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The Service of Lessons and Carols

The Service of Lessons and Carols

The Service of Lessons and Carols

by Ray Robinson

ne of the great years earlier, and that event traditions of replaced the former practice the .... r in which the sang season is the I. Once in roy-al Da- vid's_ ei - Iy Stood a low-Iy eal- lIc_ shed. carols in the community on of Where a mo-Iher laid- her_ ha - by In a man-ger' for_ his_ bed: . The West NineOLessons and Carols, sung 2. HecamedOwnloearlh from hea-vcn Who is God and Lord of_ all. Briton, a newspaper in And his shel-ter was_ 3_ sla - ble, And his era-die was_ a_ stall; by church large and , described the new small" in every part of the carol service in the following English-spealdng world. The announcement: model upon which this nativity event is based is the service Broadcasting Company first relayed it The choir of the Cathedral will which takes place annually on from King's College Chapel. On sing a number of Carols in the Christmas Eve at 3:00pm in the December 23, 1954, a special taping Cathedral to-morrow evening Chapel at King's College, , of the entire service was prepared for (Christmas Eve), the service England. It has been a tradition at television. Since 1963, a shorter commencing at ten o'clock. We King's since 1918, but the history of. version has been filmed periodically understand that this is at the wish the service goes back to the'late­ by the BBC. It is therefore not of many of the leading parishioners nineteenth century. It is the purpose difficult to understand why the service and others. A like service has been of 'this article to survey this history has become an integral part of the instituted in other cathedrals and while describing the service and its Christmas season. large towns, and has been much development as a musical event. Credit for the idea of a service of appreciated. It is the intention of this type goes back as far as 1880 to the choir to no longer continue the The History of the Service the Cathedral of Trur02 in Cornwall. custom of singing carols at the Ironically, the conception of this residences of the members of the The service of nine lessons with event, like the birth of Christ, which congregation.6 carols interspersed started its swift rise the service is intended to\ as a favorite Christmas devotional commemorate each year, took .place in After the event, we are told by the service as soon as it was introduced in rather humble circumstances. It seems same source that 1918 by Dean Eric Milner-White and that the physical condition of the Arthur H. Mannl at King's original parish church of St. Mary, ... on Christmas Eve the choir College Chapel. The beauty of the Truro, was somewhat precarious and sang a series of carols, under the service itself and the splendor of the the vestry decided to close the conductorship of Vicar-Choral (the singing of the King's Choir led to its building.3 So in the autumn of 1880 Rev. C.H.S. Walpole) and the introduction, not only as a traditional the old church was torn down (with organist (Mr. Mitchell). There was service in the , but the exception of the south aisle) and a a very full congregation, and the in Non-conformist chapels temporary wooden structure, seating service was much enjoyed.7 everywhere-and not only in 400 people, was constructed to serve England, but in English-speaking as the parish church and Cathedral One year later a similar report churches the world over. Its world­ while the new building (the appeared following the Cathedral's wide popularity was assured when, on Cathedral) was under construction.4 It annual Christmas Eve service: Christmas Eve in 1928, the British was here in this unpretentious setting that the Service of Lessons and Carols On Christmas Eve a service was Robinson is Distinguisbed Professor of Choral Studies at Pahn Beach Atlantic was born. held, commencing at ten o'clock. Pray~rs University. During the two-year period Extracts from historical documents were intoned by the Vicar­ 1987-89 he lived in Cambridge, England, of the periodS show that while this Choral, the Rev. C.H.S. Walpole, where he served as Visiting Fellow at new service was introduced in 1880, it lessons read by the Rev. Chancellor Wolfson College, one of the colleges of the actually took the place of an ordinary Whitaker, and a preached . carol service which had begun two by the Rev. Canon Mason. Carols December 1990 J Page 13 were sung at intervals by the choir, (a Vicar, Decani side) ,10 , Sixth It was Benson who actually Mr. Mitchell officiating at the Lesson (a Vicar, Cantori::; side), made the two most important organ. The Cathedral was from , Seventh Lesson contributions to the service as we crowded, many Nonconformists as (Senior Canon, Decani