ST EDMUND THE KING, NORTHWOOD HILLS ARCHIVE SEP 2011-AUG 2012
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.
FROM THE CONSOLE - JULY/AUGUST 2012
The four-day Diamond Jubilee weekend at the beginning of June was an unforgettable event both nationally and here
at St Edmund’s. After Sunday’s Sung Eucharist service, we travelled into London to experience
the Thames River Pageant and even though our view of the river was rather restricted we are glad that
we went as the atmosphere was terrific. At St Edmund’s we celebrated the Jubilee with a banquet on
the Saturday evening and a Family Fun afternoon on the Monday, featuring a barbeque, craft activities, rounders
and afternoon tea. This was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving with all the music having royal connections. The
prelude (“Nimrod”) and postlude (“Orb & Sceptre”) were, as I wrote in last month’s magazine, both featured
in the 1953 Coronation, as did Vaughan Williams’ arrangement of “All people that on earth do dwell”. This hymn
, together with Charles Wood’s 1915 anthem “O thou the central orb” and the aforementioned “Orb and Sceptre” featured
in the Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Bank Holiday Tuesday. Our
second hymn – “Praise my soul the King of Heaven” was used at the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince
Philip in 1947. While Stanford’s Te Deum in B Flat was written in 1879, he orchestrated it and added an
introductory fanfare for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902. Charles Parry’s “I was glad” was also
written for this occasion and has been used at all subsequent coronations.
Jul 1st
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 4th Sunday after Trinity (6.1.2.4)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude:On a theme of Orlando Gibbons (Song 34) – C.Stanford
Setting: Darke in E (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O come ye servants of the Lord – C.Tye
Processional: O for a thousand tongues to sing (Richmond, last v.Andrew Moore)
OT Reading (Year B) – Solomon 1:13
Psalm (30): I will praise you Lord, you have rescued me (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Corinthians 8:7
Gradual: Immortal love for ever full (Bishopthorpe, last v.Norman Warren)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 5:21
Offertory: I am the bread of life
Communion: Thine arm O Lord in days of old (Kingsfold)
Post-Communion: Great is thy faithfulness
Postlude: Voluntary No 7 – W.Boyce
Jul 8th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 5th Sunday after Trinity (6.1.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Holsworthy Church Bells – S.S.Wesley
Setting: Healey Willan Missa de Sancto Albano (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lead me Lord – S.S.Wesley
Processional: Thou whose almighty word (Moscow, last v.Stanley Vann)
OT Reading (Year B) – Ezekiel 2:1
Psalm (123): Our eyes are on the Lord till he shows us his mercy (Finton O’Carroll/Martin Hall)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Corinthians 12:2
Gradual: King of Glory, King of Peace (Gwalchmai, last v.Colin Mawby)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 6:1
Offertory: Who is this so meek and helpless (Ebenezer)
Communion: Sweet sacrament divine (Divine Mysteries)
Post-Communion: We have a gospel to proclaim (Fulda)
Postlude: Voluntary No 8 – W.Boyce
Jul 15th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 6th Sunday after Trinity (6.1.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (Former Hon. Asst. Priest)
Prelude: Vocalise – S.Rachmaninov
Setting: St Edmund’s Mass – Arthur Rogers (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: These are they that follow the Lamb – J.Goss
Processional: Ye that know the Lord is gracious (Blaenwern)
OT Reading (Year B) – Amos 7:7
Psalm (85): Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – Ephesians 1:3
Gradual: O God of earth and heaven (Wolvercote)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 6:14
Offertory: The church’s one foundation (Aurelia)
Communion: Father we thank thee who hast planted (St Clement)
Post-Communion: Lead us Heavenly father, lead us (Mannheim, last v.Andrew Wright)
Postlude: Voluntary No 9 – W.Boyce
Jul 22nd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 7th Sunday after Trinity (6.1.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Brother James’ Air – H.Darke
Setting: John Ireland in C (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Teach me O Lord – T.Attwood
Processional: Immortal, Invisible, God only wise (St Denio, last v.Betty Roe)
OT Reading (Year B) – Jeremiah 23:1
Psalm (23): The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want
NT Reading (Year B) – Ephesians 2:11
Gradual: Faithful shepherd, feed me (Pastor Pastorum)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 6:30
Offertory: Christ is made of sure foundation (Westminster Abbey, last v.Colin Mawby)
Communion: The Lord’s my shepherd (Crimond)
Post-Communion: Sing to God new songs of worship (Ode to Joy)
Postlude: Olympic Hymn – S.Samara
My postlude was a homage to the Olympic Games which is coming to this city on Friday. It was written
by Spiro Samara for the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896 and was declared the official games anthem
in 1958 and has been used at all ceremonies since.
