Royal School of Church Music Suffolk Area
Some Previous Events.
Let the Amen Sound
Sunday 15 July 2007
This
event was led by Canon Michael Hampel, Precentor of St.Edmundsbury
Cathedral who took us through the history of hymn singing from the 15th
century to the present day. A very informal event that gave the 30
singers forming the choir, and the congregation, the chance to sing
some well known and some not so well known hymns in the beautiful
setting of the Parish Church of St.Peter & St.Paul, Lavenham.
Michael began by explaining that in the 15th and 16th centuries parishioners would go to church with their prayer book in one hand and a copy of Sternhold & Hopkins in the other. Sternhold & Hopkins was a publication containing metrical psalms set to simple chants. These were often sung without instrumental accompaniment with the introductory note being given by a Precentor. Sternhold & Hopkins was replaced by what was called the "New Version" by Tate and Brady in 1696. This set of metrical psalms was to remain in use until the early days of the 20th century. Later editions of the book contained what we now recognise as hymn tunes including interestingly "While Shepherds Watched their flocks by Night", the first time that this well known carol was seen..
We all sang then "As pants the hart for cooling streams when heated in the chase" which was taken from Tate and Brady and sang to the tune Martydom.
The next hymn came from the 1700's and from the pen of the prodigious hymn writer Charles Wesley. Wesley wrote around 6000 hymns, only about 40 of which appear in modern hymn books. From Wesley's pen we sang "Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim."
John Cooper leading rehearsals
Michael began by explaining that in the 15th and 16th centuries parishioners would go to church with their prayer book in one hand and a copy of Sternhold & Hopkins in the other. Sternhold & Hopkins was a publication containing metrical psalms set to simple chants. These were often sung without instrumental accompaniment with the introductory note being given by a Precentor. Sternhold & Hopkins was replaced by what was called the "New Version" by Tate and Brady in 1696. This set of metrical psalms was to remain in use until the early days of the 20th century. Later editions of the book contained what we now recognise as hymn tunes including interestingly "While Shepherds Watched their flocks by Night", the first time that this well known carol was seen..
We all sang then "As pants the hart for cooling streams when heated in the chase" which was taken from Tate and Brady and sang to the tune Martydom.
The next hymn came from the 1700's and from the pen of the prodigious hymn writer Charles Wesley. Wesley wrote around 6000 hymns, only about 40 of which appear in modern hymn books. From Wesley's pen we sang "Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim."
John Cooper leading rehearsals
Michael explained that the next milestone in hymnody was the publication of Hymns Ancient and Modern, still used today by some churches. From this much loved book Michael had selected "Jerusalem the golden" translated by J.M. Neale and sung to the tune Ewing.
Hymns Ancient and modern was followed by The English Hymnal, a collection of hymns chosen by a committee chaired by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Several hymns and especially their tunes were influenced by English Folk Songs and the one chosen by Michael for us to sing was "Father hear the Prayer we offer" to the tune Sussex.
Coming more up to date we sang Patrick Appleford's "Lord Jesus Christ". This was followed by a hymn originally written by Peter Baelz for the re-dedication of the bells at Durham Cathedral. The original first verse is not used anywhere else except Durham Cathedral as it directly refers to the individually named bells in the Tower. We all enjoyed a good sing of "Let bells peal forth the universal fame" to the modern tune "Woodlands"
Michael Hampel introducing the next hymn
The
next hymn chosen was "Lead Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom"
written by Cardinal John Henry Newman. Michael told us that this hymn
was written whilst Newman was returning from Sicily and was suffering
with sea sickness. Another account the author has read states that this
was written when the ship was becalmed in the Straits of Bonifacio
whilst returning from Italy to England. I know which version fits the
words that were written! There were several tunes used for this hymn
but "Alberta" which we used was the one chosen for publication in the
English Hymnal.
Exploring the theme of multiple tunes Michael looked at the hymn "For the beauty of the earth". Probably the most widely tune used is "England's Lane closely followed by "Dix". Less well known is a beautiful tune "Lucerna Laudoniae" composed by David Evans. We sang three different verses to these three tunes.
Micahael explained that those who choose hymns and tunes for services do have to be careful not to upset the habits of a lifetime of their congregation, but why not occasionally introduce a new tune? If you do do this you should have the courage to use the tune again a few weeks later, and periodically repeat the same, the theory being that eventually it will come to be accepted by the congregation! He told the tale of how he chose the tune "Kings Weston" for the hymn "At the Name of Jesus" for a service at the Cathedral. Afterwards he said that he was nearly lynched, one gentleman grabbed his arm and told him that he had ruined his day!! Fearing nothing we sang this lovely hymn !!