side), Hymn, know it today. In the Middle Ages the well as church-goers being present.8 Eighth Lesson (Senior Canon, greatest feast days were marked by a side), Carol, Ninth Lesson series of nine lessons, and Christmas The fact that there was a sermon in (The Bishop), Anthem-from day was one of these. Bishop Benson the plan for the service confirms that Messiah, , and Prayer. As adapted this liturgical custom to form the lessons and carols format (as we in the yet-to-come King's College the basis for the service. The lessons, know it today) had not yet been service, the musical climax was beginning with the , were established. But the fact that a carol reached after the Ninth Lesson; but chosen to illustrate the story of service on Christmas Eve was now a here it was supported with the redemption, from the Old and New regular event in the life of the Messiah Chorus and·the Magnificat .. Testaments. Further, the readers of Cathedral church at Truro is The idea for this new service was these lessons formed another sequence, significant. conceived by C.H.S. Walpole, later a climbing upward from the rank of As we learn from The West Briton Bishop at Edinburgh,u The order of chorister to the Bishop himself. of December 27, 1880,9 the order of the lessons and carols, however, was The plan at Truro, while excellent this new service included the nine developed by Bishop E. W. Benson, in concept and undoubtedly successful lessons from scripture, two , soon to become the Archbishop of there, did not transplant well to other four carols, and three choruses from Canterbury (1883). In a biography of locations. The pace of the service was Messiah (although it does not tell us his father, published in 1900, A.C. continually slowed by a series of which parts of Handefs famous Benson recalled the circumstances that rather irrelevant benedictions between oratorio were sung). From the printed surrounded this first service: the lessons. The music contained only program of this first service, we do four carols, plus two hymns, three know that the Carol Service consisted My father arranged from ancient choruses from Messiah, and the of the following segments: Prayer, sources a little service for Christmas Magnificat as a climax. First Lesson (read by a Senior eve-nine carols and nine tiny These problems were at once Chorister), Carol, Second Lesson (a lessons, which were read by various revealed when the service was Lay Choir-man), Carol, Third Lesson officers of the Church, beginning introduced in 1918 at King's. Its form (a Lay- of the Diocese), Carol, with a chorister, and ending, was thus revised by Dean Milner­ Fourth Lesson (a ), through the different grades, with White the following year. He prefaced Anthem-from Messiah, Fifth Lesson the Bishop.12 . the service with the now famous Christmas Bidding Prayer and the Lord's Prayer, eliminated the Magnificat and Benediction, and made the Ninth Lesson, the story of the Incarnation from St. John's , the supreme climax, for which everybody stood. The order of service, as determined by the readings, has remained virtually the same since 1919: FIRST LESSON Reader: A Chorister13 God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent's head. - Genesis iii:8-15 Why Illinois? SECOND LESSON Reader: A Choral Scholar God promises to faithful Abraham that world-renowned faculty dedicated to teaching in his seed shall all the nations of the outstanding instructional and performance facilities earth be blessed. nationally recognized graduate and undergraduate degree programs - Genesis xxii:15-18 scholarships, fellowships, assistantships THIRD LESSON Reader: A Rep­ resentative of the Cambridge Churches . ..it's a matter of excellence in everything we do The prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour. for more information and complete application materials contact - ix:2, 6, 7 FOURTH LESSON Reader: A Rep­ Music Admissions Office (D) resentative of the City School ofMusic The peace that Christ will bring is University of Illinois foreshown. 1114West Nevada Street - Isaiah xi:1-9 Urbana Illinois 61801 FIFTH LESSON Reader: The Director, of Music phone 217/244-0551 The Angel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary St. Luke i:26-33, 38

