S.Bach
Feb 26th
Prelude – Ave Maria – F.Schubert
Postlude – Prelude & Fugue No 8 – J.S.Bach
FROM THE CONSOLE - JANUARY 2012
On December 10th I played for Eastcote Choral Society’s “Carols in the Afternoon”
concert at St Edmund’s. The choral society was founded as the Eastcote and District
Choir just after the Second World War by Millicent Ward who was their conductor for
almost twenty five years. The current conductor is Robert Jones who has been Director
of Music at St Bride’s, Fleet Street for over twenty years as well as being one of
Britain’s leading consort singers, performing with groups such as the Tallis
Scholars. The Society are returning to St Edmund’s in March to perform Handel’s
little-known oratorio “Theodora” and are always looking for new members. The
main work in the concert was the Christmas Cantata by Geoffrey Bush (above), a
piece previously unknown to me and in my opinion deserving of wider recognition. Born
in London in 1920, Geoffrey Bush was a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral, studying
composition with John Ireland, and later read music at Balliol College,
Oxford. During the Second World War he registered as a conscientious objector
and worked at a Hostel for problem evacuees in Wales. After the war Bush taught
at both Oxford and London Universities and also had a strong interest in editing
and arranging. He died in 1998. The Christmas Cantata was written in 1947 for
soprano solo, oboe, string orchestra and chorus and includes arrangements of
several well-known carols including Rocking, Coventry Carol and I Saw Three
Ships. The second half of the concert featured several congregational carols
including rather bizarrely “While Shepherds Watched” to the tune
of “Ilkley Moor”. The Yorkshire tune was actually written for the carol by
Thomas Clark in 1805 and was its preferred tune until the publication of “Hymns
Ancient and Modern” around fifty years later used the now-standard
“Winchester New”.
Jan 1st
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Sunday after Christmas
Setting: Darke in F
Psalm (147): The word was made flesh and lived among us (Finton O’Carroll/Anne Ward)
Anthem: In the bleak midwinter – H.Darke
Hymns: O come all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles), Unto us a boy is born (Puer Nobis), O Christ, the same through all our story’s pages (Londonderry Air), What Child is this (Greensleeves), Of the Father’s heart begotten (Divinum Mysterium)
Jan 8th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – The Epiphany of the Lord (5.2.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Prelude on “Dix” – Malcolm Archer
Setting: Missa de Sancto Albano – H.Willan (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: The Shepherds’ Farewell (L’enfance du Christ) – H.Berlioz
Processional: The First Nowell (The First Nowell, last verse arr.Willcocks)
OT (Year B): Isaiah 60:1
Psalm (72): All nations shall fall prostrate before You O Lord (Stephen Dean)
NT (Year B): Ephesians 3:1
Gradual: Brightest and Best (Epiphany)
GO (Year B): Matthew 2:1
Offertory: As with Gladness (Dix, last v.arr.Andrew Fletcher)
Communion: O Worship the Lord (Was Lebet, last v.arr.Colin Hand)
Post-Communion: We Three Kings (Kings of Orient)
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 1 in C – attr.J.S.Bach
Jan 15th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 2nd Sunday of Epiphany (4.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Prelude on “Stuttgart” – Flor Peeters
Setting: Nicholson (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lead me Lord – S.S.Wesley
Processional: How lovely on the mountains (Our God Reigns)
OT (Year B): 1 Samuel 3:1
Psalm (70): Here I am Lord, I come to do your will (Paul Inwood)
NT (Year B): 1 Corinthians 6:12
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
GO (Year B): John 1:43
Offertory: I the Lord of sea and sky (Here I Am Lord)
Communion: As the deer pants for the water
Post-Communion: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 2 in D minor – attr.J.S.Bach
Jan 22nd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 3rd Sunday of Epiphany (4.1.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Vocalise – S.Rachmaninov
Setting: Peter Heath in D (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Teach me O Lord – T.Attwood
Processional: Christ is the King (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wright)
