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Home , Kenneth Leighton, Lay clerk, Organ scholar, William Henry Harris

GREAT Little is known about the early life of composed and performed during the Tallis (c1505-85), but his musical appointments reigns of four monarchs – Henry VIII, Edward VI, at Dover Priory (his first employment) and, later, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. Their diverse 1 Honor, virtus et potestas Thomas Tallis (c1505-85) [6.14] at have led to speculation attitudes and tastes regarding church music 2 Ave verum corpus (c1537-1623) [3.37] that he was a native of Kent. In 1540, upon the obliged Tallis to be constantly adaptable, a 3 See, see the Word is incarnate * (1583-1625) [6.09] dissolution of the monasteries, he lost his job challenge which he met with great skill. During Soloists: Saskia Jamieson Bibb, Sam Sytsma, James Hall, Paul Young, Stephen Foster at the Augustinian Waltham Abbey in Essex his career – a period of political/religious – actually the last monastery to be dissolved. turmoil – the use of Latin for church services 4 We will rejoice in Thy salvation * William Croft (1678-1727) [4.56] Soloists: Sam Sytsma, Paul Young, Stephen Foster However, soon afterwards he joined the gave way to English, then within ten years at Canterbury Cathedral as a , an Latin was re-established, and once again was 5 Lord, let me know mine end † Maurice Greene (1696-1755) [5.54] Soloists: Saskia Jamieson Bibb, Ellen Spurling association which lasted from 1540-43. He superseded by English. Like Byrd, born 35 years 6 O where shall wisdom be found? † (1711-79) [8.43] then served in the royal household of Henry later and eventually one of his pupils, Tallis Soloists: Saskia Jamieson Bibb, Elizabeth Green, Sam Sytsma, VIII. Within a period of just over ten years Tallis remained an unreformed Catholic, but while Paul Young, Stephen Foster had progressed from his first, humble appointment Byrd was fined for his recusancy, Tallis managed 3 , Op. 38 Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) – of a Benedictine priory at Dover – to steer a discreet course through that 7 I. Justorum animae [2.53] to a most exalted position as one of the extraordinarily turbulent period. In Honor, virtus 8 II. Coelos ascendit hodie [2.06] Gentlemen of the , in which it is et potestas, the sixth responsory at Matins on 9 III. Beati quorum via [3.09] believed that his principal duties would have Trinity Sunday, Tallis creates much textual variety, 0 I was glad when they said unto me * (1848-1918) [4.46] been – apart from singing – playing the organ thus allowing more clarity in passages of imitation. q Bring us, O Lord God (1883-1973) [3.44] and regularly providing compositions. He remained in this post until his death. William Byrd (c1537-1623) is generally regarded w Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks † (1892-1983) [5.38] Soloist: Saskia Jamieson Bibb as one of the very greatest of British , e Let all the world in every corner sing † (1929-88) [3.48] Two royal acknowledgements indicate Tallis’s his very wide gamut of expression and complete status – in 1557 Queen Mary granted him the mastery of everything he touched being equally Total timings: [61.40] lease on a manor house in Kent, providing remarkable. Among his contemporaries, only good income, and in 1575 Queen Elizabeth Lassus (from the Low Countries) rivalled his THE GIRLS AND MEN OF CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL CHOIR granted Tallis and his pupil William Byrd a 21- range and versatility. A broad view of Byrd’s † ADRIAN BAWTREE * & NICholas WEARNE ORGAN year monopoly on the printing and publishing church music reveals a striking difference DAVID NEWSHOLME director of music. between his Protestant and Catholic works – www.signumrecords.com - 3 - the Protestant with English texts, and generally Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) was the most Born in Nether Ettington, Warwickshire, William of Music at Cambridge University (1730) and simple enough to allow the words to be clearly celebrated English of his time. He Croft (1678-1727) was educated as a “Child five years later he was appointed Master of the heard, and the Catholic with Latin texts, set to spent the first four years of his life at Oxford, of the Chapel Royal” where he was taught by King’s Musick. Lord, let me know mine end, a music of much more elaborate technique. Byrd’s but in 