Page 14 I CHORAL JOURNAL SIXTH LESSON Reader: A Rep- . the war, 1940-45), Sir David The resentative oj Our Sister College at Eton14 Willcocks (1957-73), St. Luke tells of the birth of Christ. (1974-82), and One of the many great musical - St. Luke ii:1-7 (1982- ). Providentially, each of the traditions at King's is the Processional SEVENTH LESSON Reader: A Fellow directors of music have proved to be Hymn "Once in royal David's city" The shepherds go to the manger. [irby]16 which has opened the service - St. Luke ii:8-16 successful arrangers of hymns and EIGHTH LESSON Reader: The Vice­ carols. In many cases, the carol in every year except the first with one settings for which they are best known of the alto trebles of the choir singing The wise men are led by the star to were introduced at the King's College the initial verse as a solo: . Festival of Lessons and Carols. There - St. Matthew ii:l-ll are also examples of whose NINTH LESSON Reader: The Provost careers have been enhanced Once in royal David's city St. John unfolds the great mystery of Stood a lowly cattle shed, the Incarnation. Where a mother laid her baby - St. John i:1-14 In a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, The Development of the Service as a The lessons, beginning with Jesus Christ her little child. Musical Event the fall ofMan, were chosen to illustrate the story The Festival of Lessons and Carols The boy chosen to sing that opening at King's College is a surprisingly ofredemption, from the Old verse without accompaniment is not simple event from a musical and New Testaments. told until the very last moment, the standpoint. The resources include the point at which the choir is preparing choir of men and boys, the organ, and Further, the readers of these for the procession. In this way, "he the congregation. The tradition of boy lessons formed another doesn't have time to get nervous," choristers at King's College goes back sequence, climbing upward states Stephen Cleobury, the present to 1453 when King Henry VI director of music,17 established the guidelines which from the rank ofchorister to The original harmonic setting for created the music program in the the Bishop himself. this hymn was created by A. H. chapel. His plan called for 16 treble Mann. Today the choir sings verses voices "of sound condition and honest 1-4, the congregation joins in verses 5 conversation, being ascertainably and 6, and there is a for choir under the age of 12 years, [and] in verse 6. and organ parts knowing competently how to read and immeasurably as a result of the for the final verse have been written sing."15 Today the choir consists of 16 arrangements they have written for by Sir (Oxford boy choristers and eight probationers the Service (a case in point being John University Press),18 Philip Ledger (who do not sing in the chapel Rutter). A study of the music that has (Oxford), and Stephen Cleobury. In services). Until 1927 the men's voices been chosen over the years at various 1918, the service began with "Upl were provided partly by the choral points in the service is a reflection of Good Christen folk, and listen" (Piae scholars and partly by older lay clerks, the important role each director of Cantiones, 1582, arr. by G. R. and not, as now, by 14 music has played in the evolution of Woodward, Cowley Carol Book, undergraduates who range in age the service. A survey of these selections Mowbray); "Once in royal David's from 18 to 22. There are, however, gives us a clearer picture concerning city" followed immediately as the organ scholars who assist the Director the way the service has developed. Carol,19 of Music in various ways, including service playing. The Festival itself consists of pre­ service music on the organ, the Christmas Bidding Prayer and Lord's Choral Directors! Prayer, the Invitatory Carol, the nine lessons from scripture, five or six Nowth Amewicali1 Music Festivals Christmas hymns for choir and When you're lookingfor the Best. congregation, one or two carols by the choir after each lesson except the _Nashville & Opryland! April 5-7 ninth, the for Christmas Eve, _Virginia Beach/Busch Gardens! April 12-13 the Blessing, the closing hymn, and _Myrtle Beach, SCI Apnl19-20, 26-27. the organ music after the service. Over the years the selection of _Virginia Beach/Busch Gardens! ..... May 3-4 hymns, carols, and pre- and post- _ _Hersheypark, PA! .... May 10-11, May 31-June 1 service music has reflected the _Niagara Falls/Toronto! May 17-18 imagination, tastes, and arranging _Mixed Chorus _Show Choir skills of the six men who have served _Women's Chorus _Jazz Choir as at King's during this _Mrn~Chorus ~M~alChoir period: Arthur Henry Mann For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-533-6263, or Write to: (1876-1929), (1929-57), (Ord's substitute during N.A.M.F., P.O. Box 36, Carlisle, PA 17013 December 1990 I Page 15 Invitatory Carol hymns at this point in the service. For Woodward (Cowley Carol Book, example, Ledger selected two works Mowbray), preceded "Awake glad This carol follows the Christmas by , "A boy was heart! ," (Faber) a carol that was Bidding Prayer and invites the born" (Oxford) in 1974 and "A hymn composed especially for the service by congregation to participate in the to the Virgin" (Boosey and Hawkes) in Peter Schulthorpe. In recent years the service. Prior to 1924, the 1975.