OT (Year B): Jonah 3:1
Psalm (25): Lord make me know your ways (J.McCrimmon/A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): 1 Corinthians 7:29
Gradual: Jesus calls us o’er the tumult (St Andrew)
GO (Year B): Mark 1:14
Offertory: O Jesus I have promised (Thornbury)
Communion: Bread of heaven on thee we feed (Bread of Heaven)
Post-Communion: The Kingdom is upon you (Wolvercote)
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 3 in E minor – attr.J.S.Bach
Jan 29th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (6.2.2.4)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Michael Bedford (St Mary’s, South Ruislip)
Prelude: Adagio (Symphony No 3) – C.Saint-Saens
Setting: Harold Darke in A Minor (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Clare Benediction – J.Rutter
Processional: Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Gloria – Metrical setting to “Evelyns”, last v.David Terry
OT (Year B): Malachi 3:1
Psalm (24): Who is the King of glory? It is the Lord (John Rombaut/A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): Hebrews 2:14
Gradual: See how the age long promise of a saviour (Christe Fons Jugis)
GO (Year B): Luke 2:22
Offertory: Hail to the Lord who comes (Old 120th, last v.Andrew Moore)
Communion: Christ whose glory fills the skies (Ratisbon, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Post-Communion: The Spirit lives to set us free
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 4 in F Major – attr.J.S.Bach
FROM THE CONSOLE - DECEMBER 2011
Christmas has always musically been my favourite time of the year and I look forward to the beginning of November when I can dust off my carol
CDs. I recently discovered a new CD recording of a carol for which I have fond memories. “Now the Holly”, a programme of Christmas music from Magdelen
College, Oxford released in 1968, was a much-loved part of my Father’s LP collection and would get an airing each December. Magdalen College
was founded by the Bishop of Winchester in 1458 and is one of the most beautiful of the Oxford colleges as well as being one of the most visited.
College alumni include Sir John Betjemin, Oscar Wilde, Edward VIII, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Dudley Moore, who was
organ scholar between 1955 and 1958. It also educated no fewer than five of the current cabinet members including Foreign Secretary William Hague and
Chancellor George Osbourne. One of my favourite tracks on the album is the “Sans Day Carol” by John Gould. Gould originally trained as an as
accountant before studying music at Oxford with Bernard Rose, the conductor on the Magdalen College recording. “Sans Day Carol” (or the St Day Carol)
was first transcribed from the singing of Thomas Beard, a villager in St Day, a Cornish village near Redruth. It appeared in the 1929
publication, “The Cornish Songbook”, which describes this carol as being Sung to Mr. W. D. Watson by Thomas Beard (aged 50-60) and communicated
by Rev. G. H. Doble, M.A. St Day was for three hundred years the centre of one of the richest copper mining districts in the world. St Day is
probably the Breton Saint known variously as St Dei and St They. John Gould’s version of “Sans Day Carol” does not use the traditional tune,
unlike John Rutter’s arrangement which is sometimes performed at St Edmund’s. The words use different colours of holly berries to represent
Jesus’ birth, passion, death and resurrection. You can hear both of these versions on my Christmas webpage which also includes some of
my favourite seasonal music. The address is tiny.cc/mark-christmas
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Dec 4th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Second Sunday of Advent (5.2.1.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Colin Hand
Setting: Peter Heath (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O Strength and Stay – L.Bourgeois
Processional: Hills of the north rejoice (Little Cornard)
OT (Year B): Isaiah 40:1
Psalm (85): Let us see, O God, your mercy (Stephen Dean)
NT (Year B): 2 Peter 3:8
Gradual: Hark, a herald voice is calling (Merton, last v.Colin Mawby)
GO (Year B): Mark 1:1
Offertory: Let all mortal flesh keep silent (Picardy)
Communion: Your gentleness, O God of grace (Herongate)
Post-Communion: Come thou long expected Jesus (Cross of Jesus, last v.Robert Jones)
Postlude: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland – J.S.Bach