Aug 26th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 12th Sunday after Trinity (2.2.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Sicilienne – Paradis
Setting: Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Gaelic blessing – J.Rutter
Processional: Hail Redeemer, King Divine (King Divine)
OT Reading (Year B) – Joshua 24:1
Psalm (34): Taste and see that the Lord is good (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – Ephesians 6:10
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
Gospel (Year B) – John 6:56
Offertory: Love is his word, love is his way
Communion: Your gentleness O God of grace (Herongate)
Post-Communion: Now let us from this table rise
Postlude: Voluntary No 10 – W.Boyce
FROM THE CONSOLE - JUNE 2012
At the Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service on June 4th I shall be performing two organ arrangements of pieces which were
performed at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday June 2nd 1953.
William Walton’s “Orb and Sceptre” was written especially for the 1953 Coronation. Its structure was
greatly influenced by Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance marches (particularly Nos.1 & 4) and shows similarities
to his earlier “Crown Imperial”, written for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth’s father King George VI in 1936 and
also performed in 1953. “Orb and Sceptre”, however, is more chromatic and daring than its predecessor. The orb
and sceptre (pictured above) are two of the Crown Jewels used during the Coronation service.
Elgar’s “Nimrod” is the ninth of his 1899 “Enigma Variations” – fourteen movements dedicated to “my friends
pictured within”. The enigma refers to a hidden theme which is, in Elgar’s words, “not played”. There has been
much speculation as to what this theme may be although no definitive and widely-accepted solution has been found.
“Nimrod” is dedicated to his music editor August Jaeger. The name of the movement is a pun on the German word for
hunter – Jäger – with Nimrod being a Biblical hunter.
The work which has been performed at more Coronations than any other is Handel’s “Zadok the Priest”. It is one
of four Coronation Anthems written for the Coronation of King George II in 1727 and has been used at all eight
subsequent ceremonies.
During June I shall be playing several other works by William Walton. His “Spitfire” Prelude
(together with a fugue) was written for Leslie Howard’s 1942 film “The First of the Few”, a tribute
to R.J.Mitchell, designer - at the Supermarine aircraft factory in Southampton - of the Spitfire. “Touch her
soft lips and part” is taken from Walton’s music for Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film “Henry V”.
Jun 3rd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Trinity Sunday (4.2.1.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Touch her soft lips and part – W.Walton
Setting: Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Hymn to the Trinity – P.Tchaikovsky
Processional: Angel voices ever singing (Angel Voices, last v.Betty Roe)
OT Reading (Year B) – Isaiah 6:1
Psalm (33) – Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own (Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year B) – Romans 8:12
Gradual: Come let us join our cheerful songs (Nativity)
Gospel (Year B) – John 3:1
Offertory: How shall I sing that majesty (Coe Fen)
Communion: There is a redeemer
Post-Communion: Holy Holy Holy (Nicae, last v.Norman Warren)
Postlude: Spitfire Prelude – W.Walton
Mon Jun 4th
4.30pm - A Service of Thanksgiving for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (3.3.3.3)
Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Nimrod (Enigma Var) – Elgar (Performed at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953)
Hymn: All people that on earth do dwell (Old 100th, arr.R.Vaughan Williams) (1st Performed at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953)
Opening Prayers
Anthem: O thou the central orb – Wood (To be performed at tomorrow’s Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, London)
Collect and Liturgy of the Word (John 13:1)
Sermon
Hymn: Praise my soul the King of Heaven (Praise my Soul) (Performed at the wedding of Princess Elizabeth in 1947)
Prayers
Te Deum: Stanford in B Flat (Performed at the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902)
Blessing
National Anthem
Postlude: Orb and Sceptre – Walton (1st Performed at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953)
What a couple of days! On Sunday I went into London after the morning service to soak up the atmosphere at the
Thames River Pageant and even though I couldn’t see much was glad to have been able to be
there on such an amazing occasion. Today at St Edmund’s we held an afternoon family fun event with a barbeque and
afternoon tea culminating in a thanksgiving service. I was pleased with the Walton
which I learnt especially for the occasion. Rather frustratingly, the bottom pedal G# has decided
to give up the ghost so there was a bit of octave jumping in places! As I write this on Monday evening, I am watching the
Diamond Jubilee Concert being held in front of Buckingham Palace and tomorrow is the service of
thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Thu Jun 7th
8.00pm Sung Eucharist and procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction – Corpus Christi (2.2.0.1)
Prelude:Picardy – Alec Rowley
Setting: Sydney Nicholson (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Panis Angelicus – C.Franck
Processional: Alleluia, sing to Jesus (Hyfrydol, last v.David Terry)
OT Reading (Year B): Genesis 14:18
