ST EDMUND THE KING, NORTHWOOD HILLS ARCHIVE SEP 2014-AUG 2015

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 - AUGUST 2015



On my way down to the South of France I stopped off in two fascinating cities. The first night, following a six hour drive from Calais, was spent in Nantes. France’s sixth largest city is located on the banks of the River Loire around 35 miles from the Atlantic coast. During the Middle Ages it was the capital of Brittany, where the Dukes lived in the impressive castle which is now home to a historical museum. Construction of the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre was begun in the fifteenth century and continued over the next four centuries. Allied bombing during the Second World War and a roof fire in 1972 led to a complete restoration in recent years. The organ was built by Francois-Henri Cliquot in 1734 and was restored in 1971 following damage sustained during the bombing.

My second night was spent in Bordeaux, France’s ninth largest city. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region and is the world’s major wine industry capital. The architecture (pictured) is stunning which has led UNESCO to put the city on its World Heritage List as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of the eighteenth century. The Cathedrale Saint-Andre was consecrated by the Pope in 1066 although only a small part of the original building still remains. In 1137 it saw the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the future King Louis VII. Their marriage was annulled in 1152 and she subsequently married the Duke of Normandy who was to become Henry II of England. The current organ was built by Danion-Gonzalez in 1982 and consists of four manuals.

Aug 16th
10am Sung Eucharist – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (11th Sun after Trinity) (2.1.0.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Dirge for Fidele – R.Vaughan Williams
Setting: Nicholson (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: The Call - R.Vaughan Williams
Processional: Sing we of the Blessed Mother (Abbot's Leigh)
1st Reading (Year B) - Revelation 11:19
Psalm (45): On your right stands the Queen in garments of gold (Stephen Dean/A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year B): Galations 4:4
Gradual: Her Virgin eyes saw God incarnate born (Farley Castle)
Gospel (Year B) - Luke 1:46
Offertory: Ye who own the faith of Jesus (Daily Daily)
Communion: For Mary Mother of the Lord (St Botolph)
Post-Communion: Tell out my soul (Woodlands)
Postlude – Prelude in F Minor – J.S.Bach

Aug 23rd
10am Sung Eucharist – Twelfth Sunday after Trinity (2.1.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Apres un reve – G.Faure
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: I give you a new commmandment - P.Aston
Processional: Great is thy faithfulness
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: Sing to God new songs of worship (Ode to Joy)
Gospel (Year B) - John 6:56
Offertory: I am the bread of life
Communion: Your gentleness O God of grace (Herongate)
Post-Communion: Christ triumphant, ever reigning (Guiting Power)
Postlude – Prelude in B Minor – J.S.Bach

Aug 30th
10am Sung Eucharist – Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity (3.0.0.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Andantino – E.Lemare
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: God be in my head - Walford Davies
Processional: Light of the minds that know him (Aurelia)
OT Reading (Year B) - Deuteronomy 4:1
Psalm (15): The just will live in the presence of the Lord (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B): James 1:17
Gradual: Blest are the pure in heart (Franconia)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 7:1
Offertory: O worship the King all glorious above (Hanover)
Communion: Soul of my saviour, sanctify my breast (Anima Christi)
Post-Communion: Let all the world in every corner sing (Luckington)
Postlude – Prelude in C Minor – J.S.Bach


FROM THE CONSOLE - JULY 2015



A few weeks ago my friend and occasional St Edmund’s bass Frank Jacobs invited me to sing in a concert at Bow Church celebrating the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta. Originally issued by King John as a practical solution to the political crisis he faced in 1215, it established the principle that everyone, including the King, was subject to the law. It also gave everyone to right to justice and a fair trial. The concert, which featured largely British music from each of the eight centuries, also included readings on the theme of liberty and freedom. The concert opened with the thirteenth century “Pucelet Bele, Je Languis, Domino”, a quodlibet of three songs, two secular and one religious. The fourteenth century six-part canon “Sumer Is Icumen In” is thought to be the oldest surviving example of independent melodic counterpoint. A pastiche of the song (“we will fix it”) was sung by the “mouse organ” mice in the 1970s children’s TV series “Bagpuss”, co-created and narrated by Oliver Postgate. “The Agincourt Carol” is an English folk song written shortly after the famous 1415 battle where the English defeated the French forces of Charles VI. It features in Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film “Henry V”. Henry VIII was highly respected as a musician and composer. It is believed that the King wrote a third of the one hundred works in the so-called “Henry VIII Songbook”. His best-known song is probably “Pastime with good company”, written in 1509 and celebrating the joys of hunting, singing and dancing. William Byrd was organist at Lincoln Cathedral and the Chapel Royal. “Ave Verum Corpus” was published in his 1605 “Gradualia”, a two-volume set of over 100 motets covering much of the liturgical year. William Croft was organist at Westminster Abbey from 1708 until his death in 1727. In 1708 he wrote the hymn tune “St Anne” (so-called because he was organist at St Anne’s, Soho at the time) to Isaac Watts’ words “O God our help in ages past” and it is often performed around Remembrance Sunday. Thomas Attwood was a composition pupil of Mozart and held the post of organist at St Paul’s Cathedral between 1799 and 1838. His anthem “Teach me O Lord” sets words from Psalm 119. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ 1921 setting of Psalm 90, “Lord thou hast been our refuge”, for semi-chorus, chorus, trumpet solo and organ, incorporates “O God our help in ages past”, a metrical version of the same psalm. The concert concluded with an arrangement of Carly Simon’s Oscar-winning 1988 hit “Let the river run”, written for the film “Working Girl”.
There were readings from former Bow Church member George Lansbury, the pacifist labour party leader during the thirties and grandfather to Oliver Postgate and actress Angela Lansbury.

July 5th
10am Sung Eucharist – Fifth Sunday afer Trinity (5.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Villanella – J.Ireland
Setting: Harold Darke in F (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord I Trust Thee - G.F.Handel
Processional: Longing for light we wait in darkness
OT Reading (Year B) - Ezekiel 2:1
Psalm (123): Oureyes are on the Lord till he shows us his mercy (Fintan O'Carroll/Martin Hall)
NT Reading (Year B): 2 Corinthians 12:2
Gradual: Lord thy word abideth (Ravenshaw)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 6:1
Offertory: Thy hand O God has guided (Thornbury)
Communion: Lead us Heavenly Father lead us (Mannheim, last v.Andrew Wright)
Post-Communion: The Kingdom is upon you (Wolvercote)
Postlude – Final – L.Boellmann


FROM THE CONSOLE - JUNE 2015



Regular readers of this column will know that I enjoy exploring Parisian cemeteries. Having previously visited Pere Lachaise (resting place of Georges Bizet, Frederic Chopin and Jim Morrison) and Montparnasse (Cesar Franck, Camille Saint-Saens and Louis Vierne), we took the chance of visiting the cemetery in Montmartre during the Easter holidays . It was opened in 1825 in an abandoned gypsum quarry and is the third largest cemetery in Paris behind the two previously mentioned. Amongst those buried there include writer Emile Zola, ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky and artist Edgar Degas. Musicians interred at Montmartre include Jacques Offenbach (composer of the “Can-Can”), Leo Delibes (composer of the ballet “Coppelia” and the opera “Lakme”) and Adolphe Adam (composer of “The Holy City”).

Two other musicians buried at Montmartre are Eugene Gigout and Leon Boellmann. Gigout was born in Nancy in 1844. He studied with Camille Saint-Saens and later taught Gabriel Faure. He held the post of organist at the Eglise St Augustin in Paris for 62 years. He is now almost exclusively known for his “Toccata” in B Minor, which forms the fourth of “Ten Pieces” written in 1890. Gigout was the uncle of the organist and composer Leon Boellmann - best known for his “Suite Gothique” – and adopted his nephew after Leon's parents died. At the age of 19, Boellmann was appointed organist at the Church of St Vincent de Paul near the Gare du Nord, a post he held until his untimely death at the age of just 35. Uncle and nephew are buried together at Montmartre (pictured above).

We also took the chance of visiting the impressive basilica of Sacre-Coeur with its impressive views across Paris. Even though Sunday Mass was in progress, hundreds of visitors were snaking around the building, something I found rather disconcerting. The organ, built in 1898 by Aristide Cavaille-Coll, is in urgent need of repair and a fund-raising campaign is in progress. For example, you can sponsor a bellow for £50. Maybe they can give us a few ideas at St Edmund’s!