Continuing this theme we sang a verse of "For all the Saints who from their labours rest" to the tune "Engelberg". Normally this hymn is sung to "Sine Nomine" composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, however Engelberg was well known to most of the choir as it has been used on more than one occasion at the Diocesan Choirs Festival.
John Cooper conducts the hymns during the service
The last hymn chosen by Michael was one of his favourites "O Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!" to the tune Was Lebet.
In between the hymns the choir sang a version of "O for a closer walk with God" to a tune composed by Charles Villiers Stanford and a version of a hymn "I am the Vine" from the Ionian Community. This was set to music by our chair John Cooper, originally composed for the installation of Rev. Clare Saunders as Rector of the Benefice of Grundisburgh, Burgh, Boulge & Hasketon. John accompanied these two items and directed the remainder of the hymns. Stephen Hogger, Director of music at Lavenham played the organ played the organ for most hymns and conducted these two items.
Exploring the theme of multiple tunes Michael looked at the hymn "For the beauty of the earth". Probably the most widely tune used is "England's Lane closely followed by "Dix". Less well known is a beautiful tune "Lucerna Laudoniae" composed by David Evans. We sang three different verses to these three tunes.
Micahael explained that those who choose hymns and tunes for services do have to be careful not to upset the habits of a lifetime of their congregation, but why not occasionally introduce a new tune? If you do do this you should have the courage to use the tune again a few weeks later, and periodically repeat the same, the theory being that eventually it will come to be accepted by the congregation! He told the tale of how he chose the tune "Kings Weston" for the hymn "At the Name of Jesus" for a service at the Cathedral. Afterwards he said that he was nearly lynched, one gentleman grabbed his arm and told him that he had ruined his day!! Fearing nothing we sang this lovely hymn !!
Continuing this theme we sang a verse of "For all the Saints who from their labours rest" to the tune "Engelberg". Normally this hymn is sung to "Sine Nomine" composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, however Engelberg was well known to most of the choir as it has been used on more than one occasion at the Diocesan Choirs Festival.
John Cooper conducts the hymns during the service
The last hymn chosen by Michael was one of his favourites "O Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!" to the tune Was Lebet.
In between the hymns the choir sang a version of "O for a closer walk with God" to a tune composed by Charles Villiers Stanford and a version of a hymn "I am the Vine" from the Ionian Community. This was set to music by our chair John Cooper, originally composed for the installation of Rev. Clare Saunders as Rector of the Benefice of Grundisburgh, Burgh, Boulge & Hasketon. John accompanied these two items and directed the remainder of the hymns. Stephen Hogger, Director of music at Lavenham played the organ played the organ for most hymns and conducted these two items.
Come and Sing Messiah
St. Mary's Church Grundisburgh
Sunday 25 November 2007.
St. Mary's Church Grundisburgh
Come
and sing Part 1 of Handel's Messiah was held in St.Mary's Church.
Around 100 singers gathered at 2.30pm to rehearse the choruses that
they were sing with the orchestra and organ and under the direction of
the retiring Chair of Suffolk RSCM, John Cooper. The orchestra was
largely made up of members of John's family.
John has been chairman of the East Suffolk District of RSCM and more latterly the Suffolk Area for fourteen years, but "senior management" has stated that area Chairs should be rotated more frequently and so John has to stand down. So the day was both a bitter sweet and a joyful occasion.
Part of the orchestra
Not only the orchestra was drawn from John's family, two of the three soloists, Tina Sanderson (Soprano) and Stephen Cooper (Bass) are from the family. The third soloist, Gordon Pullin (Tenor) is very well known and many present this day have had the priviledge of singing with Gordon in the past.
The organist was Paul McCaffery, Deputy Director of Music at The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.
The soloists left to right: Stephen Cooper, Tina Sanderson
and Gordon Pullin.
Paul McCaffery at the organ console
After a short rehearsal during which John managed to co-ordinate and gel the orchestra and choir into an effective unit, there was a short break before the performance commenced. We sang the whole of Part 1 of the Messiah with the exception of the last chorus "His yoke is easy, and his burthen is light" which was replaced by the Hallelujah chorus which made a rousing finale to the performance. There were many highlights through the performance but mention must be made of the singing of the air "O Thou that tellest Good Tidings to Zion", by the combined group of altos. The rich mellow sound rang round the rafters of this beautiful church.