Psalm (116): The cup of salvation I will raise (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B): 1 Corinthians 11:23
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
GO (Year B): John 6:51
Offertory: We pray Thee, Heavenly Father (Auralia)
THE PROCESSION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
O saving victim, opening wide (Verbum Supernum)
Lord, enthroned in Heavenly splendour (St Helen)
Sweet sacrament divine (Divine Mysteries)
BENEDICTIONOF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Therefore we before him bending (Pange Lingua)
Postlude: Finale on “Hyfrydol” – Henry Coleman
Jun 10th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 1st Sunday after Trinity (7.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude:Pavane – G.Faure
Setting: Healey Willan Missa de Sancto Albano (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord that descendedst, Holy child – E.Gritton
Processional: How great Thou art
OT Reading (Year B) – Genesis 3:8
Psalm (130) – With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Corinthians 4:13
Gradual: Fight the good fight (Duke Street, last v.Richard Lloyd)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 3:20
Offertory: O Jesus I have promised (Wolvercote)
Communion: When all thy mercies O my God (Contemplation)
Post-Communion: Now let us from this table rise
Postlude: Crown Imperial – W.Walton
Jun 17th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 2nd Sunday after Trinity (7.2.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude:Ave Maria – Attr.G.Caccini
Setting: Francis Jackson in G (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Ave Verum Corpus – W.A.Mozart
Processional: Praise to God who word was spoken (St Helen)
OT Reading (Year B) – Ezekiel 17:22
Psalm (92): It is good to give you thanks, O Lord (Joan McCrimmon/Anne Ward)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Corinthians 5:6
Gradual: Thy kingdom come O God (St Cecilia)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 4:26
Offertory: God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year (Benson)
Communion: Be still for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Postlude: Voluntary No 5 – W.Boyce
Jun 24th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 3rd Sunday after Trinity (7.2.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude:Berceuse (Peterhouse Chapel Windows Suite) – Barry Ferguson
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: As water to the thirsty – John Barnard
Processional: Praise to the Lord, the almighty (Lobe Den Herren, last v.Quentin Thomas)
OT Reading (Year B) – Job 38:1
Psalm (107): O give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures for ever (John Rombaut/Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Corinthians 6:1
Gradual: Breathe on me breath of God (Carlisle)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 4:35
Offertory: Eternal Father strong to save (Melita, last v.Richard Lloyd)
Communion: Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side (Finlandia)
Post-Communion: Forth in thy name O Lord I go (Song 34)
Postlude: Voluntary No 6 – W.Boyce
FROM THE CONSOLE - MAY 2012
2012 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of English composer Frederick Delius. He was born in Bradford in 1862 and
was baptised Fritz, a forename he used until he was about 40. His parents were of German extraction
although Delius’ father Julius, a wool merchant, had become a naturalised British subject shortly before
Frederick’s birth. It was a musical household and Frederick learned the violin and piano from an early age. Julius
assumed that his son would play a part in the family business and for three years sent him to various European
countries. Frederick consistently put his artistic interests ahead of commercial ones although his father was vehemently
opposed to music as a profession. Eventually in 1884 Julius sent his son to Florida to manage an orange
plantation. While in America, Frederick studied music with Jacksonville organist Thomas Ward, who, Delius
said, provided the only useful music instruction he ever had. After two years, Frederick’s father finally
agreed to allow his son to pursue a musical career and paid for him to study in Leipzig. While in Germany
Frederick became acquainted with Edward Grieg, who became a warm supporter of Delius. In 1888 Frederick moved
to Paris where he met the artist Jelka Rosen. They married in 1903 and made their home in Grez-sur-Loing, 40
miles SE of Paris. The orchestral tone poem “On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring” was written in 1912
and was first performed a year later in Leipzig. As well as an exchange of cuckoo calls, the work quotes
the Norwegian folk song “In Ola Valley”, also used by Grieg in his Norwegian Folksongs for Piano. After
the First World War, Delius’ health began to decline and by 1928 he was left paralysed and blind. To
aid them financially, Henry Balfour Gardiner – composer of the famous anthem “Evening Hymn” and
great-uncle of conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner - bought their house in Grez and allowed them to
live there rent-free for the rest of their lives. In his last years Delius worked with Eric
Fenby – who made the organ arrangement of “On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring” - who had
volunteered his services as an unpaid amanuensis. Frederick died in 1934 at the age of 72, and was
buried (next to Jelka who died less than a year later) in Limpsfield, Surrey, also the resting place
of Sir Thomas Beecham who had supported and promoted Delius’ music.