Thu Jun 5th
8.00pm Sung Eucharist and procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction – Corpus Christi (4.0.0.0)
Prelude: Improvisation on Veni Creator Spiritus - Noel Rawsthorne
Setting: 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 (147): O praise the Lord, Jerusalem (Liam Affley/Anne Ward)
NT Reading (Year B): 1 Corinthians 11:23
Gradual: Word of the Father (Christe Fons Jugis)
Gospel (Year B): John 6:51
Offertory: We pray Thee, Heavenly Father (Offertorium)
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)
BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Therefore we before him bending (Pange Lingua)
Postlude: Finale on “Hyfrydol” – Henry Coleman

June 7th
10am Sung Eucharist – First Sunday afer Trinity (4.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (Former Hon. Asst. Priest)
Prelude – Sheep may safely graze – J.S.Bach
Setting: Wadeley (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord that descendest - Gritton
Processional: Ye that know the Lord is gracious (Blaenwern)
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: Lord thy word abideth (Ravenshaw)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 3:20
Offertory: Praise to the Lord the almighty the King of creation (Lobe Den Herren)
Communion: When all thy mercies O my God (Contemplation)
Post-Communion: Now let us from this table rise
Postlude – Voluntary No 8 – W.Boyce

June 14th
10am Sung Eucharist – Second Sunday afer Trinity (4.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Chanson de Matin – E.Elgar
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: The Call - R.Vaughan Williams
Processional: O praise ye the Lord (Laudate Dominum)
OT Reading (Year B) - Ezekiel 17:22
Psalm (92): It is good to give thanks O Lord (Joan McCrimmon/Anne Ward)
NT Reading (Year B): 2 Corinthians 5:6
Gradual: Ye servants of God your master proclaim (Paderborn, last v.Stanley Vann)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 4:26
Offertory: God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year (Benson)
Communion: There is a redeemer
Post-Communion: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Postlude – Voluntary No 9 – W.Boyce

June 21st
10am Sung Eucharist – Third Sunday afer Trinity (5.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Prelude (“The Dream of Gerontius”) – E.Elgar
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: A Clare Benediction - J.Rutter
Processional: Longing for light we wait in darkness
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: I heard the voice of Jesus say (Kingsfold)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 4:35
Offertory: Jesu lover of my soul (Aberystwyth, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Communion: O love that will not let me go
Post-Communion: Lord for the years
Postlude – Voluntary No 10 – W.Boyce

June 28th
10am Sung Eucharist – Fourth Sunday afer Trinity (3.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Priere a Notre-Dame – L.Boellmann
Setting: Oldroyd (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: I give you a new commandment - P.Aston
Processional: When morning gilds the sky (Laudes Domini)
OT Reading (Year B) - Wisdom of 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)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 5:21
Offertory: I am the bread of life
Communion: O thou who camest from above (Hereford, last v.Mark Hammond)
Post-Communion: Forth in the peace of Christ we go (Song 34)
Postlude – Toccata – E.Gigout


FROM THE CONSOLE - MAY 2015



After graduating from Cambridge University, I moved to Durham for my one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education course. Having been at the smallest Cambridge college I now found myself in Durham University’s second-largest collegiate institution with over a thousand students. The College of St Hild and St Bede was founded in 1975 when two teacher-training colleges merged - the all-male College of the Venerable Bede (1838) and the all-female St Hild’s College (1858). The Venerable Bede (c673-735) was an English Tyneside monk who wrote the seminal "Ecclesiastical History of the English People" which gained him the title “The Father of English History”. St Hild (c614-680) was the founding abbess of the monastery at Whitby Abbey. Hild’s sister married the brother of King Anna of East Anglia - not related to St Edmund who ruled the Kingdom several centuries later.

The college is situated on a hill just outside the city with picturesque views of the River Wear below. Notable alumni include sports broadcasters Chris Hollins and Gabby Logan, former England cricket captain Nasser Hussein and actor Roger Moore, although the latter never graduated. The Chapel was built in 1939 to mark the centenary of the original college and is in an art deco style. The organ was originally built for the Bede college chapel in 1891 by Harrison and Harrison. After its move to the new chapel, new casework was provided and a complete rebuild was undertaken in 1977. The instrument has two manuals and eighteen speaking stops. While not having an official role in college music, I played for a number of services over the course of the year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Durham where I studied music and computing. My second term was spent on teaching practice at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle. I made a number of friends at the college although sadly I have now lost touch with them.

May 3rd
10am Sung Eucharist – Fifth Sunday of Easter (4.0.2.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Apres un reve – G.Faure
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Processional: All creatures of our God and King (Laast Uns Erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
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: Sing Alleluia forth ye Saints on high (Martin)
Gospel (Year B) - John 15:1
Offertory: Lord enthroned in Heavenly splendour (St Helen)
Communion: If Christ had not been raised from death (Kingsfold)
Post-Communion: We have a gospel to proclaim (Fulda, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Postlude – Voluntary No 3 – W.Boyce

May 10th
10am Sung Eucharist – Sixth Sunday of Easter (4.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Prelude on “Greensleeves” – R.Vaughan Williams
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: From the rising of the sun - F.Ouseley
Processional: God is love let Heaven adore him (Blaenwern)
1st Reading (Year B) - Acts 10:44
Psalm (98): The Lord has shown his salvation (John Rombaut/A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year B): 1 John 5:1
Gradual: O love how deep, how broad, how high (Eisenach)
Gospel (Year B) - John 15:9
Offertory: How shall I sing that majesty (Coe Fen)
Communion: Now the green blade riseth (Noel Nouvelet)
Post-Communion: The Lord of the Dance
Postlude – Voluntary No 4 – W.Boyce

Thu May 14th
7.00pm Sung Eucharist – Ascension Day (3.1.0.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Christ Triumphant – John Marsh
Setting: Nicholson (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 (47): God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast (Stephen Dean)
2nd Reading (Year B): Ephesians 1:15
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Finton O’Carroll)
Gospel (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 17th
10am Sung Eucharist – Seventh Sunday of Easter (4.1.0.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Morning (“Peer Gynt”) – E.Grieg
Setting: Rogers (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: Lead me Lord - S.S.Wesley
Processional: All hail the power of Jesu's name (Miles Lane, last v.Andrew Moore)
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)
Gospel (Year B) - John 17:6
Offertory: Crown Him with many crowns (Diadamata, last v.Drew Tulloch)
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 5 – W.Boyce

May 24th
10am Sung Eucharist – Pentecost (3.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Death of Ase (“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
OT Reading (Year B): Genesis 1:1
SPRINKLING OF HOLY WATER
Hymn: Come flowing waters pure and clear (Laast Uns Erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
NT Reading (Year B): Acts 2:1
Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Fintan O'Carroll/Christopher Walker)
Gospel (Year B) - John 15:26
Offertory: Come down O live divine (Down Ampney)
Communion: Be still for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: Colours of day
Postlude – Voluntary No 6 – W.Boyce

May 31st
10am Sung Eucharist – Trinity Sunday (4.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Solveig's Song ("Peer Gynt") - E.Grieg
Setting: Harold Darke in F (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: Hymn to the Trinity - P.Tchaikovsky
Processional: Thou whose almighty word (Moscow, last v.Stanley Vann)
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: Father of Heaven whose love profound (Rievaulx)
Gospel (Year B) - John 3:1
Offertory: Angel voices ever singing (Angel Voices, last v.Betty Roe)
Communion: Be thou my vision (Slane)
Post-Communion: Holy, Holy, Holy (Nicaea, last v.Norman Warren)
Postlude – Voluntary No 7 - W.Boyce


FROM THE CONSOLE - APRIL 2015



Peterhouse (not Peterhouse College) is the oldest of the 31 Cambridge Colleges, founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, in 1284 and granted its charter by King Edward I. As well as being the oldest, it is also the smallest of the colleges, housing around 270 undergraduates, 90 graduates and 40 fellows. Alumni of the college include actor James Mason, politicians Michael Portillo and Michael Howard, comedian David Mitchell, hovercraft inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell and director Sam Mendes, the last one being a contemporary of mine in the mid-eighties.