1596 he was admitted as a chorister , subsequently sharing the post of setting of verses from Psalm 39, is generally predicament as a Roman Catholic in the alien in the choir of King’s College Cambridge. Only “Gentleman” organist with . recognised as Greene’s finest composition. A environment of the late 16th century may well nine years later he attained the lofty position When Clarke committed suicide in 1707, Croft treble duet at its centre is framed by music of be compared with that of Shostakovich working of Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. Aged 41, became Composer and Master of the Children expressive power above a perpetual walking – or rather, performing a dangerous balancing Gibbons died at Canterbury Cathedral, probably at the Chapel Royal. John Blow died a year which suggests ones journey through life. act – as a composer within the Soviet Union. from apoplexy. Charles I and his new bride later and Croft succeeded him as organist of As Joseph Kerman has written, we may well Henrietta Maria had received a blessing during . Croft’s most celebrated Born in , William Boyce (1711-79) was imagine that Byrd was expressing through a service at the cathedral. As superintendent work is a 2-volume church-music collection one of the finest English composers unfortunate his religious music “prayers, exhortations of the music for the occasion, Gibbons was entitled Musica Sacra, containing 31 anthems enough to be overshadowed by Handel. He spent and protests on behalf of the English Roman staying in the precincts when he suddenly and the Burial Service. It is primarily this eight years as a chorister at St. Paul’s, before Catholic community”. Written for the feast of collapsed. His tomb lies in Canterbury Cathedral. collection which has sustained Croft’s reputation. studying with Maurice Greene. A succession of Corpus Christi, the Ave verum corpus is The Burial Service has been performed at every organist appointments culminated in the title judged to be among Byrd’s very finest works. While he mastered all musical genres of his state funeral since its publication, including of Master of the King’s Musick in 1755. By This intimate piece is the fifth of the 4-part period, Gibbons is best known for his superb that of the Queen Mother in April 2002. Croft’s 1758, when he became an organist at the compositions in the collection Gradualia I church music. Probably dating from 1616, his occasional anthems are among his finest Chapel Royal, his hearing had deteriorated, and he published in 1605. In his Gradualia I and verse See, see the Word is incarnate works. We will rejoice in Thy salvation (text from devoted himself to editing church music. Constant Gradualia II Byrd intended to provide music for (with obbligato accompaniment for a viol consort) Psalm 20) has exuberant outer sections and a Lambert published a modern edition of Boyce’s all the mass Propers of the church calendar. is a concise narration of Christ’s life through His poignant middle section with some chromaticism first eight symphonies in 1928, beginning a As Kerman has observed, the text Ave verum birth, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection in the melodic line. revival of his music. These are still his best corpus “never achieved formal liturgical status”. and ascension. Its text is by Godfrey Goodman, known secular works, while his church music has Its arguably superfluous inclusion in this chaplain to Queen Anne before becoming Dean The son of a clergyman, Maurice Greene (1696- always been performed. His list of compositions collection is significant, because these words of Rochester. Gibbons employs suspensions to mark 1755) was born in London and became one of includes anthems, odes, masques, incidental would have made an important doctrinal point such points as Christ’s sacrifice or the words Jeremiah Clarke’s choristers at St. Paul’s, where music and twelve trio sonatas. O where shall for Catholics in Byrd’s time, for whom “fresh wounds”, syncopation at the words “the subsequently he was appointed organist. On wisdom be found? (text from Job) has aptly transubstantiation was a lively controversial issue. earth quakes”, and florid solo passages to enhance the death of William Croft in 1727, he became been described as Boyce’s most representative the final verse (beginning “God’s right hand”). organist of the Chapel Royal, then Professor anthem, for its “combination of sound learning