May 6th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 5th Sunday of Easter (6.1.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (former Hon Asst Priest)
Prelude: On hearing the first cuckoo in spring – F.Delius, arr.E.Fenby
Setting: Darke in F (Glora/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: God be in my head – John Rutter
Processional: Praise the Lord, ye Heavens adore him (Austria, last v.Robert Jones)
1st Reading (Year B): Acts 8:26
Psalm (22): You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly (Anne Ward)
2nd Reading (Year B): 1 John 4:7
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
GO (Year B): John 15:1
Offertory: Lord enthroned in Heavenly splendour (St Helen)
Communion: From Heaven you came, helpless babe (The Servant King)
Post-Communion: Go forth and tell, O church of God awake (Woodlands)
Postlude: Voluntary No 1 – William Boyce
May 13th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 6th Sunday of Easter (5.2.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Morning (“Peer Gynt”) – E.Grieg
Setting: Jackson in G (Glora/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Ave Verum Corpus – W.A.Mozart
Processional: All hail the power of Jesu’s name (Miles Lane)
1st Reading (Year B): Acts 10:44
Psalm (98): The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations (John Rombaut/A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year B): 1 John 5:1
Gradual: Sing Alleluia forth ye Saints on high (Martins)
GO (Year B): John 15:9
Offertory: God is love let Heaven adore Him (Blaenwern)
Communion: Bind us together
Post-Communion: The Kingdom is upon you (Wolvercote)
Postlude: Voluntary No 2 – William Boyce
Thu May 17th
7.00pm Sung Eucharist - The Ascension of the Lord (3.2.1.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Christ Triumphant – John Marsh
Setting: St Edmund’s Mass - Arthur Rogers (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Cantate Domino - Pitoni
Processional: Alleluia sing to Jesus (Hyfrydol, last v.David Terry)
1st Reading (Year B): Acts 1:1
Psalm: God goes up with shouts of joy (Stephen Dean)
2nd Reading (Year B): Ephesians 1:15
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
GO (Year B): Luke 24:44
Offertory: Hail the day that sees Him rise (Llanfair, last v.Martin Setchell)
Communion: Eternal Monarch, King most high (Gonfalon Royal)
Post-Communion: Rejoice the Lord is King (Gopsal, last v.John Marsh)
Postlude: Heut’ Triumphiret Gottes Sohn – J.S.Bach
May 20th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 7th Sunday after Easter (Sunday after Ascension) (6.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Death of Ase (“Peer Gynt”) – E.Grieg
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: The Call – R.Vaughan Williams
Processional: Christ Triumphant, ever reigning (Guiting Power)
1st Reading (Year B): Acts 1:15
Psalm (103): The Lord has set his throne in Heaven (Eric Welch/A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year B): 1 John 5:9
Gradual: Hail the day that sees Him rise (Llanfair, last v.Martin Setchell)
GO (Year B): John 17:6
Offertory: Hail Redeemer, King divine (King Divine)
Communion: The head that once was crowned with thorns (St Magnus, last v.Norman Warren)
Post-Communion: At the name of Jesus (Evelyns, last v.David Terry)
Postlude: Voluntary No 3 – W.Boyce
May 27th
10.00am Sung Eucharist and Church Parade – The Day of Pentecost (Whit Sunday) (5.1.2.3)
“The Fruits of the Spirit”
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Solveig’s Song (“Peer Gynt”) – E.Grieg
Setting: Ireland in C (Metrical version of Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry)
Anthem: Come Holy Ghost – T.Attwood
Processional: The Spirit lives to set us free
During Sprinkling of Holy Water: Spirit of the living God
Reading – Dramatised version of Galatians Chap 5
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
Gospel – John Chap 20
Offertory: Come down O Love divine (Down Ampney)
Communion: Be still for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: Colours of day
Postlude: Voluntary No 4– W.Boyce
FROM THE CONSOLE - APRIL 2012
This year is the 300th anniversary of the birth of English composer and organist John Stanley. Born in London in