Dec 11th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Third Sunday of Advent (4.2.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Berceuse (Peterhouse Chapel Windows Suite) – B.Ferguson
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord that descendest, Holy Child – Eric Gritton
Processional: On Jordan’s bank the Baptist cry (Winchester New,last v.Andrew Moore)
OT (Year B): Isaiah 61:1
Psalm (Luke 1): My soul rejoices in my God (Philip Duffy)
NT (Year B): 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Gradual: Lift up your heads ye mighty gates (Gonfalon Royal)
GO (Year B): John 1:6
Offertory: Wake O wake with tidings thrilling (Wachet Auf, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Communion: Thou didst leave thy throne and thy Kingly crown (Margaret)
Post-Communion: Christ whose glory fills the skies (Ratisbon, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Postlude: Gottes sohn ist kommen – J.S.Bach
Dec 18th (10.00am)
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Fourth Sunday of Advent (5.1.2.3)
Celebrant: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Coventry Carol – Betty Roe
Setting: Nicholson (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Teach me O Lord – T.Attwood
Processional: Long ago prophets knew (Personet Hodie)
OT (Year B): 2 Samuel 7:1
Gradual: For Mary, Mother of our Lord (St Botoloph)
GO (Year B): Luke 1:26
Offertory: O come O come Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel)
Communion: Lord Jesus Christ (Living Lord)
Music during nativity play: O Little Town of Bethlehem (Forest Green), Little Donkey, Rocking, While Shepherds Watched (Winchester Old), We Three Kings
Post-Communion: Hark the glad sound the Saviour comes (Bristol, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Postlude: Herr Gott, Nun Sei Gepreiset – J.S.Bach
6.30 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (4.3.2.4)
Prelude – Six interludes on Christmas Carols – W.Lloyd-Webber
Introit (in Lady Chapel) – Stille Nacht – F.Gruber, arr.D.Cashmore
Hymn – Once in Royal David’s City (Irby), v.1 solo , v.6 descant D.Willcocks)
Bidding Prayer
Carol – O Little Town of Bethlehem (First Performance) – P.Heath
Lesson 1 (Genesis 3:18) – Member of the Flower Guild
Hymn – Of the Father’s heart begotten (Divinum Mysterium)
Lesson 2 (Genesis 22:15) – Member of the Junior Choir
Carol – I Wonder as I wander – Appalachian carol, arr.J.J.Niles
Lesson 3 (Isaiah 9:2) – Member of Spectrum on Sunday
Carol – Jesus Christ the Apple Tree – E.Poston
Lesson 4 (Isaiah 11:1) – Member of the Women’s Guild
Hymn – God rest ye merry, gentlemen (God Rest Ye Merry, v.6 arr.D.Willcocks)
Lesson 5 (Luke 1:26) – A member of the Arrow Players (church drama group)
Carol – Angelus ad Virginum – 14th Century, arr.Willcocks
Lesson 6 (Luke 2:1) – A member of the PCC
Carol – Shepherd’s Pipe Carol – J.Rutter
Hymn – On Christmas Night (Sussex Carol)
Lesson 7 (Luke 2:8) – An altar server
Carol – The Shepherds’ Farewell – H.Berlioz
Hymn – The First Nowell (The First Nowell, v.6 arr.D.Willcocks)
Lesson 8 (Matthew 2:1) – A churchwarden
Carol – The Holly and the Ivy – J.Gardner
Lesson 9 (John 1:1) – The Vicar
Hymn – O Come all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles, v.3 descant D.Willcocks)
Collect & Blessing
Hymn – Hark the Herald Angels Sing (Mendelssohn, v.3 descant D.Willcocks)
Postludes – In Dulci Jubilo – J.S.Bach & Carillon-Sortie – H.Mulet
Dec 24th
11.30pm Midnight Mass – Christmas Eve
Setting: John Ireland
Psalm (96): Today a Saviour has been born to us (Finton O’Carroll/Stephen Dean)
Anthems: Love came down at Christmas (Malcolm Archer) & Christmas Lullaby (John Rutter)
Hymns: Once in Royal (Irby), While Shepherds Watched (Winchester Old), It came upon the midnight clear (Noel), In the bleak midwinter (Cranham), O come all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles)
Dec 25th
10.00am Eucharist with hymns – Christmas Day
Hymns: God rest ye merry gentlemen (God Rest You Merry), Away in a manger (Cradle Song), O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green), Hark the herald Angels sing (Mendelssohn)
FROM THE CONSOLE - NOVEMBER 2011
Have you ever wondered why the organ at St Edmund’s has three keyboards or why there are three different coloured buttons
on either side? This month I am starting a layman’s guide to what Mozart no less described as “The King of Instruments”.