- 4 - - 5 - with truth and sublimity, and deep, though evokes malice (“et non tanget ….”). The subject Williams, Holst, Ireland and Bridge. He was of inspiring words by , scored simple, piety of feeling.” (John S. Bumpus: A of the medieval Coelos ascendit hodie knighted in 1898. Parry composed his celebrated for double choir, is a strikingly beautiful addition History of English Cathedral Music – pub. 1908.) is the Ascension. In this contrastingly joyful I was glad when they said unto me for the to the Anglican repertoire. piece, Stanford employs two for dramatic coronation of Edward VII in 1902, but revised Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) was born antiphonal effect, with many trumpet-like the introductory section for the coronation of Herbert Howells (1892-1983) was born in in Dublin and educated at Cambridge University, Alleluias. The Ascension itself is simply evoked George V in 1911. The text comprises verses Lydney, Gloucestershire. Aged twelve, he began before studying music in Leipzig and Berlin. This by the long, rising line at the final from Psalm 122, although in the central section music lessons with the organist of Gloucester German period is undoubtedly connected with Amen. Beati quorum via (Psalm 119, verse Parry originally interpolated the words “Vivat Cathedral, , and four years the strong Brahmsian influence – in particular 1 providing its very brief text) is scored in Rex” or “Vivat Regina”. Subsequently, this later became his articled pupil at the his consistent craftsmanship – evident in much six parts, with divided and basses. splendid anthem has become an essential part cathedral. In 1912 he became a student at of Stanford’s orchestral and chamber music. Marked “with tranquil movement”, this is an of the coronation service of British monarchs. the , where his teachers He was prolific, composing nine , seven exquisitely beautiful piece, while the complete included Stanford, Parry and . symphonies and much chamber music. The group of motets is among the most outstanding William Henry Harris (1883-1973) is best Although the large-scale works Hymnus Paradisi most enduring part of his output, however, is his of Stanford’s many works enhancing the remembered as a choral trainer. Born in , and Stabat Mater are probably his greatest fine church music, which has always been repertoire of the Anglican Church. he became assistant organist of St David’s works, his large output of Anglican Church highly regarded. Stanford was a first-rate Cathedral in . A succession of organist music has proved to be of enduring quality. teacher whose pupils included Vaughan Born in Bournemouth, Hubert Parry (1848- appointments followed – St Augustine’s Church, Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks Williams, Holst, Howells, Ireland and Bliss, 1918) was – like Stanford – one of the pillars of Edgbaston, , New College (verses 1-3 of Psalm 42) is the third of Four while his importance in the revitalisation of the British musical establishment at the time Oxford, Christ Church Oxford, and St George’s Anthems, composed in 1941. Marked “with British music, generally raising standards of the so-called English Musical Renaissance. Chapel Windsor in 1933. As organist/choirmaster quiet intensity”, the piece is characteristic administrative, pedagogic and practical, should Such figures were overshadowed by the at Windsor, a position he held until 1961, he of Howell’s reflective, unostentatious language. not be underestimated. He was knighted in emergence of Elgar’s genius, but their importance was involved in the musical education of the The opening section is tinged with some 1902. Although Stanford’s 3 Motets Op. 38 should not be forgotten. Like Charles Ives, Parry teenage princesses Elizabeth and Margaret expressive chromaticism, the flattened mediant were not published until 1908, they probably pursued – much less successfully – a career Rose. Harris conducted at both the 1937 and imparting a suggestion of “blues” flavour. date from around 1892. Its text extracted from in insurance, but it would be his demanding 1953 coronations and he was honoured with The organ has brief interludes and also The Wisdom of Solomon (or The Book of Wisdom), duties in musical academe which limited his the KCVO in 1954. Not a very prolific composer, concludes the piece after the choir has sung Justorum animae is essentially peaceful and time for composition. Again like Stanford, Parry Harris is best known for his Anglican church its serene final cadence. contemplative, though its middle section, more was a highly regarded teacher, sympathetic and music. Bring us, O Lord God (1959), a strenuous and rising to a fortissimo climax, broad-minded, whose pupils included Vaughan harmonically rich and unpredictable setting