January 1712, an accident at the age of two left him almost blind. He began studying music at the age of seven
with St Paul’s Cathedral organist Maurice Greene and at the age of eleven was appointed organist
at the city church of All Hallow’s, Bread Street, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and demolished in
1878. At the age of fourteen Stanley became organist at St Andrew’s Church, Holborn and at seventeen became the
youngest person ever to obtain the Batchelor of Music degree from Oxford University. In 1734 he was appointed organist
at the Temple Church where he attracted the attention of a number of musicians, including Handel who regularly visited
the church to hear him. Stanley succeeded Handel as Governor of the Foundling Hospital – a children’s home situated
between King’s Cross and Holborn - and continued the tradition of directing the annual performance of “Messiah” in aid
of hospital funds. In 1779 Stanley succeeded William Boyce as Master of the King’s (George III’s) Music, a post
which he held until his death in 1786. His famous Trumpet Voluntary, which I shall be playing on Easter
Saturday, is taken from the fifth of his “Ten Voluntaries for Organ” op.6, published in 1752.
On Easter Sunday – as I have done for the past five years - I shall be performing Bach’s great Toccata and Fugue
in D Minor, the Toccata as a prelude and the Fugue as a Postlude. I included this in the recent Classic Concert
which I gave with flautist Michael Wood and you can hear my performance here.
Apr 1st
10.00am Sung Eucharist - Palm Sunday (6.2.2.2)
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: The people of the Hebrews - Palestrina
Introduction and Blessing of Palms in Church Hall
Palm Gospel: Mark 11:1
Procession from Hall to Church: All Glory laud and honour (St Theodolph)
Introit: Ride on, ride on in majesty (Winchester New, last v.Andrew Moore)
OT (Year B): Isaiah 50:4
Psalm (22): My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): Philippians 2:5
Gradual: Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
GO (Year B): Mark 14:32 (Dramatised Version of the Passion)
Offertory: My song is love unknown (Love Unknown, last v.Mark Hammond)
Communion: O dearest Lord, thy sacred head (Belmont)
Post-Communion: Lift high the cross (Crucifer)
Postlude: Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 - Elgar
Apr 5th
8.00pm The Mass of the Lord's Supper - Maundy Thursday (5.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Ubi Caritas - Colin Mawby
Setting: Nicholson (Gloria – Merbecke)
Anthem: Panis Angelicus – C.Franck
Introit: Praise to the holiest in the height (Gerontius, last v.Colin Hand)
OT: Exodus 12:1
Psalm: The blessing cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ (A.Gregory Murray)
NT: 1 Corinthians 11:23
Gradual: Come risen Lord and deign to be our guest (Farley Castle)
GO: John 13:1
During the washing of the feet – God is love (Ubi Caritas) & Meekness and majesty
Offertory: Love is his word
Communion: This is my body
Transfer of the blessed sacrament to the altar of repose – Of the glorious body telling (Pange Lingua)
Psalm 22 is read during the stripping of the sanctuary
The watch continues in the altar of repose until the Good Friday liturgy
Apr 6th - Good Friday
11.00am Children’s activities in the Hall
12.00pm Children’s Good Friday Worship
Hymn – There is a green hill far away (Horsley)
1.00pm A Meditation for Good Friday
Gethsemane – The Trial – The Crucifixion
Hymn – We sing the praise of Him who died (Breslau)
Hymn – Drop, drop, slow tears (Song 46)
Hymn – It is a thing most wonderful (Herongate)
2.00pm The Liturgy of Good Friday (3.2.2.2)
1st Reading: Isaiah 52:13
Psalm – Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (A Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:16
Hymn – There is a green hill far away (Horsley)
The Passion of our Lord according to John – Vittoria
Reproaches during the veneration – Vittoria
Hymn – When I survey the wondrous cross (Rockingham, last v.Betty Roe)
Hymn – Glory be to Jesus (Caswall, last v.June Nixon)
Apr 7th
8.00pm Easter Vigil and Eucharist of the Resurrection - Easter Saturday (5.1.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Setting - Arthur Rogers
THE SERVICE OF LIGHT
The Exultet
THE VIGIL OF READINGS