The Chapel occupies one side of Old Court and was consecrated in 1632, the college having previously used the neighbouring church of St Mary the Less. The building mixes Renaissance details, including a Pieta altarpiece and a striking ceiling of golden suns, in a traditional Gothic building. Only one of the original stained glass still exists, the others having been destroyed by Parliamentarians in 1643. In 2007, six former Petrean organ scholars – including myself - gave the premiere of Barry Ferguson's "Peterhouse Chapel Windows Suite". Ferguson, a former organist of Rochester Cathedral, was inspired by the Chapel's stained glass and wrote a ten-movement work. I was honoured to perform the second movement - "The Sacrifice of Isaac". The present organ was built by John Snetzler in 1765 and was last rebuilt by Noel Mander in 1963. It consists of three manuals and thirty two speaking stops.

Peterhouse was one of the last colleges to become co-educational, which it did in the mid-eighties. This lack of females created a problem about where to get the sopranos and altos for the chapel choir and this entailed me cycling out to far-flung female colleges in order to recruit! I still keep in contact with a fair number of the sixteen or so choristers and last year was delighted to be asked to conduct the choir at the wedding of one of my former basses in Cambridge.

Apr 2nd
8.00pm The Mass of the Lord's Supper - Maundy Thursday (3.0.0.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Improvisation
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 (116): The blessing cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ (A.Gregory Murray)
NT: 1 Corinthians 11:23
Gradual: Love is his word
GO: John 13:1
During the washing of the feet – God is love (Ubi Caritas) & Meekness and majesty
Offertory: This is the night, dear friends, the night for weeping (Highwood)
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 3rd - Good Friday
11.00am Children’s activities in the Hall

12.00pm Children’s Good Friday Worship - 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)
Recordings – Eram Quasi Agnus (Victoria), Crucifixus (Lotti)
Readings – Luke 22:39, The Garden of Gethsemane (John Pierpont), Isaiah 50:4, The Agony (George Herbert), Psalm 71, Hebrews 9:11, Jesus of the Scars (Edward Shilito), St John Chrysostom.

2.00pm The Liturgy of Good Friday (4.1.1.1)
1st Reading: Isaiah 52:13
Psalm (31) – 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
Hymn – O Sacred Head, sore wounded (Passion Chorale)
Reproaches during the veneration – Vittoria
Hymn – When I survey the wondrous cross (Rockingham, last v.Betty Roe)
Agnus Dei - Adrian Batten
Hymn – Glory be to Jesus (Caswall)

Apr 4th
8.00pm Easter Vigil and Eucharist of the Resurrection - Easter Saturday (3.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Setting – John Ireland in C
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 (Fintan O’Carroll/Ian Forrester)
Fanfare – Francis Jackson; Gloria - Merbecke
NT Reading: Romans 6:3
Gradual – Celtic Alleluia (Fintan O'Carroll/Christopher Walker)
GO: Mark 16:1
RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES
Processional - Come 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 – Now thank we all our God - S.Karg-Elert

Apr 5th
10.00am Sung Eucharist - Easter Sunday (4.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (St Edmund’s Vicar)
Prelude: Pavane - G.Faure
Setting: Harold Darke in F (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 (118): 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, followed by Fanfare - Francis Jackson
RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES
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: Praise the Lord O my soul - S.Karg-Elert

Apr 19th
10am Sung Eucharist – Third Sunday of Easter (4.0.2.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Salix – P.Whitlock
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: O Christ, O blessed Lord - R.Wagner
Processional: Ye choirs of new Jerusalem (St Fulbert)
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)
Gospel (Year B) - Luke 24:36b
Offertory: Come ye faithful raise the strain (St John Damascene)
Communion: There is a redeemer
Post-Communion: Love's redeeming work is done (Savannah, last v.Robert Jones)
Postlude – Voluntary No 1 – W.Boyce

Apr 26th
10am Sung Eucharist with Holy Baptism – Fourth Sunday of Easter (6.0.1.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Pavane pour une infante defunte – M.Ravel
Setting: Rogers (Metrical version of Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry)
Anthem: A Gaelic Blessing - J.Rutter
Processional: Praise my soul the King of Heaven (Praise my Soul)
Reading (Year B) - Acts 4:5
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
Gospel (Year B) - John 10:11
THE LITURGY OF BAPTISM Offertory: Hail redeemer, King divine (King Divine)
Communion: The King of love my shepherd is (Dominus Regit Me)
Post-Communion: Sing to God new songs of worship (Ode to Joy)
Postlude – Voluntary No 2 – W.Boyce


FROM THE CONSOLE - MARCH 2015



I spent two very enjoyable years at Peter Symonds Sixth Form College in Winchester. In 1586, city businessman Peter Symonds provided for the foundation of an almshouse to benefit people in the city including the education of “four pore boys”. Situated near the Cathedral, Christes Hospitall was built in 1607. The educational aspect of the foundation gradually increased and in 1897 a boys’ secondary school was opened. It became a co-educational sixth form college in 1974 and in 1980 the Hampshire Specialist Music Course moved there. Together with twelve others, I was privileged to be one of the first intake there. I received organ lessons on the impressive Father Willis instrument in Winchester Cathedral. This dates from the mid 19th century and was originally put on public display at the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace. The Cathedral organist at the time – S.S.Wesley – saw it and recommended that it should be purchased. My teacher was Martin Neary, who held the post of organist from 1972 until his move to Westminster Abbey in 1988 where he oversaw the music for the funeral of Princess Diana. I was privileged to play the organ for the two college carol services held in the Cathedral during my time there.

As well as studying for A levels in music and maths, I performed as organist, pianist, harpsichordist and singer at a number of venues in Hampshire. I particularly enjoyed performing chamber music such as piano trios and accompanying soloists. I made some very good friends there and am still in regular contact with a number of them almost thirty five years later! Remarkably one of these is now Rector of Bushey and regularly takes services in our school chapel!

Mar 1st
10am Sung Eucharist – Second Sunday in Lent (4.0.0.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: O Lamm Gottes Unschuldig - J.S.Bach
Setting: Adrian Batten (Creed - Merbecke)
Anthem: God so loved the world (The Crucifixion) - John Stainer
Processional: Immortal, invisible, God only wise (St Denio, last v.Betty Roe)
OT Reading (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 Reading (Year B) - Romans 4:13
Gradual: ‘Tis good Lord to be here (Carlisle)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 9:2
Offertory: At the name of Jesus (Evelyns, last v.David Terry)
Communion: Be still, for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: To God be the glory!
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No. 8 - J.S.Bach (Attr.)

Mar 8th
10am Sung Eucharist – Third Sunday in Lent (7.0.2.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Christe du Lamm Gottes - J.S.Bach
Setting: Adrian Batten (Creed - Merbecke)
Anthem: Lead me Lord - S.S.Wesley
Processional: Be thou my vision (Slane)
OT Reading (Year B) - Exodus 20:1
Psalm (19): You Lord have the message of eternal life (Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year B) - 1 Corinthians 1:18
Gradual: All ye who seek a comfort sure (St Bernard)
Gospel (Year B) - John 2:13
Offertory: Jesu lover of my soul (Aberystwyth, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Communion: Soul of my saviour, sanctify my breast (Anima Christi)
Post-Communion: Great is thy faithfulness
Postlude – Chorale Prelude on "Aus Der Tiefe Ich" - J.S.Bach (Attr.)

Mar 15th
10am Sung Eucharist – Fourth Sunday in Lent - Mothering Sunday (4.0.1.2)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Ave Maria - J.S.Bach/C.Gounod
Setting: Sidney Nicholson
Anthem: A Clare Benediction - John Rutter
Processional: Tell out my soul (Woodlands)
Reading (Year B) - 1 Corinthians 12:12
Gradual: Give me oil in my lamp
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 1:29
Offertory: Lord of the dance
Communion: Jesus good above all other (Quem Pastores)
Post-Communion: Shine Jesus Shine
Postlude – Toccata - G.Mushel

Mar 22nd
10am Sung Eucharist – Fifth Sunday in Lent - Passion Sunday (5.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Herzlich Thut Mich Verlangen - J.Brahms
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: O Saviour of the world - J.Goss
Processional: The Royal banners forward go (Gonfalon Royal)
OT Reading (Year B) - Jeremiah 31:31
Psalm (51): A pure heart create for me O God (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) - Hebrews 5:5
Gradual: We sing the praise of him who died (Bow Brickhill)
Gospel (Year B) - John 12:20
Offertory: Who is this so weak and helpless? (Ebenezer)
Communion: Thou didst leave thy throne and thy Kingly crown (Margaret)
Post-Communion: Take up thy cross, the Saviour said (Breslau)
Postlude – O Mensch, Bewein Dein Sunde Gross - J.S.Bach