- 6 - - 7 - Kenneth Leighton (1929-88) was born in Northampton and first performed in September TEXTS Wakefield, studied at Oxford (Classics and 1965, Let all the world in every corner sing music), then with in Rome. is a setting of the uplifting words by George 1 Honor, virtus et potestas He held teaching positions at Leeds, Edinburgh Herbert. Leighton’s syncopated and relatively Thomas Tallis and Oxford Universities, before returning to dissonant version is worlds away from the Edinburgh as Reid Professor of Music. His familiar hymn-tune by , but Honor, virtus et potestas et imperium Honour, power, might and dominion composition list – covering most genres – equally celebratory. sit Trinitati in unitate, unitati in Trinitate, be to the Trinity in unity, to the unity in Trinity, extends to more than a hundred works. in perenni saeculorum tempore. throughout everlasting ages. Commissioned for St. Matthew’s Church, © Philip Borg-Wheeler Trinitati lux perennis, To the Trinity be endless light, unitati sit decus perpetim, to the unity be glory unceasingly, in perenni saeculorum tempore. throughout everlasting ages.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, et Spiritui Sancto: and to the Holy Spirit: in perenni saeculorum tempore. throughout everlasting ages.

Text: Matins Respond, Trinity Sunday, Sarum Rite.

2 Ave verum corpus William Byrd

Ave verum corpus, natum Hail, true body, born De Maria Virgine: of the Virgin Mary: Vere passum immolatum truly you suffer, offered in sacrifice In cruce pro homine. on the cross for man. Cuius latus perforatum From whose pierced side Unda fluxit sanguine: flowed the blood: Esto nobis praegustatum may we have tasted of you In mortis examine. when we come to the hour of death.

- 8 - - 9 - 4 We will rejoice in Thy salvation is altogether vanity. O dulcis, o pie, o Jesu, Fili Mariae, O gentle, loving Jesus, Son of Mary, William Croft For man walketh in a vain shadow, miserere mei. Amen. have mercy on me. Amen. and disquieteth himself in vain; We will rejoice in Thy salvation, he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell Text: Gradualia, Lib I 1607 and triumph in the name who shall gather them. of the Lord, our God. And now, Lord, what is my hope? Now know I that the Lord helpeth Truly my hope is even in thee. his Anointed, and will hear him Hear my prayer, O Lord, 3 See, see the Word is incarnate from his holy heaven, and with thine ears consider my calling; Orlando Gibbons even with the saving strength hold not thy peace at my tears. of his right hand. O spare me a little, See, see, the Word is incarnate; Sing Halleluia. See, O see the fresh wounds, Some put their trust in chariots, that I may recover my strength, God is made man in the womb of a Virgin. the goring blood, the pricks of thorns, and some in horses, before I go hence, and be no more seen. Shepherds rejoice, wise men adore, the print of nails; and in the sight of multitudes But we will remember and angels sing: a glorious Ascension. the name of the Lord our God. Text: Psalm 39: vv.5-8, 13, 15 Glory be to God on high: Where now he sits on God’s right hand, peace on earth, goodwill towards men. where all the choir of heaven all jointly sing: Text: Psalm 20: 5-7 6 O where shall wisdom be found? The law is cancelled, Jews and Gentiles Glory be to the Lamb that sitteth on the throne. William Boyce all converted by the preaching Let us continue our wonted note with Hosanna: 5 Lord, let me know mine end of glad tidings of salvation. Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Maurice Greene O where shall wisdom be found? The blind have sight and cripples with Halleluia, we triumph in victory: And where is the place of understanding? have their motion; diseases cured, the serpent’s head bruised, Lord, let me know mine end, Man knoweth not the price thereof; the dead are raised, and miracles are wrought. Christ’s kingdom exalted, and the number of my days, neither is it found in the land of the living. Let us welcome such a guest with Hosanna. and heaven laid open to sinners. Amen. that I may be certified how long I have to live. The depth saith, It is not in me: The Paschal Lamb is offered, Behold, thou hast made my days and the sea saith, It is not with me. Christ Jesus made a sacrifice for sin. Text: Bishop Godfrey Goodman (1582/3-1656) as it were a span long, It cannot be gotten for gold, The earth quakes, the sun is darkened, and mine age is even as nothing neither shall silver be weighed the powers of hell are shaken; in respect of thee; for the price thereof. and lo, he is risen up in victory. And verily every man living No mention shall be made of coral,