1st Reading: Genesis 1:1 (The Creation)
Psalm (33) – Send forth your spirit, O Lord (A Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading: Exodus 14:15 (Israel’s deliverance at the Red Sea)
Canticle (Exodus 15) – I will sing to the Lord (A Gregory Murray)
3rd Reading: Ezekiel 37:1 (The Valley of the Dry Bones)
Psalm (30) – I will praise you, Lord (Finton O’Carroll/Ian Forrester)
Fanfare – Francis Jackson; Gloria - Merbecke
NT Reading: Romans 6:3
Gradual – Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/ Finton O’Carroll)
GO: Mark 16:1
RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES
Processional - Thou flowing water pure and clear (Laast Uns Erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
Offertory – At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (Salzburg)
Anthem – Up, up, my heart with gladness – J.S.Bach
Communion – Love’s redeeming work is done (Savannah, last v.Robert Jones)
Post-Communion – Jesus Christ is risen today (Easter Hymn, last v.Colin Mawby)
Postlude – Trumpet Tune – J.Stanley
Apr 8th
10.00am Sung Eucharist - Easter Sunday (5.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Toccata in D minor – J.S.Bach
Setting: John Ireland (Gloria – Metrical setting to “Evelyns”, last v.David Terry)
Anthem: O thou the central orb – C.Wood
Processional: Hail thee festival day (Salve Festa Dies)
1st Reading: Acts 10:34
Psalm: This day was made by the Lord (A Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1
Gradual: Jesus Christ is risen today (Easter Hymn, last v.Colin Mawby)
GO: John 20:1
Offertory: The day of resurrection (Ellacombe, last v.Betty Roe)
Communion: Christ the Lord is risen again (Wurtemburg, last v.David Terry)
Post-Communion: Thine be the Glory (Maccabeus, last v.Norman Warren)
Postlude: Fugue in D minor – J.S.Bach
Apr 15th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 2nd Sunday of Easter
Setting: Nicholson
Psalm (118): Give thanks to the Lord for He is good (John Jordan/A.Gregory Murray)
Anthem: From the rising of the sun - Ouseley
Hymns: Jesus lives, thy terrors now (St Albinus), The strife is o’er (Victory), Alleluia, Alleluia
(Lux Eoi), This joyful Eastertide (This joyful Eastertide), Just as I am, without one plea (Saffron Waldon)
Apr 22nd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 3rd Sunday of Easter (5.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Salix – P.Whitlock
Setting: Healey Willan (Glora/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Clare Benediction – J.Rutter
Processional: Ye choirs of new Jerusalem (St Fulbert, last v.Robert Jones)
1st Reading (Year B): Acts 3:12
Psalm (4): Lift up the light of your face on us O Lord (Estelle White/A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year B): 1 John 3:1
Gradual: Good Christian men, rejoice and sing (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wright)
GO (Year B): Luke 24:36b
Offertory: Come ye faithful, raise the strain (St John Damascene)
Communion: If Christ had not be raised from death (Kingsford)
Post-Communion: Love’s redeeming work is done (Savannah, last v.Robert Jones)
Postlude: Grand March (“Aida”) – G.Verdi
Apr 29th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 4th Sunday of Easter (1.1.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (former Hon Asst Priest)
Prelude: Duetto – P.Whitlock
Setting: Peter Heath (Glora/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: I give you a new commandment – P.Aston
Processional: Praise my soul the King of Heaven (Praise my soul)
1st Reading (Year B): Acts 4:5
Psalm (118): The stone which the builders rejected (A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year B): 1 John 3:16
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
GO (Year B): John 10:11
Offertory: I am the light whose brightness shines (Richmond)
Communion: The King of love my shepherd is (Dominus Regit Me)
Post-Communion: Glorious things of thee are spoken (Austria, last v.Robert Jones)
Postlude: Fantasia in C Minor (BWV 562) – J.S.Bach
There was a thin turnout this morning due to a Parish trip this weekend to Walsingham. The anthem had to be done in two parts – SAT & B – and actually worked very well.
FROM THE CONSOLE - MARCH 2012
In my November column, I began a layman’s guide to the organ at St Edmund’s.