John Cooper conducting the rehearsal
After the business part of the
meeting we moved onto "Something Different" - a series of musical
contributions led by members of the committee:
Ken Brock directs the Highway Code
St.Peter & St.Paul , Lavenham
Rev. Graham Owen introducing the workshop
Next in line was Andrew Leach with his St. Mary Elms Mass. Originally
this setting was composed for Cantor, Congregation and Organ, but
Andrew had added some harmonies for this event. This was an easy
setting to learn and Andrew ensured that all the parts were comfortable
with what they had to sing.
Val Shelley & Carol Dolan rehearsing their setting.
John has been chairman of the East Suffolk District of RSCM and more latterly the Suffolk Area for fourteen years, but "senior management" has stated that area Chairs should be rotated more frequently and so John has to stand down. So the day was both a bitter sweet and a joyful occasion.
Part of the orchestra
Not only the orchestra was drawn from John's family, two of the three soloists, Tina Sanderson (Soprano) and Stephen Cooper (Bass) are from the family. The third soloist, Gordon Pullin (Tenor) is very well known and many present this day have had the priviledge of singing with Gordon in the past.
The organist was Paul McCaffery, Deputy Director of Music at The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.
The soloists left to right: Stephen Cooper, Tina Sanderson
and Gordon Pullin.
After a short rehearsal during which John managed to co-ordinate and gel the orchestra and choir into an effective unit, there was a short break before the performance commenced. We sang the whole of Part 1 of the Messiah with the exception of the last chorus "His yoke is easy, and his burthen is light" which was replaced by the Hallelujah chorus which made a rousing finale to the performance. There were many highlights through the performance but mention must be made of the singing of the air "O Thou that tellest Good Tidings to Zion", by the combined group of altos. The rich mellow sound rang round the rafters of this beautiful church.
John Cooper conducting the rehearsal
The assembled choir rehearsing
At the conclusion, presentations were made to John Cooper. Firstly the Rector of Grundisburgh, Rev. Canon Clare Sanders outlined a short history of John's musical career before asking the Bishop of Dunwich, The Right Reverend Clive Young to present John with a long service award on behalf of the Diocese of St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich. Finally Ken Brock, Treasurer of the Suffolk Area RSCM committee presented John with a gift and card from the committee.
The Bishop of Dunwich presents John Cooper with a
long service award on behalf of the Diocese.
At the conclusion, presentations were made to John Cooper. Firstly the Rector of Grundisburgh, Rev. Canon Clare Sanders outlined a short history of John's musical career before asking the Bishop of Dunwich, The Right Reverend Clive Young to present John with a long service award on behalf of the Diocese of St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich. Finally Ken Brock, Treasurer of the Suffolk Area RSCM committee presented John with a gift and card from the committee.
The Bishop of Dunwich presents John Cooper with a
long service award on behalf of the Diocese.
Ken Brock presents John with gift from Committee
The afternoon concluded with refreshments provided by the Parish before we all dispersed to the various corners of Suffolk, happy that we "had sent John off in a grand style."
The afternoon concluded with refreshments provided by the Parish before we all dispersed to the various corners of Suffolk, happy that we "had sent John off in a grand style."
Annual General Meeting
& "Something Different"
St. Mary at Stoke, Ipswich
8th May 2008
A good turn out saw our new Chair the Revd. Graham Owen get through his first Annual General Meeting quickly and smoothly.
The
first offering was a version of the Highway Code led and directed by
Ken Brock. It was sung to three different chants which were accompanied
on the piano by Stephen Hogger. The highway Code was first made popular
by The King Singers.
Past Chair
John Cooper plays "Coronation ExpressOur
past chairman played "Coronation Express" on the piano which was
followed by the present chairman who played "Londonderry Air" on the clarinet accompanied
by John Cooper
The Revd Graham Owen plays "Londonderry Air"Three committee members then sang the Choristers Hymn, a paradoy of the hymn Immortal, invisible to the tune "St Denio"
All Hallows
choirAll
Hallows choir sang three items from the musical "Joseph". The choir has
sung this musical at several locations in the Ipswich area in the last
year.
All Hallows Church ChoirDoug
Ireland then introduced a comedy psalm, written by Richard Maslen,
about the delights of visiting Southwold, set to the Anglican Chant for
Psalm 19. The original words were written about visitors to Weymouth
and amended to suit Southwold. The challenge was laid down for someone
to come up with some words to suit Ipswich for next years AGM.
Doug was then joined by Stephen Hogger and directed by John Cooper from the piano gave a rendition of the Edwardian comedy song "Parson's Puddle" with an extra verse added at the end about our new chair and the parish of Framlingham where he now presides.
Finally the evening concluded with a splendid buffet supper.