The number of keyboards - or manuals – varies from organ to organ. The world’s largest pipe organ is in Atlantic City’s
Boardwalk Hall (pictured above) and has seven manuals and over 33,000 pipes. Unfortunately this instrument is currently
in poor condition and is not fully functional. The world’s largest fully functioning pipe organ – a six manual instrument
with over 28,000 pipes - is located in Macy’s department store in Philadelphia and is heard in noontime and evening
performances on every business day as well as at special concerts. This instrument was originally built for the 1904
World Fair in St Louis but was moved to its present location exactly one hundred years ago. The largest pipe organ
in the United Kingdom is the five-manual Willis organ in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral with a mere 10,000 pipes, closely
followed by the instrument in the Royal Albert Hall.
The most important manual is the Great Organ, the middle keyboard, which has the principal foundation stops
(an individual rank of pipes which are selected by pressing one of the white or red coloured buttons). The manual
above the great is the Swell Organ, which contains softer stops suitable for choral accompaniment. These are
enclosed in a box with shutters which can be opened and closed with a balanced foot pedal to create crescendos
and diminuendos (this is what you can sometimes hear making a noise during the service!). The manual below the great
is the Choir Organ, which contains several solo instruments such as flute, trumpet and clarinet. Fourth
and subsequent manuals are always located above the swell. The Pedal Organ is operated by the feet and provides
the lowest bass notes. Each stop has a number which refers to the length of its longest pipe in feet. The standard
pitch, known as unison pitch, is an 8-foot stop while a 4-foot is an octave higher and a 16-foot an octave
lower. In addition there are mutation stops which do not sound at the octave, so for example when a C is pressed
you actually hear the G an octave and a half above. These are used in conjunction with unison stops to create
different tone colours. There are also mixtures (marked II and III at St Edmund’s) where two or three
upper octave and mutation ranks are sounded simultaneously to create a brilliant sound.
Next month I shall talk about the different coloured buttons on the side and above the manuals and pedals.
Nov 6th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 3rd Sunday before Advent (5.1.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Apres un reve – G.Faure
Setting: Arthur Rogers (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O come ye servants of the Lord – C.Tye
Processional: Be thou my vision (Slane, last v.Ian Hope)
OT (Year A) Wisdom 6:12
Psalm (63): For You my soul is thirsting, O God, my God (Stephen Dean)
NT (Year A): 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Gradual: Rejoice the Lord is King (Gopsal, last v.John Marsh)
GO (Year A): Matthew 25:1
Offertory: Wake, O wake with tidings thrilling (Wachet Auf)
Communion: Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast (Anima Christi)
Post-Communion: Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Postlude: Toccata – E.Gigout
Nov 13th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Remembrance Sunday Parade Service (2nd Sunday before Advent) (6.2.3.3)
Celebrant: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Nimrod (Enigma Variations) – E.Elgar
Setting: Adrian Batten
Anthem: Russian Contakion of the Dead (Kiev Melody)
Processional: Lord for the Years
The Symbol of the Poppy
Reading: Joshua 4:1
The Symbol of Stones
Gradual: God is our strength and refuge (Dambusters’ March)
GO: Matthew 5:1
The Symbol of the Cross
Offertory: Great is thy Faithfulness
Communion: Make me a channel of your peace
Act of Remembrance
The Last Post
The National Anthem
Postlude: Fame and Glory – Albert Matt
3.30pm Service of Commemoration for the faithful departed (2.0.0.0)
Prelude – Pavane – G.Faure
Hymn – Lord of all hopefulness (Slane, last v.Ian Hope)
Reading – Romans 8:31
Hymn – The Lord’s my Shepherd (Crimond)
Gospel – John 14:1
Sermon & Prayers of Intercession
Hymn – Be still, my soul (Finlandia)
Music during The Commemoration and lighting of candles – God be in my Head – Walford Davis & Air (Water Music) - Handel
Hymn – Love divine, all love’s excelling (Blaenwern)
Postlude – Sicilienne – M.T.von Paradis We had two excellent Remembrance Day services today. This morning we had a parade service led by the scouts. This afternoon we remembered those who have died in the past year as their family and friends came to light candles.