At St Edmund’s, there are two different colours of speaking stops (the illuminated buttons on either side of the
three manuals) which correspond to the two types of organ pipe. The white stops are called flues. These pipes have no
moving parts and produce their sound through the vibration of air molecules in the same way as a flute. The red stops
are called reeds and these pipes incorporate vibrating brass strips and are used for oboe, clarinet and trumpet
stops. The green stops (known as non-speaking) are couplers which enable the performer to play the stops from one
manual on another and this combining allows every stop of the organ to be played simultaneously on one manual. The
black pistons under each manual and above the pedals allow a number of preset combinations of stops for each manual
which can be handy when you have your hands full on the keyboard! There are also general pistons which are useful in
preparing the registration for a recital.
Speaking of recitals, I shall be giving one with flautist Michael Wood on Sunday March 4th as part of the
Classic Concert series. Three of the works are based on Spanish and Latin American dances. The four-movement
“Histoire du Tango” by Argentinean Astor Piazolla was originally written for flute and guitar and follows the
development of the Tango from its early days in a “1900 Bordello” through to a “Modern Day Concert”. I shall
be playing two solo piano pieces by the Spanish pianist and composer Isaac Albeniz (pictured above). “Cordoba” is
the fourth of his five “Chants d’Espagne”, written in 1898 to celebrate one of Albeniz’s favourite cities and
features flamenco rhythms and melodies. “Tango” is the second of the six-movement “Espana” suite and dates
from 1890. These two pieces – like many of Albeniz’s - have been transcribed for solo guitar. The concert
will also feature two works by J.S.Bach – his 4th Flute Sonata in C Major and his monumental Toccata and
Fugue in D Minor for solo organ.
Mar 4th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 2nd Sunday of Lent (4.2.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: O Lamm Gottes, Unschuldig – J.S.Bach
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: God so loved the World – J.Stainer
Processional: Immortal, Invisible, God only wise (St Denio, last v.Betty Roe)
OT (Year B): Genesis 17:1
Psalm (116): I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living (A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): Romans 4:13
Gradual: Christ whose Glory fills the skies (Ratisbon, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
GO (Year B): Mark 9:2
Offertory: Who is this so weak and helpless (Ebenezer)
Communion: O Lord that will not let me go
Post-Communion: To God be the glory
Postlude: Toccata - Gigout
Mar 11th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 3rd Sunday of Lent (6.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Pracher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Christe, du Lamm Gottes – J.S.Bach
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O Bone Jesu - Ingegneri
Processional: Dear Lord and Father of mankind (Repton)
OT (Year B): Exodus 20:1
Psalm (19): You, Lord, have the message of eternal life (Filberto Polato/Ian Forrester)
NT (Year B): 1 Corinthians 1:18
Gradual: Christ is our cornerstone (Harewood, last v.June Nixon)
GO (Year B): John 2:13
Offertory: All my hope on God is founded (Michael, last v.arrangment from “English Praise”)
Communion: As the deer pants for the water
Post-Communion: Great is thy faithfulness
Postlude: Overture (“Messiah”) – G.F.Handel
Mar 18th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Mothering Sunday Parade Service (4th Sunday of Lent) (6.2.2.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Legende – L.Vierne
Setting: Nicholson
Anthem: For the beauty of the earth – J.Rutter
Processional: Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord (Woodlands)
Reading: Ephesians 2:4
Gradual: Give me oil in my lamp (Sing Hosanna)
Gospel: John 3:14
Offertory: All things bright and beautiful (All things bright and beautiful, last v.Andrew Moore)
Communion: Jesus good above all other (Quem Pastores, last v.Andrew Wright)
Post-Communion: Now thank we all our God (Nun Danket, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Postlude: Carillon Sortie – H.Mulet
A beautifully cold, sunny, crisp Mothering Sunday here in London so rode the five miles from home to church on bike. I recorded both the prelude and postlude on my iphone (links above).
Mar 25th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Passion Sunday (5th Sunday of Lent) (5.1.2.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund – J.S.Bach
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O Saviour of the World – J.Goss
Processional: O Praise ye the Lord (Laudate Dominum)
OT (Year B): Jeremiah 31:31
Psalm (51): A pure heart create for me, O God (A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): Hebrews 5:5
Gradual: Thou art the way, by thee alone (St James)
GO (Year B): John 12:20
Offertory: I am the bread of life
Communion: Soul of my saviour, sanctify my breast (Anima Christi)
Post-Communion: Take up thy cross the saviour said (Breslau)
Postlude: O Mensch, Bewein Dein Sunde Gross – J.S.Bach
6.30pm – A Musical Devotion for Passion Sunday (8.5.5.5)
Ian Hope (Tenor), Simon Wilson (Bass), Mark Hammond (Organ), Nora Wood (Conductor)
“The Crucifixion” – John Stainer
We were all pleased with tonight’s “Crucifixion”. Click here to hear “Is it nothing to you” leading into “From the throne”. Balance isn’t brilliant (iphone balanced on the console) but it gives you an idea.