-77 in place of the congregational term "Invitatory Carol" has been aforementioned "Upl Good Christen carol. For three of his last four years dropped from the printed program; it folk" was used at this point in the at King's (1978, 1980, 1981) he chose now simply states "Carols." service. Since that time, various the congregational carol "Up! Good approaches have been taken. Christen folk, and listen" and First Lesson Beginning in 1924, and continuing followed it with his setting for choir of until 1946, the congregational hymn "Resonet in laudibus" (Oxford). In The most popular carol to follow "0 little town of " 1979, the Willcocks edition of Corde this reading has been Boris Ord's [], arranged by natm ex parentis was used. Stephen arrangement of "" Walford Davies (Oxford) was used as Cleobury has been just as imaginative (Oxford). It has appeared over 30 the invitatory carol. In 1947 Boris in his selections. In his first year times since 1918. Next in frequency is Ord selected two excerpts from Bach's (1982) he paired "Christmas eve, and "Ding, dong! Merrily on high," the Christmas Oratorio: "And there were twelve 0 clock" (The Oxen, Minster well-known setting by Sir David shepherds in the same country" and Music) by Philip Radcliffe, a Fellow Willcocks, which has been heard 24 the chorale "Break forth, 0 beauteous of the College, with the popular times. 's popular "I saw heavenly light." This was the practice setting of "Ding dongl merrily on three ships" (English Carol Book, until 1961 when Ord's student, David high" by Sir David Willcocks Mowbray) follows with 11 Willcocks, adapted the melody from (Oxford). The next year he chose "Up! appearances. In most years the (1582) to the text "Of Good Christen folk, and listen" and congregation has enjoyed two carols at the Father's heart begotten" [Corde Elizabeth Posten's lovely carol "Jesus this point in the service, and often natm ex Parentis] (Oxford) as a carol Christ the apple tree" (Cambridge). "Adam lay ybounden" has been joined for choir and congregation. In 1987, Cleobury's own setting of either with one of these or a setting Philip Ledger and Stephen "The Lord at first did Adam make" like "This is the truth" (Ralph Cleobury have taken a somewhat occupied this place alone. The Vaughap. Williams, Stainer & Bell, different approach and have tended to following year "Ding-dong, ding," the 1960, 1972), " song" (William mix carol settings and congregational traditional arrangement by G. R. Mathias, Oxford, 1964, 1965), or "" (settings by Sir David Willcocks, 1971, and Philip Ledger, 1976-83, both published by Oxford .-­ University Press). -:e', Second Lesson Performance Tours by Invitation "" (Novello), Walford Davies' superb arrangement, presents has been heard following the Second INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL FESTIVALS OF MUSIC Lesson more than any other carol: 18 June 1992 times. "," in its various settings (Traditional, Simon Moscow'Choral Arts Festival Three Spires Children's Choral Festival Preston in 1971, and Philip Ledger, Donald Neuen. Conductor Dr. Yip Wai-Hong. Conductor 1975, 1978, 1986, 1987, Oxford) has Dublin Festival of Music Espania - '92 Choral Expo appeared 11, and "FIos de radice Nina Nash Robertson. Conductor Dr. Byron McGilvray. Conductor Jesse," translated and edited by G. R. Scandinavian Choral Festival Woodward (Cowley Carol Book, Singapore Choral Symposium Mowbray), nine. The year 1970 was Berlin Choral Festival especially noteworthy at this point in the service when David Willcocks • chose carol settings·by two of the Subsidized custom concert tours Customized performance tours 's prominent young by invitation Israel/Greece/Europe/ (audition tapes reqUired) Eastern Europe/Scandinavia musical personalities: "Out of your Soviet Union/Denmark/Singapore/Taipei Iieland/EngIand/Wales/Orient sleep" (Universal Edition) by b. 1936), and "Sir Performance Tours by Invitation Christemas" (Oxford) by the Welsh Dale and Joyce Blackburn , (b. 1934). P.O. Box 5338 • Fresno, California 93755 There have been so many wonderful 209/227-6795 800/488-6795 carol settings by Sir David Willcocks PerfonnanceTours by Invitatlon was originated by Dr. Byron McGilvray orsan Francisco State University to provide performed at this Service. The first rewarding and unique perfonning opportunities for outstanding choral groups. Mark Shaull. choral director at Los Altos High School. California. is servingas chainnan ofa selected board ormusic educators who develop all restivals one-"Haill Blessed Virgin and serve as consultants for customized concert lours. Mary"- was heard at this point in the JI. cu{turafcontact tfirougfi music. Service in 1954, three years before he was appointed organist at King's. Page 16 I CHORAL JOURNAL Third Lesson Schulthorpe (1983), and "One star at David Willcocks (Oxford), and last" (The Hogarth Press) by Peter Stephen Cleobury (Oxford). "I sing of It has been a practice over the years Maxwell Davies (1984). a maiden," in arrangements by to follow this reading with a (Ascherberg, Hopwood congregational hymn, and surprisingly Fourth Lesson & Crew) and only two have been sung in the entire (Cambridge) is the third most popular history of the King's service. 