Nov 19th
5.00pm Sung Eucharist on the eve of St Edmund, King and Martyr (4.2.1.2)
Celebrant: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Preacher: Father Philip North, Team Rector, Old St Pancras, London
Prelude: Psalm Prelude, Set 1, No 1 – H.Howells
Setting: John Ireland in C (Gloria – Metrical setting to “Evelyns”, last v.David Terry/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Cantate Domino - Pitoni
Processional: God of saints, we praise and bless Thee (St Edmund’s Hymn/Abbot’s Leigh)
OT Proverbs 20:28
Psalm (126): What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad (Finton O’Carroll/Ian Forrester)
NT Romans 8:35
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Finton O’Carroll/Christopher Walker)
GO John 12:20
Offertory: God whose city’s sure foundation (Westminster Abbey, Last v.Colin Mawby)
Communion: In our day of thanksgiving (St Catherine’s Court)
Post-Communion: For all the Saints (Sine Nomine)
Postlude: Toccata (Symphonie V) – C.Widor
Nov 20th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Christ the King/Sunday next before Advent (5.2.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Allegretto Grazioso – F.Bridge
Setting: Harold Darke in E (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O Christ, O Blessed Lord – R.Wagner (based on “Mastersingers”, Act 3, Scene 5)
Processional: Hail Redeemer, King divine (King Divine)
OT (Year A) Ezekiel 34:11
Psalm (23): The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want (James Walsh)
NT (Year A): Ephesians 1:15
Gradual: Christ is the King, O friends rejoice (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wright)
GO (Year A): Matthew 25:31
Offertory: How shall I sing that Majesty (Coe Fen)
Communion: Your gentleness, O God of grace (Herongate)
Post-Communion: Christ triumphant, ever reigning (Guiting Power)
Postlude: Praise the Lord, O my soul – S.Karg-Elert A week of patronal festivals both at school (last Wednesday was St Margaret’s day) and at church last night. The service was followed by an excellent supper.
Nov 27th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – First Sunday of Advent (4.1.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme – J.S.Bach
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Sleepers Wake, A Voice Is Calling – F.Mendelssohn
Processional: The advent of our King (Franconia)
OT (Year B) Isaiah 64:1
Gradual: Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates (Gonfalon Royal)
GO (Year B): Mark 13:24
Offertory: Lo He comes with clouds descending (Helmsley, last v.Martin Setchell)
Communion: Be still for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him (Our God Reigns)
Postlude: Crown Imperial – W.Walton
6.30pm – A Service for Advent with music from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” (7.4.5.5)
Prelude – Violin Concerto (2nd Move) – F.Mendelssohn
The Gathering
“Ye people rend your hearts” (Tenor recit) & “If with all your hearts” (Tenor aria)
Processional Hymn – “O come O come Emmanuel”
Bidding Prayer
“Lord, bow thine ear” (Duet & Chorus)
I The Message of Advent (Collect & Lesson – Isaiah 43:1)
“Lord God of Abraham” (Bass aria) & “Cast thy burden upon the Lord (Chorus)
II The Word of God (Collect & Lesson – Isaiah 40:1)
“Hear ye Israel” (Soprano aria) & “Be not afraid” (Chorus)
III The Prophetic Call (Collect & Lesson - Malachi 3:1)
“Lift thine eyes” (Double trio), “He watching over Israel” & “He that shall endure to the end” (Choruses)
IV The King and his Kingdom (Collect & Lesson – Romans 13:8)
“And then shall your light break forth” (Chorus)
Blessing
Postlude – “War March of the Priests” – F.Mendelssohn An excellent performance of music from “Elijah” tonight with an augmented choir of over 20.
FROM THE CONSOLE - OCTOBER 2011
The internet is a wonderful tool which, amongst other things, allows me to communicate with other organists and
church musicians around the world. Each Sunday I post details of the music performed at St Edmund’s to
an email group and regularly engage in discussions with church musicians from as far afield as
America, South Africa and Australia. Although the traditions vary we all share a great deal in common.
The internet has also given me access to specialist organ and choral radio programs from around the world. In the
UK we have no programs dedicated to the classical organ – Radio 2’s “The Organist Entertains” is dedicated to the theatre organ
although the occasional pipe organ is featured. I also enjoy my weekly fix of “Choral Evensong” which has been
broadcast on Radio 3 since 1926.
My favourite two organ and choral radio programs are broadcast online from America. Minnesota Public Radio’s “Pipedreams” has been broadcasting across America since
1982 and is currently heard weekly on over 150 stations to an estimated 250,000 listeners. It also has
thousands more loyal listeners who tune in online. The inspiration for the program came from
a series of recordings made a few years earlier at the American Guild of Organists’ national convention
held in Minneapolis-St Paul. Michael Barone, MPR’s classical music director, has presented the
program from the beginning. He has also led many overseas organ tours, most recently in May to Northern Germany. “With Heart and Voice” has been broadcasting from
Rochester, New York, since 1975 and nationally since 1989. It celebrates the seasons of the liturgical year and focuses
on the richness and beauty of sacred music both choral and organ. The original host was English-born
Richard Gladwell who presented the program for almost 25 years until his death in 2009. The current host
is Peter DuBois, who is also Director of Music at the Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester.