- 10 - - 11 - or of pearls: for the price of wisdom and he weigheth the waters by measure. Sedet ad Patris dextera, who sits on the right of the Father is above rubies. When he made a decree for the rain, Gubernat caelum et terram. Alleluia. and who rules heaven and earth. Alleluia. Whence, then, cometh wisdom? and a way for the lightning of the thunder, Iam finem habent omnia, Now all the songs of the Patriarch David and where is the place of understanding? Then did he see it, and declare it; Patris Davidis carmina, have been fulfilled, Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living. he prepared it, yea, and searched it out. Iam Dominus cum Domino, now the Lord sits with the Lord Sedet in Dei solio. Alleluia. on the throne of God. Alleluia. God understandeth the way thereof, And unto man he said, Behold, and he knoweth the place thereof. the fear of the Lord, In hoc triumpho maximo, In this great triumph For he looketh to the ends of the earth, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil Benedicamus Domino, let us bless the Lord, and seeth under the whole heaven; is understanding. Laudatur Sancta Trinitas, let the Holy Trinity be praised, To make the weight for the winds; Deo dicamus gratias. Alleluia. Amen. let us give thanks to God. Alleluia. Amen Text: Job 28: 12–15, 18, 20–21a, 23-28 Text: Psalm 119: 1 (No. 3)

9 III. Beati quorum via 3 Motets, Op. 38 Charles Villiers Stanford Beati quorum via integra est: Blessed are they whose way of life is wholesome: 7 I. Justorum animae qui ambulant in lege Domini. who walk in the law of the Lord.

Justorum animae in manu Dei sunt, The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, Text: Anonymous et non tanget illos tormentum malitiae. and the trial of evil will not touch them. Visi sunt oculis insipientium mori, They seem to the eyes of the ignorant to have died, illi autem sunt in pace. but in fact they are at peace. 0 I was glad when they said unto me O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: Text: Wisdom III Hubert Parry They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls: 8 II. Coelos ascendit hodie I was glad when they said unto me: And plenteousness within thy palaces. We will go into the house of the Lord. Caelos ascendit hodie, Today has gone up into glory Our feet shall stand in thy gates: O Jerusalem, Text: Psalm 122 vv. 1-3, 6, 7 Jesus Christus Rex gloriae, Jesus Christ, the King of glory, Jerusalem is builded as a city: That is at unity in itself.

- 12 - - 13 - q Bring us, O Lord God e Let all the world in every corner sing THE GIRLS OF CANTERBURY for the consecration of the Bishop of Europe. William Henry Harris Kenneth Leighton CATHEDRAL CHOIR More recently they sang at a service of dedication and unveiling of two royal statues, attended Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening Let all the world in every corner sing, The Girls’ Choir was founded in 2014. Its first by HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, into the house and gate of heaven, My God and King! appearance at , on the occasion of and the consecration service for the first female to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, The heavens are not too high, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul in diocesan bishop. where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, His praise may thither fly: January of that year, was attended by more but one equal light; The earth is not too low, than 600 people and widely covered by the Girls: Megan Bithel-Vaughan, Imogen no noise nor silence, but one equal music; His praises there may grow. international press. Choir members are aged Bourner, Jemima Brett, Chloe Chawner, no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; Let all the world in every corner sing, between 12 and 18; they attend a variety of local Abby Cox, Olivia Earl, Annabelle Fairchild, no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity; My God and King! schools in Canterbury and the surrounding area. Elizabeth Green, Ffion Green, Sophie Hartop, Alicia in the habitations of thy glory and dominion, Hunt, Evie Jackaman, Saskia Jamieson Bibb, world without end. Amen Let all the world in every corner sing, In addition to its regular liturgical duties, the Rebekah Kennett, Poppy Mansfield Jones, My God and King! Text: John Donne choir has performed at numerous events of Isabelle Matharu, Gracie Molloy, Laura The Church with must shout, significance in the Cathedral. These include the Nicholson, Polly Preston, Holly Smith, No door can keep them out; w Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks service held to mark the twentieth anniversary Ellen Spurling, Molly Swatman, Emily Waters and But above all the heart of the ordination of women priests and that Lauren Wier. Herbert Howells Must bear the longest part. Let all the world in every corner sing, Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks, My God and King! so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God, Text: George Herbert yea, even for the living God. When shall I come to appear before the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they daily say unto me, “Where is now thy God?”