6.30pm "Crux Fidelis" - A sequence of music and readings for Passiontide
Prelude - O Mensch, Bewein Dein Sunde Gross - J.S.Bach
I Towards Calvary
Choir - Kyrie Eleison (Requiem) - G.Faure
Reading - The Coming - R.S.Thomas
Hymn - Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (Pange Lingua)
Reading - Isaiah 40:4
Collect
II The Man of Sorrows
Choir - Behold the Lamb of God (Messiah) - G.F.Handel
Reading - Beneath Thy Cross - C.Rossetti
Hymn - Drop, drop, slow tears (Song 46)
Reading - Lamentations 1:1
Collect
III Beneath the Cross
Choir - He was despised; Surely he hath borne our grief (Messiah) - G.F.Handel
Reading - The Killing - E.Muir
Choir - Pie Jesu (Requiem) - G.Faure
Reading - Verses from Psalm 31
Hymn - When I survey the wondrous cross (Rockingham, last v.Betty Roe)
Reading - Philippians 5:5
Collect
IV The Saving Passion
Choir - Libera Me (Requiem) - G.Faure
Reading - The Widow of Naim - T.J.Merton
Hymn - Take up thy cross, the Saviour said (Breslau)
Reading - Romans 6:3
Collect
Choir - In Paradisum (Requiem) - G.Faure
Postlude - Herzlich Thut Mich Verlangen - J.Brahms

Mar 29th
10am - Sung Eucharist - Palm Sunday (6.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Setting: Adrian Batten (Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: The people of the Hebrews - G.Palestrina
Processional: All glory laud and honour (St Theodulph) & Ride on, ride on in majesty (Winchester New, last v.Andrew moore)
OT Reading (Year B) - Isaiah 50:4
Psalm (22): My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) - Philippians 2:5
Gradual: Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 14:32 (Dramatised)
Offertory: My song is love unknown (Love Unknown, last v.Mark Hammond)
Communion: O dearest Lord, they sacred head (Belmont)
Post-Communion: Lift high the Cross (Crucifer)
Postlude – Orb and Sceptre - William Walton


FROM THE CONSOLE - FEBRUARY 2015



Arriving in France’s second largest city by train during our journey home at the end of the Christmas holidays, one building dominates Marseille’s skyline. The impressive basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, on a 150m limestone outcrop to the south of the Vieux Port (old port), is undoubtedly the city’s most well-known symbol. Its people look upon it as their guardian and protector and give it the nickname the good Mother. The present building was consecrated in 1864 although there has been a church on the site since the thirteenth century. It consists of a plain lower church in the Romanesque style carved from the rock as well as an ornate upper church of Neo-Byzantine style decorated with mosaics and the contrast between the two is striking. A square bell tower and belfry supports a monumental statue of the Madonna and Child made of copper gilded with gold leaf. The current grand organ dates from 1926 and was built by Michel Merklin and Kuhn of Lyon although it has been rebuilt and enlarged since. In 1892 a funicular was built to ascend the cliff to Notre Dame and it survived for seventy five years until it was deemed unprofitable and closed in 1967. Today you can take the touristic petit train from the Vieux Port up to the Basilica.

The church also features prominently in the credits of Plus belle la vie (Life is so sweet), one of France’s leading soap operas, set around a fictitious Marseille square and airing each weekday evening and watched by nearly a fifth of the French population.

Feb 1st
10.00am Sung Eucharist – The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) (3.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Bailero (Songs from the Auvergne) – J.Canteloube
Setting: Wadeley (Metrical version of Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry, Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: Thou visitest the earth - M.Greene
Processional: Longing for light we wait in darkness
OT Reading (Year B) – Malachi 3:1
Psalm (24): Who is the King of glory? It is the Lord (John Rombaut/A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – Hebrews 2:14
Gradual: Sing how the age-long promise of a saviour (Christe Fons Jugis)
Gospel (Year B) – Luke 2:22
Offertory: Hail to the Lord who comes (Old 120th)
Communion: Christ whose Glory fills the skies (Ratisbon, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Post-Communion: The Spirit lives to set us free
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No 4 – J.S.Bach (Attr.)

Feb 8th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 2nd before Lent (Sexagesima) (5.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (Former Hon. Asst. Priest)
Prelude: Promenade Sentimentale - V.Cosma
Setting: Rogers (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O come ye servants of the Lord - C.Tye
Processional: Holy, Holy, Holy (Nicaea, last v.Norman Warren)
OT Reading (Year B) Hosea 2:14
Psalm (147): Praise, praise the Lord who heals the broken hearted (Stephen Dean/A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B): 2 Corinthians 3:1b
Gradual: Serk ye first the kingdom of God
Gospel (Year B): Mark 2:13
Offertory: Beyond all mortal praise (Darwell's 148th)
Communion: Lord of all hopefulness (Slane)
Post-Communion: Blessed assurance
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No 5 - J.S.Bach (attr.)

Feb 15th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Sunday next before Lent (3.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Bist Du Bei Mir - J.S.Bach
Setting: Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Adoramus Te - G.Palestrina
Processional: Praise to God whose word was spoken (St Helen)
OT Reading (Year B) – Deuteronomy 5:12
Psalm (31): You are my refuge O Lord, you fill me with the joy of salvation (Stephen Dean/Ian Forrester)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Corinthians 4:5
Gradual: Sing Alleluia forth ye Saints on high (Martins)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 2:23
Offertory: Alleluia sing to Jesus (Hyfrydol, last v.David Terry)
Communion: Faithful shepherd feed me (Pastor Pastorum)
Post-Communion: Christ is the King O friends rejoice (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wright)
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No 6 - J.S.Bach (attr.)

Wed Feb 18th
8pm Sung Eucharist – Ash Wednesday (1.1.0.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Meditation for Ash Wednesday- June Nixon
Setting: Merbecke
Anthem: O most merciful - C.Wood Processional: Just as I am without one plea (Saffron Walden, last v.Martin Setchell)
OT Reading (Year B) - Joel 2:1
Psalm (51): Have mercy on us Lord for we have sinned (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) - 2 Corinthians 5:20b
Gradual: Be thou my guardian and my guide (Abridge, last v.Colin Hand)
Gospel (Year B) - Matthew 6:1
Imposition of ashes
Offertory: Jesu lover of my soul (Aberystwyth, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Post-Communion: Lord Jesus think on me (Southwell)
Postlude – Aus tiefer not schrei ich zu dir - J.G.Walther

Feb 22nd
10am Sung Eucharist – First Sunday in Lent (6.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Ave Maria - G.Caccini
Setting: Adrian Batten (Creed - Merbecke)
Anthem: God is our hope and strength - J.S.Bach
Processional: Forty days and forty nights (Aus Der Tiefe, last v.Stanley Vann)
OT Reading (Year B) - Genesis 9:8
Psalm (25): Your ways Lord are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant (Stephen Dean/Ian Forrester)
NT Reading (Year B) - 1 Peter 3:18
Gradual: Be thou my guardian and my guide (Abridge, last v.Colin Hand)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 1:9
Offertory: Praise to the Holiest in the height (Gerontius, last v.Colin Hand)
Communion: Lead us Heavenly Father lead us (Mannheim, last v.Andrew Wright)
Post-Communion: He who would valiant be (Monk's Gate)
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No. 7 - J.S.Bach (Attr.)


FROM THE CONSOLE - JANUARY 2015



One weekend in November, the three of us made a flying visit to France. We left after school on Friday and battled with the Friday M25 rush hour traffic, arriving at the Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal just before 8pm. We were exhausted by the time we got to Calais but luckily our hotel was just a couple of minutes’ drive away.

After a leisurely breakfast we drove to the town of Saint Omer, home of one of France’s great gothic cathedrals. St.Omer - also known as St.Audemar - was born in Switzerland around 600. He became Bishop of Therouanne and built a cathedral which was at the time the largest in France. The town was razed to the ground in the 16th Century by the Spanish Emperor Charles Quint. In 654, St.Audemar founded the Benedictine Abbey of St Bertin at Sithiu – the former name for Saint Omer. The Cathedral, about a kilometre from the site of the Abbey, dates from between the 13th and 16th centuries and is one of the finest buildings in Northern France. The magnificent 18th Century organ case was made of Danish oak by local craftsmen, the Piette brothers. The organ itself was built by the Desfontaines brothers in 1717 and rebuilt by the renowned Aristide Cavaille-Coll in 1855. There are many musicians depicted on the case. King David can be seen with his harp at the top left and Saint Cecilia is playing an organ at the top right. The figures of Faith, holding a cross, and Hope, holding an anchor, can be seen at the foot, with Charity in the centre, represented by an orchestra of Cherubs. The child Jesus can be seen at the very top of the case in between two trumpeting angels.