FROM THE CONSOLE - FEBRUARY 2012
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
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 3rd Sunday before Lent (6.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Bailero – J.Canteloube
Setting: Harold Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: As water to the thirsty – J.Barnard
Processional: Onward Christian soldiers (St Gertrude)
OT (Year B): Isaiah 40:21
Psalm (147): Praise, praise the Lord, who heals the broken hearted (Stephen Dean/A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): 1 Corinthians 9:16
Gradual: Jesus shall reign (Truro, last v.Stanley Vann)
GO (Year B): Mark 1:29
Offertory: And can it be
Communion: Soul of my saviour (Anima Christi)
Post-Communion: Go forth and tell (Woodlands)
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 5 in G Major – attr.J.S.Bach
Woke up this morning to several inches of snow here in London so we were rather thin on the ground both in the choir and the congregation
Feb 12th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 2nd Sunday before Lent (3.2.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Prelude (“The Dream of Gerontius”) – E.Elgar
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Gaelic Blessing – J.Rutter
Processional: Holy, Holy, Holy (Nicaea, last v.Norman Warren)
OT (Year B): Hosea 2:14
Psalm (31): You are my refuge, O Lord, you fill me with the joy of salvation (Stephen Dean/Ian Forrester)
NT (Year B): 2 Corinthians 3:1
Gradual: Jesus Lord we look to Thee (Vienna)
GO (Year B): Mark 2:13
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: Amazing Grace
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 6 in G Minor – attr.J.S.Bach
Feb 19th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Sunday next before Lent (4.2.2.2)
Celebrant: Father Tony Andrews
Prelude: Promenade Sentimentale – V.Cosma
Setting: Ireland in C (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: I give you a new commandment – P.Aston
Processional: Ye watchers and ye Holy ones (Laast Uns Erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
OT (Year B): Deuteronomy 5:12
Psalm (41): Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you (Martin Hall/A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): 2 Corinthians 4:5
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
GO (Year B): Mark 2:23
Offertory: How shall I sing that Majesty (Coe Fen)
Communion: Lord of all hopefulness (Slane, last v.Ian Hope)
Post-Communion: Seek ye first the kingdom of God
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 7 in A Minor – attr.J.S.Bach
Feb 22nd
8.00pm Sung Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes - Ash Wednesday (4.1.2.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Bist Du Bei Mir - J.S.Bach
Setting: Merbecke
Anthem: O Most Merciful – C.Wood
Processional: Just as I am, without one plea (Saffron Walden, last v.Martin Setchell)
OT (Year B): Joel 2:12
Psalm (51): Have mercy on us, Lord, for we have sinned (A.Gregory Murray)
NT (Year B): 2 Corinthians 5:20
Gradual: Be thou my guardian and my guide (Abridge, last v.Colin Hand)
GO (Year B): Matthew 6:1
Offertory: Jesu, lover of my soul (Aberystwyth, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Post-Communion: Lord Jesus think on me (Southwell)
Postlude: Chorale Prelude on “Aus der tiefe rufe ich” – J.S.Bach (attr.)
Feb 26th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 1st Sunday of Lent (6.2.2.3)
Celebrant/Pracher: Father Philip Barnes, St Edmund’s Vicar
Prelude: Ave Maria – F.Schubert
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Adoramus Te - Palestrina
Processional: Forty Days and Forty Nights (Aus Der Tiefe, last v.Stanley Vann)
OT (Year B): Genesis 9:18
Psalm (25): Yours ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love (Stephen Dean/Ian Forrester)
NT (Year B): 1 Peter 3:18
Gradual: Be thou my Guardian and my Guide (Abridge, last v.Colin Hand)
GO (Year B): Mark 1:9
Offertory: O love how deep, how broad, how high (Eisenach, last v.Andrew Moore)
Communion: Lead us Heavenly Father, lead us (Mannheim, last v.Andrew Wright)
Post-Communion: Guide me O thou great Redeemer (Cwm Rhondda)
Postlude: Prelude & Fugue No 8 in B Flat Major – attr.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 here
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.