Oct 2nd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 15th Sunday after Trinity (7.1.2.1)
Prelude: Sonata No 2 (2nd Move.) – P.Hindemith
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Cantate Domino - Pitoni
Processional: Praise my soul the King of Heaven (Praise my soul)
Psalm: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel
Gradual: Christ is our cornerstone (Harewood, last v.June Nixon)
Offertory: All creatures of our God and King (Laast uns erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
Communion: Make me a channel of your peace
Post-Communion: Lord of the dance
Postlude: Prelude No.4 – F.Schmidt
Oct 9th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 16th Sunday after Trinity (7.1.3.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Pavane – G.Faure
Setting: Jackson in G (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: As water to the thirsty – John Barnard
Processional: O praise ye the Lord (Laudate Dominum)
OT (Year A) Isaiah 25:1
Psalm (23): In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever (Eric Welch/A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year A) Philippians 4:1
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
GO (Year A) Matthew 22:1
Offertory: Jerusalem the golden (Ewing, last v.Norman Warren)
Communion: Come risen Lord and deign to be our guest (Farley Castle)
Post-Communion: Go forth and tell! O church of God awake (Woodlands)
Postlude: Carillon Sortie – H.Mulet Today was the final service of our Honorary Assistant Priest, Father Tony Andrews, who is to move from the sanctuary into the congregation after ten years’ service. After the service we drank a toast to his health.
Oct 16th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 17th Sunday after Trinity (5.1.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Ave Maria – C.Gounod/J.S.Bach
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: The Call – R.Vaughan Williams
Processional: Christ is the King, O friends rejoice (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wright)
OT (Year A) Isaiah 45:1
Psalm (96): Give the Lord glory and power (J.McCrimmon/A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year A) 1 Thessalonians 1:1
Gradual: Jesus shall reign where’er the sun (Truro, last v.Stanley Vann)
GO (Year A) Matthew 22:15
Offertory: All my hope on God is founded (Michael, descant last verse)
Communion: The Servant King
Post-Communion: To God be the Glory
Postlude: Allegro Marziale – F.Bridge
Oct 23rd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 18th (Last) Sunday after Trinity (6.1.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Minuets 1 & 2 in G Minor (Water Music) – G.F.Handel
Setting: Darke in E (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Clare Benediction – J.Rutter
Processional: Christ Triumphant, ever reigning (Guiting Power)
OT (Year A) Leviticus 19:1
Psalm (18): I love You, Lord, my strength (Finton O’Carroll/Ian Forrester)
NT (Year A) 1 Thessalonians 2:1
Gradual: Bind us together
GO (Year A) Matthew 22:34
Offertory: Love is his word, love is his way
Communion: Be still for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: The kingdom is upon you (Wolvercote)
Postlude: Hornpipe in D Major (Water Music) – G.F.Handel No bass this week so I warbled in the Darke and Rutter. Unfortunately everyone forgot there is a bass solo at the beginning of the Benedictus so there was silence after the end of the Sanctus. Eventually I sang it!
Oct 31st
10.00am Sung Eucharist – All Saints’ Sunday (19th Sunday after Trinity) (5.1.3.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Adagio – Samuel Barber
Setting: Nicholson in G (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: These are they that follow the Lamb – J.Goss
Processional: For all the Saints who from their labours rest (Sine Nomine)
1st Reading (Year A) Revelation 7:9
Psalm (24): Blessed are those who seek your face, O Lord (A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year A) 1 John 3:1
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
GO (Year A) Matthew 5:1
Offertory: Ye watchers and ye holy ones (Laast Uns Erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
Communion: There is a Redeemer, Jesus God’s own Son
Post-Communion: Ye Holy Angels bright (Darwell’s 148th)
Postlude: Toccata (“Suite Gothique”) – L.Boellmann
FROM THE CONSOLE - SEPTEMBER 2011
By the time you read this I shall be back on the organ stool at St Edmund’s. However, I am writing this month’s column
on a terrace under cloudless skies on the French Mediterranean coast.