One of Bishop Omer’s successors as Bishop of Therouanne was Erkambode who is buried in the cathedral. He was constantly walking his huge diocese and by his death in 723 was crippled and almost paralysed. Therefore he has become the patron saint of children who have difficulty walking and his tomb is movingly covered in tiny shoes brought by parents who come to pray before the Saint.

The cathedral also houses one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the country, built in 1558 and still in working order. As well as the time, it shows the movement of the sun, moon and stars over Saint Omer. It is one of only three such clocks in existence.

A 4.45am alarm call the next morning and we were back at Le shuttle in order for me to be on the organ bench at St Edmund’s for Sunday eucharist. A whistle stop trip but a most enjoyable one.

Jan 4th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – The Epiphany of the Lord (5.1.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (Former Hon. Asst. Priest)
Prelude: The Three Kings - Peter Cornelius, arr.Hammond
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Metrical version of Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry, Credo - Merbecke)
Anthem: The Shepherd's Farewell - H.Berlioz
Processional: The First Nowell (The First Nowell)
OT Reading (Year B) – Isaiah 60:1
Psalm (72): All nations shall fall prostrate before you O Lord (Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year B) - Ephesians 3:1
Gradual: Brightest and best (Epiphany)
Gospel (Year B) - Matthew 2:1
Offertory: As with gladness (Dix, last v.Andrew Fletcher)
Communion: O worship the Lord (Was Lebet, last v.Colin Hand)
Post-Communion: We three Kings (Kings of Orient)
Postlude – Wie Schoen Leuchtet der Morgenstern (BWV764) - J.S.Bach

Jan 11th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – The Baptism of Christ - First Sunday of Epiphany (5.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Chorale Prelude on Dix – Malcolm Archer
Setting: Rogers (Metrical version of Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry)
Anthem: A Gaelic blessing - Rutter
Processional: Thou whose almighty word (Moskow, last v.Stanley Vann)
OT Reading (Year B) – Genesis 1:1
Canticle (Isaiah 12): With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (Ian Forrester)
NT Reading (Year B) – Acts 19:1
Gradual: The sinless one to Jordan came (Gonfalon Royal)
Gospel (Year B) – Mark 1:4
Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism
Come flowing waters pure and clear (Lasst Uns Erfreiuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
Offertory: Songs of thankfulness and praise (St Edmund, last v.Martin Setchell)
Communion: O thou who camest from above (Hereford, last v.Mark Hammond)
Post-Communion: Glorious things of thee are spoken (Austria, last v.Robert Jones)
Postlude –Little Prelude and Fugue No 1 – J.S.Bach (Attr.)

Jan 18th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Second Sunday of Epiphany (5.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Prelude on “Stuttgart” – Flor Peeters
Setting: Oldroyd (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: I give you a new commandment - Peter Aston
Processional: Dear Lord and Father of mankind (Repton)
OT Reading (Year B) – 1 Samuel 3:1
Psalm (40): Here I am Lord, I come to do your will (Paul Inwood)
NT Reading (Year B) – 1 Corinthians 6:12
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
Gospel (Year B) – John 1:43
Offertory: O Jesus I have promised (Hatherop Castle)
Communion: I the Lord of sea and sky (Here I am Lord)
Post-Communion: The Kingdom is upon you (Wolvercote)
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No 2 – J.S.Bach (Attr.)

Jan 25th 10.00am Sung Eucharist – Third Sunday of Epiphany (6.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude – Vocalise – S.Rachmaninov
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: These are they - John Goss
Processional: All hail the power of Jesu's name (Miles Lane, last v.Andrew Moore)
OT Reading (Year B) – Genesis 14:17
Psalm (25): Lord make me know your ways (Joan McCrimmon/A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – Revelation 19:6
Gradual: Come let is join our cheerful songs (Nativity)
Gospel (Year B) – John 2:1
Offertory: Hail to the Lord's annointed (Cruger, last v.Michael Higgins)
Communion: In Christ alone
Post-Communion: Blessed assurance
Postlude – Little Prelude and Fugue No 3 – J.S.Bach (Attr.)


FROM THE CONSOLE - DECEMBER 2014



In last month’s column, I mentioned that Harold Darke’s “In the Bleak Midwinter” topped a poll by choral experts of the greatest carol of all time. Another setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem featured in a poll by BBC’s “Songs of Praise” last Christmas.

Over 25,000 people voted for their favourite Christmas carol and the results were announced in a special “Big Sing” programme from the Royal Albert Hall.

10 O come, O come Emmanuel – this advent carol is a paraphrase of the plainsong antiphons attached to the Magnificat at Vespers over the final days before Christmas. The earliest surviving evidence of the hymn’s text is in an eighteenth century German hymnal. The music dates back to a 15th Century manuscript now in the Bibliotheque Nationale de France in Paris, although it was not paired with the present text until 1851 when it appeared in a hymnal by Thomas Helmore.

9 Joy to the world – contrary to popular belief this carol, to words by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 98, was not written by Handel although it was certainly inspired by him. It was initially attributed to Handel, partly because of the tune’s resemblance to parts of “Messiah” (for example the introduction to “Comfort Ye” and the opening of “Lift up your heads). The nineteenth century American hymnodist Lowell Mason adapted this tune to Watts’ words in 1839.

8 Once in Royal David’s City – this carol originated as poem by Cecil Frances Alexander and was first published in her “Hymns for little children” of 1848 which also featured “All things bright and beautiful”. The following year, the English organist Henry John Gauntlett discovered the poem and set it to music. Since 1919, this carol has opened the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge with a solo boy chorister singing the first verse unaccompanied.

7 It came upon the midnight clear – the words to this carol were written by the American Edmund Sears as a melancholy reflection on his times while a Unitarian parish minister in Wayland, Massachusetts. It first appeared in 1849 in the Boston Christian Register. It has been sung to several tunes, the most common in this country being “Noel”, which was adapted from an English melody by Arthur Sullivan and published in his 1874 “Church Hymns with tunes”.

6 O little town of Bethlehem – Phillips Brooks, Episcopal Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, visited Bethlehem in 1865 and was inspired to write this poem for his church three years later. In this country this carol is generally sung to “Forest Green”, an adaptation by Ralph Vaughan Williams of an English folk ballad called “The Ploughboy’s Dream” which he had collected from a Mr Garman of Forest Green in Gloucestershire.

5 O come all ye faithful – “Adeste Fideles” first appeared in John Francis Wade’s publication “Cantus Diversi” of 1751 and he may well have written both the words and the music. Wade had fled to France following the Jacobite rising of 1745 and some have interpreted this carol as a secret birthday ode to Bonnie Prince Charlie. The English translation was made by Frederick Oakeley and William Thomas Brooke and was originally titled “Ye Faithful, approach ye”.

4 Silent Night – the various stories of mice eating the organ bellows and a piece written in a few hours with a guitar accompaniment to save the day are pure fiction. The words were written in 1816 by Father Joseph Mohr, priest at Oberndorf, an Austrian town near Salzburg. The melody was written by his friend Franz Gruber and was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818. The English translation was made by the American John Freeman Young in 1859.

3 Hark the herald angels sing – Charles Wesley’s “Hark how all the welkin rings” first appeared in the 1739 collection “Hymns and Sacred Poems”. Interestingly he had originally requested slow and solemn music. The familiar tune first appeared in Felix Mendelssohn’s 1840 cantata “Festgesang” written to commemorate Johann Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press and it was adapted to fit Wesley’s words by English musician William H Cummings in 1855.

2 In the bleak midwinter – Christina Rossetti wrote the words in 1872 in response to a request from the American magazine “Scribner’s Monthly” for a Christmas poem. Gustav Holst’s setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem predates that of Harold Darke by three years. “Cranham”, named after the village in Gloucestershire where Holst was living at the time, was written in 1906 for the first edition of “The English Hymnal”.

