This splendid new CD from the
Choir of York Minster, directed by Robert Sharpe, proves that there is
tremendous life in the old traditional forms of worship yet. The Book of Common
Prayer (with a few exceptions) and traditional music here deliver a timeless
performance of Evensong. The celebration is that of the Feast of the Dedication
of a Church. It speaks ‘not just of the
blessing and hallowing of time, but also space and architecture.’
The proceedings open with an
Improvisation, op.84 no.2 written by Francis Jackson, erstwhile organist at
York Minster between 1946-1982. He celebrated his 100th birthday on
2 October 2017. This quiet restrained piece allows the congregation to assemble
and prepare themselves.
For me, one of the most evocative
moments in the service of Evensong is the ringing of the vestry bell to
announce that the robed choir should assemble. This is followed by a short ‘aisle
prayer’ sung by the precentor with choral responses. The choir then process to
their stalls accompanied by a short organ improvisation.
The first formal part of the
service is John Shepperd’s beautiful ‘Liber nos, salva nos’ (Set us free, save
us). It is written in six parts plus the
plainsong ‘original’ appearing in the bass.
The Preces and Responses are by
William Smith (1603-45), an English composer based in Durham. They are
deservedly popular.
One of the great glories of the
English Church are the Psalms. These were included in the Book of Common Prayer
by Thomas Cranmer, and based on a translation by Miles Coverdale. Add to this
the traditional Anglican method of chanting these Psalms and we have a perfect
fusion of words and music. The entire Book of Psalms, all 150 of them, is
required to be sung in order at Matins and Evensong over a period of a month. The
present CD calls for Psalms 69 and 70 which are appointed for the thirteenth
evening of the month. These have a few verses omitted, as proposed in the 1928
BCP Revision: they reflect a ‘sub Christian’ attitude to one’s enemies. The
chants sung, are by Thomas Tertius Noble, Charles Leigh Naylor and George
Surtees Talbot.
The two lessons, read by the Dean
and the Chancellor respectively, are taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the bible, which claims to be politically
correct in every detail and devoid of bothersome (!) thees, thous, hasts, wasts
and dosts etc.
The Mag. and Nunc Dim. are the
impressive St Paul’s Service by
Herbert Howells. This well-known setting was composed in 1950. It is eminently
suitable for a cathedral with a big acoustic and an impressive pipe organ. It
is a masterpiece.
Howells is also represented with
the anthem ‘O Pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (Psalm 122) which is a quiet,
reflective work that is especially appropriate for Evensong. It was one of Four
Anthems composed when Howells was staying in Cheltenham in 1941.
The Creed is spoken, and the
Lord’s Prayer is a lovely setting by the sixteenth-century composer Robert
Stone.
Edward Bairstow was organist at
York Minster between 1913 and 1946. It is appropriate that one of his most
celebrated anthems is sung here. ‘Blessed City, heavenly Salem’ was composed
around 1914 for a group of West Riding churches: it is based on the plainsong
melody traditionally associated with the Latin hymn ‘Urbs beata Hierusalem’.
Typically, there is a single
congregational hymn at Evensong. In this case it is the well-known ‘Ye that
know the Lord is gracious’ set by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry with the tune
‘Rustington’. For this special festival, the third verse has an inspiring
descant devised by Benjamin Morris. I am not sure that the congregation is
joining in here.
It is interesting that the
Minster chose to sing the ‘Te Deum Laudamus’ in this celebration of Evensong.
It was often the practice to include this canticle on High Days and Holy Days,
usually preceding the inspiring (for those who approve!) ‘Anglo Catholic’ office
of Benediction. Vaughan Williams’ ‘Te Deum’ was composed in 1928 specifically
for the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang. Before
this appointment, Lang had been Archbishop of York for some 20 years. It is
therefore a fitting choice for the conclusion of this service.
After a short prayer, the service
concludes with the exuberant ‘Finale’ from Louis Vierne’s Organ Symphony No.3
composed in 1911. Although nominally written in F# minor, the concluding bars
establish the major key, thus concluding on a hugely positive mood.
The detailed liner notes by John
Lee give all the information required to enjoy and follow this uplifting
service of Evensong from York Minster. The texts of the entire service,
including the readings is included.
Three things make this CD a great
investment for all lovers of Anglican Cathedral Music. Firstly, the outstanding
singing by York Minster Choir, secondly the superb organ playing by Benjamin
Morris. These are reflected in an excellent recording. But, most important of
all is the opportunity to hear an entire performance of Evensong, including
the intercessions, the congregational hymn and the bible readings. All this allows
the listener to sink into the atmosphere and fully enjoy the full sweep of
Thomas Cranmer’s (with a few tinkerings) glorious and unsurpassed achievement.
Track Listing:
Francis JACKSON (b.1917)
Improvisation, op 84 no 2
Bell and Aisle Prayer/ Organ improvisation (Benjamin MORRIS)
Introit: Libera nos, salva nos John SHEPPARD (c.1515-59)
Preces: William SMITH
(1603-45)
Psalms 69 and 70: Chants by Thomas Tertius NOBLE, (1867-1953) Charles Leigh NAYLOR (1869-1945)
George Surtees TALBOT (1875-1918)
First Lesson: Genesis 28: 11–18 The Very Reverend Vivienne
Faull, Dean of York
Magnificat: St Paul’s Service Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983)
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2:1–10 The Reverend Canon Dr
Christopher Collingwood, Chancellor
Nunc dimittis: St Paul’s Service Herbert HOWELLS
The Creed
Lesser Litany: (Responses) William SMITH, Lord’s Prayer: Robert
STONE (1516-1613) Anthem: Edward
Cuthbert BAIRSTOW (1874-1946) Blessed City, heavenly Salem
The Intercessions: The Reverend Canon Peter Moger, Precentor
Anthem: Herbert HOWELLS
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem
The Grace
Hymn: Charles Hubert
Hastings PARRY (1848-1918) Ye that know the Lord is gracious
(Rustington)–v3 descant by Benjamin MORRIS
The Blessing
Te Deum: Ralph
Vaughan WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Te Deum Laudamus in G [5:05]
Final Prayer
Organ Voluntary: Louis VIERNE (1870-1937) Final: Symphonie
3 in F sharp minor, op 28
The Choir of York Minster/Robert Sharpe, Benjamin Morris
(organ)
Rec. York Minster, 8-10 February 2017
REGENT REGCD 506
With thanks to MusicWeb International where this review was first published.
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