We’ve just spent three nights in the Drôme, a picturesque region to the South-East of Lyon. One of the highlights was a
visit to the mediaeval village of Saint Antoine l’Abbeye, officially designated as one of the most beautiful in
France. It is perfectly preserved with its labyrinth of narrow winding streets. The Gothic style Abbey was erected
between the 12th and 15th centuries and was an important stopping off point on one of the four main routes through
France for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela, where the relics of St James are believed to lie.
The organ was built between 1620 and 1625 and was subsequently expanded, most notably in 1748 by the Swiss Samson Scherrer.
Despite local opposition, the organ was removed in 1805 and installed in a church in Grenoble. In 1982 the organ
returned to Saint Antoine and was rebuilt by Bernard Aubertin, the inauguration taking place in 1992.
Saint Antoine holds a summer series of organ recitals and we attended one given by Thibaut Duret, organist of
Chambery Cathedral which featured music by J.S.Bach, Buxtehude and Alain, two of which I shall be performing in September.
We were also lucky enough to visit Saint Antoine during the annual mediaeval festival with its musical entertainment and costumed re-enactments.
Sep 4th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 11th Sunday after Trinity (4.1.2.1)
Prelude: Concerto in A Minor (2nd Move.) – J.S.Bach
Setting: Ireland in C (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Ave Verum Corpus (E.Elgar)
Processional: To God be the glory
Psalm: O that today you would listen to his voice! (A.Gregory Murray)
Gradual: Forgive our sins as we forgive (St Bernard)
Offertory: O thou who at thy Eucharist didst pray (Song 1, last v. Andrew Wright)
Communion: Bind us together Lord
Post-Communion: Forth in thy name O Lord I come (Song 34, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Postlude: Concerto in A Minor (1st Move.) – J.S.Bach
Sep 11th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 12th Sunday after Trinity (7.1.2.2)
Prelude: Variations sur un theme de Clement Janequin – J.Alain
Setting: Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord I trust thee (Handel)
Processional: Morning has broken (Bunessen)
Psalm: The Lord is compassion and love (F.O’Carroll)
Gradual: Forgive our sins as we forgive (St Bernard)
Offertory: There’s a wideness in God’s mercy (Cross of Jesus, last v.Robert Jones)
Communion: Just as I am without one plea (Saffron Walden, last v.Martin Setchell)
Post-Communion: Lead us heavenly Father, lead us (Mannheim, last v.Andrew Wright)
Postlude: Final - Boellman
Sep 18th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 13th Sunday after Trinity (6.1.3.2)
Prelude: Andantino – E.Lemare
Setting: Rogers (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: The Call (R.Vaughan Williams)
Processional: Hail Redeemer, King divine (King Divine)
Psalm: The Lord is close to all who call him (Peter Jones)
Gradual: O thou who camest from above (Hereford, last v.Hammond)
Offertory: O Jesus I have promised (Wolvercote)
Communion: This is my body broken for you
Post-Communion: He who would valiant be (Monk’s Gate)
Postlude: Sonata No 4 in B Flat (1st Movement) – F.Mendelssohn
Sep 25th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Harvest Thanksgiving (14th Sunday after Trinity) (6.1.3.2)
Prelude: Bist Du Bei Mir – J.S.Bach
Setting: Nicholson (Gloria – Metrical setting to “Evelyns”, last v.David Terry)
Anthem: Look at the World – J.Rutter
Processional: We plough the fields and scatter (Wir Pflungen), last v.Berry Roe)
Gradual: Seek ye first the kingdom of God
Offertory: Come, ye thankful people, come (St Georges Windsor, last v.Michael Higgins)
Communion: Praise and thanksgiving (Bunessan)
Post-Communion: How Great Thou art
Postlude: Sonata No 4 in B Flat (4th Movement) – F.Mendelssohn It was an excellent harvest thanksgiving. Our Harvest gifts were lined up in front of the choir stalls and will go to the nearby homeless shelter in Watford. Afterwards over a hundred came into the hall for a lunch of shepherd’s pie, baked beans and rice and chicken followed by apple crumble or fruit salad and ice cream. The Rutter, IMHO one of his better pieces, went very well. We also had a couple of my favourite harvest hymns.