1 O Holy night (Cantique de Noël) – Placide Cappeau was a poet and wine merchant who was mayor of Roquemaure near Avignon. He was asked to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the renovation of the town’s church organ. Cappeau took “Minuit, chrètiens” to his friend Adolphe Adam in Paris to write the music and the carol was premiered at Midnight Mass in 1847. The English version was made by American Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. “O Holy Night” also topped a similar poll of Christmas carols last year by Christian broadcaster Premier Radio.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a blessed Christmas.

Dec 7th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Second Sunday of Advent (6.2.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Berceuse (Peterhouse Chapel Windows Suite - Barry Ferguson
Setting: Arthur Rogers (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Sleepers Wake - F.Mendelssohn
Processional: Hills of the north rejoice (Little Cornard)
OT Reading (Year B) – Isaiah 40:1
Psalm (85) Let us see O Lord your mercy and give us your saving help (Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year B) – 2 Peter 3:8
Gradual: Hark a herald voice is calling (Merton)
Gospel (Year B) - Mark 1:1
Offertory: Let all mortal flesh keep silence (Picardy)
Communion: Your gentleness O God of grace (Herongate)
Post-Communion: Come thou long-expected Jesus (Cross of Jesus)
Postlude – Nun komm, Der Heiden Heiland - J.S.Bach

Dec 14th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Third Sunday of Advent (3.2.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Gottes Sohn Ist Kommen - J.S.Bach
Setting: Missa de Sancto Albano - Healey Willan (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord that descendent - Eric Gritton
Processional: On Jordan's banks the Baptist's cry (Winchester New, last v.Andrew Moore)
OT Reading (Year B) - Isaiah 61:1
Canticle (Luke 1; Isaiah 61): My soul rejoices in my God (Philip Duffy)
NT Reading (Year B) - 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Gradual: The Lord will come and not be slow (St Stephen)
Gospel (Year B) - John 1:6
Offertory: Wake O wake with tidings thrilling (Wachet Auf)
Communion: Thou dids't leave thy throne and thy Kingly crown (Margaret)
Post-Communion: Love divine all loves excelling (Blaenwern)
Postlude – Vom Himmel Hoch - J.Pachelbel

Dec 21st - 10am
Sung Eucharist – Fourth Sunday of Advent (4.0.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Pastorale (Christmas Concerto) - A.Corelli
Setting: George Oldroyd (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Clare Benediction - John Rutter
Processional: Long ago prophets knew (Personet Hodie)
Reading (Year B) – 2 Samuel 7:1
Gradual: For Mary Mother of the Lord (St Botoloph)
Gospel (Year B) - Luke 1:26
Offertory: O come O come Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel)
Communion: Lord Jesus Christ (Living Lord)
Music during Nativity Play - "Rock Around the Flock"
O little town of Bethlehem - Forest Green)
Little Donkey
Post-Communion: Hark the glad sound the Saviour comes (Bristol)
Postlude – Advent Reflections - Rosalie Bonighton

Dec 21st - 6.30pm
A Festival of nine lessons and carols (5.3.2.3)
Prelude – Six interludes on Christmas carols – W.Lloyd-Webber
Carol – Stille Nacht – Franz Gruber, arr.Donald Cashmore
Hymn – Once in royal David’s city
Bidding prayer
Carol – Jesus Christ the Apple Tree - Elizabeth Poston
1st lesson – Genesis 3:8 (Member of the choir)
Carol – Adam Lay Ybounden - Graham Garton
Hymn – See Amid the winter's snow (Humility)
2nd lesson – Genesis 22:15 (Member of the youth group)
Carol – And the Glory of the Lord ("Messiah") - George F Handel
3rd lesson – Isaiah 9:2 (Member of Sunday school)
Carol – In a stable - Margaret Howe
4th lesson – Isaiah 11:1 (Member of the women’s guild)
Hymn – God rest ye merry, gentlemen
5th lesson – Luke 1:26 (Member of the drama group)
Carol – So gentle the donkey - John Barnard
6th lesson – Luke 2:1 (Member of the PCC)
Carol – Star Carol - John Rutter
Hymn – Ding dong merrily on high
7th lesson – Luke 2:8 (An altar server)
Carol – The shepherds’ farewell – H.Berlioz
Hymn – The First Nowell (The First Nowell)
8th lesson – Matthew 2:1 (A churchwarden)
Carol – This little babe (A Ceremony of Carols) - Benjamin Britten
9th lesson – John 1:1 (The Vicar)
Hymn – O come all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles)
Collect and blessing
Hymn – Hark the herald angels sing (Mendelssohn)
Postludes – In Dulci Jubilo – J.S.Bach & Carillon Sortie – H.Mulet

Wed Dec 24th
11.30pm Midnight Mass of the Nativity (5.3.2.3)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Six Interludes on Christmas Carols - William Lloyd Webber
Setting: John Ireland in C (Metrical version of Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry, Credo - Merbecke)
Anthems: A Christmas Lullaby – J.Rutter
Introit: Stille Nacht (V1 only) – F.Gruber, arr.D.Cashmore
Processional : O come all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles, v.5 descant D.Willcocks)
OT Reading (Year B): Isaiah 9:2
Psalm (96): Today a saviour has been born to us, He is Christ the Lord (Finton O’Carroll)
NT Reading (Year B): Titus 2:11
Gradual: While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Winchester Old)
Gospel (Year B): Luke 2:1
Offertory: It came upon the midnight clear (Noel)
Communion: Silent Night (Stille Nacht)
Post-Communion: Hark the herald angels sing (Mendelssohn, v.3 descant D.Willcocks)
Postludes: In Dulci Jubilo – J.S.Bach & God rest ye merry gentlemen - John Rutter

Thu Dec 25th
10.00am – The Eucharist of Christmas Morning (No Choir)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: In Dulci Jubilo – D.Buxtehude
Hymn: Away in a manger (Cradle Song)
Gloria: Angels from the realms of glory
Reading (Year B): Hebrews 1:1
Gradual: God rest ye merry gentlemen
Gospel (Year B): John 1:1
Offertory: Once in royal David's city (Irby)
Communion: Joseph est bien Marie - A.Raison & Une Vierge Pucelle - N.le Begue
Post-Communion: O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)
Postlude: Sleigh Ride – L.Anderson, arr.T.Trotter


FROM THE CONSOLE - NOVEMBER 2014



One of the most-performed composers at the 10am Eucharist service at St Edmund’s, with three separate settings of the mass, is Harold Darke (1888-1976). Born in Highbury, Darke studied at the Royal College of Music where he would later become Professor. It was during his time there that, at the age of just twenty one, he wrote his most famous composition, In the bleak midwinter, to words by Christina Rossetti. His first post as organist (1906-1911) was at Emmanuel Church in West Hampstead. In 1916, Darke was appointed organist at the city of London church of St Michael’s Cornhill, a post he was to hold for fifty years, leaving only briefly in 1941 to deputise at King’s College, Cambridge, covering for the absence of the incumbent Boris Ord who was serving with the Royal Air Force. At this time, services at King’s had been reduced to weekends only so Darke could continue his weekday performing and teaching commitments in London. At St Michael’s, he inaugurated the Monday lunchtime recital programme, widely regarded as the world’s longest-running weekly series and still going strong. Darke himself performed in over 1,800 recitals during his tenure at St Michael’s. He also founded and conducted the St Michael’s Singers, performing choral classics as well as new works by such composers as Herbert Howells and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

In 2008, In the bleak midwinter was voted the greatest carol of all time in a poll of fifty choral experts and choirmasters which was published in BBC Music magazine. Second place went to In Dulci Jubilo (Pearsall), followed by A Spotless Rose (Howells), Bethlehem Down (Warlock) and Lully, Lulla, thou little tiny child (Leighton). In this magazine in December 2007, I wrote about my own personal top ten favourite Christmas carols which included four of these works, including In the Bleak Midwinter. This article, together with links to listen to the carols, is still available here (scroll down to December 2007) . On this website you can also find every monthly magazine article I have written since September 2002!