20 "God The two most frequently performed carol to follow this favorite text from rest you merry, gentlemen" (English carols after the fourth lesson are "In St. Luke's gospel (7 times). "Joys traditional carol) appeared every year dulci jubilio" (arr. by R. L. Pearsall) seven," Stephen Cleobury's refreshing between 1918 and 1956. "0 little and "The holly and the ivy" (Walford setting, has appeared here four times town of Bethlehem" (Forest Green, Davies, Novello); the former 25 times since 1983. English traditional melody, arr. by and the latter 11. In the years since and [v. 4] 1974 there has been a great deal more Sixth Lesson Thomas Armstrong, Oxford) was variety in the carols heard, and it has become common to sing two carols For the first 29 years (1918-47) the after this lesson. 's "Sans carol chosen to follow the reading of day carol" (Oxford) was heard in St. Luke's account of the birth of Jesus 1977 and 1985; ' "A was the Anglican Hymnal setting of The Festival itself consists of spotless rose" (Stainer & Bell) was "While shepherds watched their flocks pre-service music on the sung in 1983; and Andrew Carter's "A by night" (Winchester Old, Thomas organ, the Christmas maiden most gentle" (Oxford) and Este's , London 1592, " ad virginem" (Banks Music) harmonized and adapted by W. H. Bidding Prayer and Lord's appeared in 1980 and 1981, Monk, with descant by Alan Gray) for Prayer, the Invitatory respectively. congregation and choir. It was Caro~ the nine lessons from traditional for the choir to sing the Fifth Lesson descant on verses 2 and 6. In 1948 scripture, five or six this carol was replaced by Charles Christmas hymns for choir In recent years this lesson has Wood's popular arrangement of "A and congregation, one or guided the selection of the carols in a Virgin most pure" (Oxford), a practice very obvious way. It is therefore not that continued until 1958 when Sir two carols by the choir after surprising that "Gabriefs 'message," in David Willcocks added a carol for each lesson except the ninth, three different settings, has appeared choir-"I saw a fair maiden," a here 13 times. But this was not the setting by R. R. Terry (St. Nicholas the Collect for Christmas case in the early years (1918-1932) Carol Book, RSCM). From this point Eve, the Blessing, the when both A. H. Mann and Boris Ord forward, with one exception ("While closing hymn, and the chose the Old Carol of Lorraine, shepherds watched" with descant was "Shepherds in the field abiding" used in 1974), the carols that have organ music after the (words by G. R. Woodward, Cowley followed this lesson have been service. Carol Book, Mowbray) on 15 performed by choir alone. There have occasions. Notwithstanding the overall been some lovely moments for the popularity of the latter carol at this congregation to cherish. For example, point in the service, three editors have John Rutter's superb "Sans day carol" prepared settings of "Gabriefs was introduced at this point in 1971, introduced in 1957 by Sir David Message" which have been used in and repeated in 1972, 1973, 1979, Willcocks. Since 1972 these two various years: Edgar Pettman and 1981. "I saw three ships" (1976, congregational hymns have been used (University Carol Book, Freeman), Sir 1977, 1988) and "Stille Nacht" (1979, on an alternate year basis. Willcocks' setting of "God rest you merry, gentlemen" (Oxford) was sung for the first time in 1958. Beginning in 1973 a carol for choir was inserted between the lesson and A SAMPLER the congregational hymn. "In dulci of music for jubilio," first in a setting by R. L. de Pearsall (Oxford) and since 1988 to those times the music of Hieronymus Praetorius (Mapa Mundi), has appeared five when you have lots of Sopranos and Altos times. Walford Davies' "The holly and the ivy" (Novello) and Philip Ledger's butonly "Sussex carol" (Oxford) have appeared twice. A number of new carols have been introduced at this point in the A FEW GOOD MEN service, including "Make me joy now in this fest" (Novello) by Derek l---- BROUDE BROTHERS lIMITED, ----1 Holman (1973), "Morning-song of the Christ child" (Faber) by Peter 141 White Oaks Road/Williamstown, MA 01267 December 1990 I Page 17 1980), two arrangements by Philip times, :ijarold Darke's excellent setting nineteenth century German composer Ledger (both from Oxford), and