Doug was then joined by Stephen Hogger and directed by John Cooper from the piano gave a rendition of the Edwardian comedy song "Parson's Puddle" with an extra verse added at the end about our new chair and the parish of Framlingham where he now presides.
Finally the evening concluded with a splendid buffet supper.
Which Setting ?
Sunday 14 September 2008.
St.Peter & St.Paul , Lavenham
On a
lovely late summer afternoon, 34 singers gathered at St.Peter & St.
Paul, Lavenham. The event was scheduled to be in two parts. Part 1 took
the form of a Workshop in which we explored four different settings of
the Communion Service composed by local composers. Three of the four
composers were present to take us through their settings.
Rev. Graham Owen introducing the workshop
After a welcome by our chair, Rev. Graham Owen, the workshop commenced.
First to introduce his setting was Stephen Hogger, the Director of Music for our host church. He told us that his "Lavenham Mass" was originally commissioned for the Roman Catholic Rite by friends of his Rev. Tony & Eve Ranzetta.
Stephen Hogger introduces the Lavenham Mass
setting.
This setting is one of four or five settings used in rotation in Lavenham Church. We spent time learing the Gloria, which has a very catchy, bright, and easily learnt "chorus". We were to return to this setting later in the afternoon to learn the Sanctus and Benedictus and also the Agnus Dei. Before moving on to another setting Stephen rehearsed the Celtic Alleluia, as this was going to be sung in the following service.
Andrew Leach rehearsing his setting.
First to introduce his setting was Stephen Hogger, the Director of Music for our host church. He told us that his "Lavenham Mass" was originally commissioned for the Roman Catholic Rite by friends of his Rev. Tony & Eve Ranzetta.
Stephen Hogger introduces the Lavenham Mass
setting.
This setting is one of four or five settings used in rotation in Lavenham Church. We spent time learing the Gloria, which has a very catchy, bright, and easily learnt "chorus". We were to return to this setting later in the afternoon to learn the Sanctus and Benedictus and also the Agnus Dei. Before moving on to another setting Stephen rehearsed the Celtic Alleluia, as this was going to be sung in the following service.
Andrew Leach rehearsing his setting.
Val Shelley & Carol Dolan rehearsing their setting.
The
third setting we looked at was composed by Val Shelley for use at
Melton Church, where until recently there was no tradition of singing a
setting in Communion services. Val took us through her setting which
was accompanied by Carol Dolan on the flute. Carol had also written a
setting of the Communion Prayer "Lord I am not worthy to receive you",
again accompanied by the flute.
Alto's & Basses rehearsing the settings
The last setting was composed by the Rev. Ian Morgan for use at St.Mary at Stoke Church in Ipswich. Unfortunately Ian was unable to be with us, but Stephen Hogger very bravely took us through this setting, which he had seen for the first time just 15 minutes before the workshop began.
Alto's & Basses rehearsing the settings
The last setting was composed by the Rev. Ian Morgan for use at St.Mary at Stoke Church in Ipswich. Unfortunately Ian was unable to be with us, but Stephen Hogger very bravely took us through this setting, which he had seen for the first time just 15 minutes before the workshop began.
Soprano's & tenors rehearse their parts.
Our
composers and the chair, then selected one item from each setting that
we would sing in the Choral High Mass that was to follow the workshop.
A break for a cup of tea was most welcome and then we had a run through the hymns and settings to be used for the service. A very innovative approach was made for the first hymn "Praise to the Holiest in the Height", the first three verses were sung to the tune "Gerontius", with the next three sung to "Chorus Angelorum" and the last vesre back to "Gerontius"
The service itself went very well, it is a pity there was not a larger congregation to hear our efforts. The concluding organ voluntary played by Stephen Hogger was the Sortie in E flat by Louis James Alfred Lefebure-Wely, some members of the choir seemed to be skipping down the aisle to the music as they recessed out. At the end of the voluntary there was a round of applause for Stephen.
A break for a cup of tea was most welcome and then we had a run through the hymns and settings to be used for the service. A very innovative approach was made for the first hymn "Praise to the Holiest in the Height", the first three verses were sung to the tune "Gerontius", with the next three sung to "Chorus Angelorum" and the last vesre back to "Gerontius"
The service itself went very well, it is a pity there was not a larger congregation to hear our efforts. The concluding organ voluntary played by Stephen Hogger was the Sortie in E flat by Louis James Alfred Lefebure-Wely, some members of the choir seemed to be skipping down the aisle to the music as they recessed out. At the end of the voluntary there was a round of applause for Stephen.