Nov 2nd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – All Saints Sunday (5.2.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Sicilienne - G.Faure
Setting: Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: These are they - John Goss
Processional: Ye watchers and ye Holy ones (Lasst Uns Erfreuen, last v.Quentin Thomas)
1st Reading (Year A) – Revelation 7:9
Psalm (24): Blessed are those who seek your face, O Lord (Stephen Dean/A.Gregory Murray)
2nd Reading (Year A) – 1 John 3:1
Gradual: Let Saints on earth in concert sing (Dundee)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 5:1
Offertory: Jerusalem the golden (Ewing)
Communion: Come risen Lord and deign to be our guest (Farley Castle)
Post-Communion: For all the Saints (Sine Nomine)
Postlude – Pomp & Circumstance March No.4 - E.Elgar

Nov 9th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Remembrance Sunday (7.1.0.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Nimrod – E.Elgar
Setting: Peter Heath in D
Anthem: Lead me Lord - S.S.Wesley
Processional: Lord for the Years
Poem - “In Flander's Field”
Reading – Romans 8:31
Gradual: God is our strength and refuge (Dambusters March)
Gospel - John 15:9
Offertory: Great is thy faithfulness
Communion: Make me a channel of your peace
Act of Remembrance – Two minutes’ silence – Last Post
Post-Communion: God save our gracious Queen (National Anthem)
Postlude: Fame and Glory – A.Matt

3.30pm Service of Commemoration for the faithful departed (4.1.0.1)
Prelude – Pavane – G.Faure
Hymn – Lord of all hopefulness (Slane)
Reading – Romans 8:31
Hymn – The Lord’s my Shepherd (Crimond)
Gospel – John 1:1
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
Hymn – Love divine, all love’s excelling (Blaenwern)
Postlude – Sicilienne – M.T.von Paradis (attr.)

Nov 16th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Second Sunday before Advent (5.2.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Ave Maria - F.Schubert
Setting: George Oldroyd (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: I give you a new commandment - Peter Aston
Processional: Stand up, stand up for Jesus (Morning Light)
OT Reading (Year A) – Zephaniah 1:7
Psalm (128): O blessed are those who fear the Lord (Kevin Mayhew/A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year A) – 1 Thessalonians 5:1
Gradual: The Kingdom is upon you (Wolvercote)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 25:14
Offertory: How shall I sing that majesty (Coe Fen)
Communion: Be thou my vision (Slane)
Post-Communion: To God be the glory
Postlude – Trumpet Tune - J.Stanley

Thu Nov 20th
7.00pm Sung Eucharist – The Feast of St Edmund, King and Martyr (3.1.0.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude: Psalm Prelude, Set 1, No 1 – H.Howells
Setting: Sidney Nicholson (Gloria – Metrical setting to “Evelyns”, last v.David Terry , Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Cantate Domino - Pitoni
Processional: God of Saints, we praise and bless Thee (Abbot’s Leigh)
OT Reading – Proverbs20:28
Psalm (126) – What marvels the Lord worked for us, indeed we were glad (Fintan O'Caroll/Ian Forrester)
NT Reading – Romans 8:35
Gradual: Gradual: Celtic Alleluia (Christopher Walker/Fintan O’Carroll)
Gospel – John 12:20
Offertory: God whose city’s sure foundations (Westminster Abbey, last v.Colin Mawby)
Communion: In our day of thanksgiving (St Catherine’s Court)
Post-Communion: For all the Saints who from their labours rest (Sine Nomine)
Postlude: Toccata (Symphonie V) – C.Widor

Nov 23rd
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Christ the King (4.2.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Suite from "Henry V" - W.Walton
Setting: Peter Burton (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: O Christ, O Blessed Lord - R.Wagner
Processional: Hail redeemer, King Divine (King Divine)
OT Reading (Year A) – Ezekiel 34:11
Psalm (23): The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (James Walsh)
NT Reading (Year A) – Ephesians 1:15
Gradual: Christ is the King, O friends rejoice (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wight)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 25:31
Offertory: Crown him with many crowns (Diademata, last v.Drew Tulloch)
Communion: From Heaven you came, helpless babe (The Servant King)
Post-Communion: Christ triumphant, ever reigning (Guiting Power)
Postlude – Orb and Sceptre - W.Walton

Nov 30th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – First Sunday of Advent (4.1.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: O come, O come, Emmanuel - Colin Hand
Setting: Peter Heath in D (Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Teach me O Lord - T.Attwood
Processional: The advent of our King (St Thomas)
OT Reading (Year B) – Isaiah 64:1
Psalm (80): God of hosts, bring us back (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year B) – 1 Corinthians 1:3
Gradual: Lift up your heads ye mighty gates (Gonfalon Royal)
Gospel (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 (Our God Reigns)
Postlude – Wachet auf ruft uns die stimme - J.S.Bach

6.30pm The Coming of Christ - A sequence of music and readings for Advent (6.3.2.2)
Prelude - Ach bleib bei uns herr Jesu Christ - J.S.Bach
Introit - Matin Responsory - Palestrina
Processional Hymn - Come, thou Redeemer of the earth
Bidding Prayer
Anthem - People look east - Besancon melody
I - The message of Advent
1st Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5:1
Anthem - Adam lay ybounden - Garton
2nd Reading - Advent Calendar - Rowan Williams
Hymn - Hills of the north rejoice
II - The word of God
3rd Reading - Micah 4:1
Anthem - Lift thine eyes - Mendelssohn
4th Reading - Advent (on a theme by Dietrich Bonhoeffer) - Pamela Cranston
Hymn - O come, O come, Emmanuel
III - The prophetic call
5th Reading - Matthew 3:1
Anthem - Sleepers wake - Mendelssohn
IV - The Christ-Bearer
6th Reading - Luke 1:39
Anthem - And the Glory of the Lord - Handel
7th Reading - Annunciation - Edwin Muir
Hymn - Lo he comes with clouds descending (Last v.Martin Setchell)
Postlude - Wachet auf ruft uns die stimme - J.S.Bach


FROM THE CONSOLE - OCTOBER 2014



During our stay in the South of France over the summer we visited two important religious sites.

According to legend, a group of people, including Mary Magdelene and her brother Lazarus, were expelled by persecutions from the Holy Land and crossed the Mediterranean Sea, landing in the Provencal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, around 50 miles west of Marseille. She converted much of the area to Christianity and is said to have retired to a nearby cave – Sainte Baume - for the last thirty years of her life. In 1279, an excavation ordered by Charles II of Provence led to the discovery of relics purporting to be those of Mary Magdelene in a crypt at nearby Saint-Maximin. Construction of a new basilica on the site was begun in 1295 but was not completed until over two hundred years later. So it was at the foot of Saint Baume that we arrived on an August Sunday morning. The site can only be reached by a steep thirty minute ascent by foot with a vertical rise of 250m. The arduous climb was rewarded by fantastic views and a moving visit to the grotto which is now an important place of Christian pilgrimage

A few days later we visited the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, the landing place of Mary Magdelene. Mary Salomé (mother of St James and St John) and Mary Jacobé (mother of St James the less) were said to have been on the same boat as Mary Magdelene. The vessel was without sail or tiller but miraculously they landed in the Camargue. The first church was built here in the sixth century although the current building dates from the twelfth century. The town is also a place of pilgrimage for the Roma gypsies who gather each May for a religious festival in honour of their patron saint Sara, a woman who may have been the Egyptian servant of the three Marys. During our visit to the town we went on a ninety minute boat trip on the Camargue. We witnessed a wide range of river wildlife, as well as the famous bulls and white horses with their gardian.

Oct 5th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 16th Sunday after Trinity (5.2.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Sonata No 2 (Second Movement) - P.Hindemith
Setting: Healey Willan (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: Lord I trust thee - G.Handel
Processional: Angel voices ever singing (Angel Voices, last v.Betty Roe)
OT Reading (Year A) – Isaiah 5:1
Psalm (80): The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel
NT Reading (Year A) – Philippians 3:4b
Gradual: Ye servants of God your master proclaim (Paderborn, last v.Stanley Vann)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 21:33
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: Guide me O thou great redeemer (Cwm Rhondda)
Postlude – Prelude No 4 - F.Schmidt

Thu Oct 9th (Golden Jubilee Festival Eucharist)
Celebrant/Preacher: The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres (Lord Bishop of London)
Prelude: Psalm Prelude, Set 1, No 1 – H.Howells
Setting: Ireland in C (Credo - Merbecke)
Introit: Ecce Sacerdos Magnus - James MacMillan
Anthem: Locus Iste - A.Bruckner
Processional: All people that on earth do dwell (Old Hundredth, arr.R.Vaughan Williams)
OT Reading: 1 Kings 8:22
Psalm 150: Colin Mawby
NT Reading: Hebrews 18:12
Gradual: Christ is the King, O friends rejoice (Vulpius, last v.Andrew Wright)
Gospel: Matthew 21:12
Offertory: Christ is made the sure foundation (Westminster Abbey, last v.Colin Mawby)
Communion: Let all mortal flesh keep silence (Picardy)
Post-Communion: Now thank we all our God (Nun Danket, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
Postlude – Carillon Sortie – H.Mulet