Text: Psalm 42 vv. 1–3

- 14 - - 15 - THE MEN OF CANTERBURY DAVID NEWSHOLME ADRIAN BAWTREE CATHEDRAL CHOIR David Newsholme is Assistant Organist and Adrian Bawtree is the Second Assistant Organist The Men of Canterbury Cathedral Choir, known as Lay Clerks: altos: Chris Burn, James Hall, Sam Director of the Girls’ Choir at Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral. He studied the Lay Clerks, are professionally-trained adult singers Sytsma, Robin Tyson, David Wilcock; : Peter Cathedral. He was previously Assistant Director organ at Christ’s Hospital, the Royal Academy who perform at Evensong in the Cathedral on a Futcher, Christopher Price, Jonathan Richardson, of Chapel Music at Winchester College and of Music and Worcester College, Oxford. He daily basis. Lay Clerks show great commitment Paul Young; basses: Michael Burke, George has held positions at the of then undertook a post-graduate orchestral to fit their singing duties around their full-time Coltart, Stephen Foster, Andrew Rupp, Robert Salisbury and Worcester. David read music at conducting course at the Royal College of careers, pursued elsewhere and in a variety of Stephen, Ian Thompson the , where he was an Organ Music. As well as teaching and performing fields. and Academic Scholar of New College. Adrian is also a composer, writing for a variety Postgraduate study at the University of York of community based projects. His piece culminated in the award of a PhD in 2014. ‘Remembrance’ is the most recent and it was performed as part of a service of remembrance in Canterbury Cathedral.

- 16 - - 17 - NICHOLAS WEARNE

Nicholas Wearne is a prize-winning organ recitalist, an accompanist and a continuo artist whose career has taken him to venues all over the world. Having been , and later Assistant Organist, at New College, Oxford, and Organist at the University Church, he worked at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, The Girls’ Choir performs with permission of the Chapter of Canterbury, and is grateful for the generous support and St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. He has of the Peter Cundill Foundation. The Foundation is the beneficiary of Peter Cundill’s legacy and custodian of his taught at New College, Oxford; at Trinity philanthropic interests: the health, well-being and development of young people worldwide. Laban; on many specialist courses, and at schools in Edinburgh and London. He is an Recorded in Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, UK from 4th-6th and 8th July 2016 Producer & Editor – Tim Oldham organ tutor at Birmingham Conservatoire. Recording Engineer – Mike Cox Nicholas has many critically-acclaimed recordings Recording Assistant – George Collins to his credit. Cover Image – © Lisa Emmanuel, Canterbury Cathedral Design and Artwork – Woven Design www.wovendesign.co.uk

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- 18 - - 19 - ALSO AVAILABLE on signumclassics

Only a Singing Bird Anthem NYCoS National Girls Choir Huddersfield Choral Society Karen Cargill mezzo soprano Thomas Trotter organ Philip Moore piano Aidan Oliver conductor Christopher Bell conductor SIGCD465 SIGCD440

“... a fruitful vehicle for showcasing what the Girls Choir of the “Here is a large, full-bodied choir, singing in full voice and clearly National Youth Choir of Scotland is capable of. What’s striking having an absolute ball … Seek it out for the grandeur and is how evenly matched in quality the different voice parts are gloriously robust sound of some great British coronation anthems when they divide in the more complex writing … All this betokens sung with fervour and virile muscularity.” preparation of the highest quality.” Musicweb International BBC Music Magazine

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