Oct 12th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 17th Sunday after Trinity (5.1.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Adagio - S.Barber
Setting: Oldroyd (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: God be in my head - Walford Davies
Processional: Hail redeemer, King Divine (King Divine)
OT Reading (Year A) – Isaiah 25:1
Psalm (23): In the Lord's house shall I dwell for ever and ever (Eric Welch/A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year A) – Philippians 4:1
Gradual: Amazing Grace
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 22:1
Offertory: Love is his word, love is his way
Communion: This is my body broken for you
Post-Communion: Now let is from this table rise
Postlude – Toccata ("Suite Gothique") - L.Boellmann

Oct 19th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 18th Sunday after Trinity (4.1.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Ave Maria - J.S.Bach/C.Gounod
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: From the rising of the sun - F.Ouseley
Processional: Ye that know the Lord is gracious (Blaenwern)
OT Reading (Year A) – Isaiah 45:1
Psalm (96): Give the Lord glory and power (Joan McCrimmond/A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year A) – 1 Thessalonians 1:1
Gradual: Rejoice today with one accord (Ein' Fest Burg)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 22:15
Offertory: Light of the minds that know him (Aurelia)
Communion: Sweet sacrament divine (Divine Mysteries)
Post-Communion: Ye Holy Angels bright (Darwell's 148th)
Postlude – Allegro Marziale - F.Bridge

Oct 26th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – Last Sunday after Trinity (4.0.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Chorale Prelude on Dies sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot’ – J.S.Bach
Setting: Peter Heath in D (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Gaelic Blessing - John Rutter
Processional: O worship the King all glorious above (Hanover, descant Alan Gray)
OT Reading (Year A) – Leviticus 19:1
Psalm (18): I love you Lord my strength (Fintan O'Carroll/Ian Forrester)
NT Reading (Year A) – 1 Thessalonians 2:1
Gradual: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 22:34
Offertory: Let all mortal flesh keep silence (Picardy)
Communion: As the deer pants for the water
Post-Communion: God is love let heav'n adore him (Blaenwern)
Postlude – Fugue in E Flat (“St Anne”) – J.S.Bach


FROM THE CONSOLE - SEPTEMBER 2014



For The past nineteen years , Classic FM have undertaken a survey of the nation’s top 300 classical pieces and counted them down over the Easter weekend. This year’s selection includes just two works for solo organ, both in the top 100. Two other pieces include an integral part for the instrument. All eight of my September voluntaries are taken from the chart.

At number 81 is Widor’s Toccata. This forms the last of five movements in his fifth of ten organ symphonies. Widor held the post of organist at Saint-Sulpice in Paris, the most prominent post for an organist in France. He was initially appointed on a trial basis of one year as some of the clergy were concerned that at 25 he might be too young although in the end this temporary appointment lasted 64 years!

The other solo organ work in the chart is Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor at number 56. There is some doubt as to whether the great composer actually composed the piece and it is indeed like nothing else that he ever wrote. There is no score in Bach’s own hand and it has been suggested that the work was originally written for a solo violin and in the higher key of A Minor.

The other two works with an important organ part are Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor for organ and strings (No.82) and Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony (No.22). The Adagio is based on a fragment of manuscript found in Dresden State Library consisting of a bass line and six bars of melody. Remo Giazotto, an Italian musicologist, reconstructed the piece in 1945. Saint-Saens wrote his third “organ” symphony in 1886 and dedicated it to his friend Franz Liszt. The main theme of the fourth movement was used in the 1977 pop song “If I Had Words” and was also used in the film “Babe”.

Religious works make up seven of the top fifty, with Allegri’s “Miserere” the highest placed at No.9. Other works often heard at St Edmund’s, from choir or organ, include Faure’s Requiem (No.34) and Cantique de Jean Racine (No.76), Mozart’s “Ave Verum” (No.41), Schubert’s “Ave Maria” (No.231), Bach’s “Jesu Joy” (No.193) and Parry’s “Jerusalem” (No.213).

The most popular composer in the chart is Mozart with 21 entries, followed by Beethoven (18), Bach & Tchaikovsky (12 each) and Elgar (8). The nation’s most popular piece is Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”.

Aug 31st
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 11th Sunday after Trinity (3.1.1.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Pavane - Gabriel Faure (No.151)
Setting: Wadeley (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: From the rising of the sun - F.Ouseley
Processional: Guide me O thou great Redeemer (Cwm Rhondda)
OT Reading (Year A) – Jeremiah 15:15
Psalm (63): For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God (Liam Affley/Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year A) – Romans 12:9
Gradual: Take up thy cross the Saviour said (Breslau)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 16:21
Offertory: O worship the King all glorious above (Hanover, descant Alan Gray)
Communion: Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast (Anima Christi)
Post-Communion: Let all the world in every corner sing (Luckington)
Postlude – Sortie in E Flat - L.Lefebure-Wely

Sep 7th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 12th Sunday after Trinity (5.0.0.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Adagio - T.Albinoni/R.Giazotto (No.82)
Setting: Darke in F (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: A Clare Benediction - J.Rutter
Processional: Christ is the world's true light (Nun Danket, last v.Rosalie Bonighton)
OT Reading (Year A) – Ezekiel 33:7
Psalm (95): O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts (A.Gregory Murray)
NT Reading (Year A) – Romans 13:8
Gradual: Jesus Lord we look to thee (Vienna)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 18:15
Offertory: Praise to God whose word was spoken (St.Helen)
Communion: Be still for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion: Bind us together
Postlude – Grand March ("Aida") - G.Verdi (No.173)

Sep 14th
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 13th Sunday after Trinity (Holy Cross Day) (5.0.0.0)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund's)
Prelude: Chanson de Matin - E.Elgar (No.232)
Setting: Darke in A Minor (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: As water to the thirsty - John Barnard
Processional: Praise to the holiest in the height (Gerontius)
OT Reading (Year A) Numbers 21:4
Psalm (78) Never forget the deeds of the Lord (Stephen Dean)
NT Reading (Year A) – Philippians 2:6
Gradual: When I survey the wondrous cross (Rockingham, last v.Betty Roe)
Gospel (Year A) – John 3:13
Offertory: Who is this so weak and helpless? (Ebenezer)
Communion: We sing the praise of him who died (Breslau)
Post-Communion: Lift high the cross (Crucifer)
Postlude – Hornpipe (Water Music) - G.F.Handel (No.230)

Sep 21st
10.00am Sung Eucharist – 14th Sunday after Trinity (4.1.1.1)
Celebrant/Preacher: Father Tony Andrews (Former Hon. Asst. Priest)
Prelude: Wachet auf,ruft uns die Stimme - J.S.Bach (No.288)
Setting: Wadely (Gloria/Credo – Merbecke)
Anthem: God be in my head - J. Rutter
Processional: For the beauty of the earth (England's Lane)
OT Reading (Year A) – Jonah 3:10
Psalm (145): The Lord is close to all who call him (Peter Jones)
NT Reading (Year A) – Philippians 1:21
Gradual: Father hear the prayer we offer (Sussex)
Gospel (Year A) – Matthew 20:1
Offertory: Lord enthroned in Heavenly splendour (St Helen)
Communion: Now let us from this table rise
Post-Communion: To God be the glory
Postlude – Crown Imperial - W.Walton (No.217)

Sep 28th
11.00am Sung Eucharist for Harvest Thanksgiving (5.2.1.1)
Celebrant: Father Philip Barnes (Vicar, St Edmund’s)
Prelude - Adagio (Symphony No 3) – C.Saint-Saens (No.22)
Setting: Sidney Nicholson (Metrical Gloria – Evelyns, last v.David Terry)
Anthem: Look at the world - J.Rutter
Processional: We plough the field and scatter (Wir Pflugen, last v.Betty Roe)
OT Reading: Exodus 23:14
Gradual: Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Gospel: John 15:12
Offertory: Come ye thankful people come (St George’s Windsor, last v.Michael Higgins)
Communion: Praise and Thanksgiving (Bunessan)
Post-Communion: All things bright and beautiful (All things bright and beautiful)
Postlude: Postlude – Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Solomon) – G.F.Handel (No.147)

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