of "" (Stainer and arranged by Ivor Stephen Cleobury's "Silent Night" & Bell) five, and Willcocks' "Quelle Atkins (Oxford), has appeared 25 (1987) (also Oxford) have added to est cette odeur agreable" (Oxford) times, and "In dulci jubilio" (14th the variety in recent years. four. When one surveys the carols that century carol) 21 times. Probably due have followed this lesson over the to the nature of the reading-St. years, one is impressed by the fact Matthew's account of how the wise Seventh Lesson that many of the United Kingdom's men are led by the star to Jesus-"The finest twentieth century composers Three Kings" continues to be a Since 1948 it has been the general have been represented at this point in popular selection. Its 25 appearances practice to follow this reading with the service: are spread over the fifty-five-year the congregational hymn "While period, 1933-1988; "In dulci jubilio" shepherds watched their flocks" Herbert Howells was last heard after the Eighth Lesson (Winchester Old), with descants by "A spotless rose" 1929 in 1947. Despite the dominance of Alan Gray, 1961-82 (Cambridge) and these two carols, a number of fresh Stephen Cleobury. Formerly, this "Lullaby, my sweet little baby" 1930 settings have appeared at this point in carol was sung after the Sixth Lesson. Ralph Vaughan Williams the service since 1957: Sir David Willcocks' arrangement of "Sweet baby, sleep" 1933 Peter Warlock "God rest you merry, gentlemen" Ralph Vaughan Williams (English Traditional Carol, Oxford) "I saw a fair maiden" (Oxford) 1939 Gustav Holst "The Blessed Son of God" (Oxford) 1958 was introduced at this point in the David Willcocks service during the years 1963-65, and "Personnet Hoelle" (Oxford) 1961 William Mathias "Unto us a son is born" (Oxford) 1961 Stephen Cleobury inserted Sir David's "A babe is born" (Oxford) 1973 Richard Rodney Bennett setting of "The first Nowell" (English Patrick Hadley "A little child there is yborn" (DE) 1967 Traditional Carol, Oxford) in 1987. "I sing of a maiden" 1980 The carols for choir that have been Lennox Berkeley "What sweeter music" (DE) 1968 sung either before or after the "When was born" (Chester) 1983 Peter Hurford congregational offering have varied "Come love my God" (Basil Ramsey) 1976 over the years. Interestingly enough, Eighth Lesson John Rutter no one carol has dominated. "The "What sweeter music can be" shepherds cradle song," arranged by Two carols have been heard more (Oxford) 1987 C. Macpherson (Curwen), has . often than any others after the Eighth Michael Ball appeared in these programs eight Lesson: "The Three Kings," by the "Good day, my Lord, Sir Christemasse" (Novello) 1988

William Mathias' "A babe is born" (Oxford) has been heard here five times since it was first introduced in 1971.

Ninth Lesson ';':,', "'-:ii;,,: ":.,,,r,'," ",:::L From the very beginning, the Ninth SimplyO~tP~rfor~s Lesson has been considered the climax of the Service, and the congregational MusicPrinter Plus is the acclaimed musical hymn "0 come all ye faithful" has notation and MIDI performance pro9ram that gives followed this reading in every year you the flexibility and power you need. With real except two. In 1918, the Magnificat, time MIDI input as one of your options, MusicPrinter which had been a tradition at Truro, Plus is even quicker and easier to use. It has a full was sung at this point in the service, range of musical characters, fast response, and and, in 1965, Elizabeth Posten's lovely automatic routines, including score rejustification. MusicPrinter Plus gives you total control over the carol "Jesus Christ, the apple tree" musical performance and printed score. was inserted after the lesson and In addition to the elegant copy from standard before the hymn. Sir David Willcock's and wide carriage dot matrix printers, MusicPrinter personal stamp on the service was Plus now supports HP and Canon Lasers and high established in 1955 when his popular resolution ink jet printers, such as the 360 dpi arrangement of "Adeste Fidelis" was wide carriage BJ-130. used for the first time. It has since become a familiar part of Lessons and Carols Services around the world. It is interesting to note that both Philip Ledger (beginning with the 1974 service) and Stephen Cleobury (t~Temporal (starting in 1982) have written new Acuity Products, Inc. (206) 462·1007 or organ parts and descants to this mw 300 -120lh N.E., Bldg 1- Bellevue, WA 98005 1·800·426·2673 (except WA) popular Christmas hymn.

Page 18 I CHORAL JOURNAL The Recessional Hymn prelude upon "In dulci jubilio" by King's in 1918, resides with the Dietrich Buxtehude (1975-1979), and lessons, the biblical account of the From the time of the first King's "Improvisations on Christmas themes" Christmas story, not the music: carol service, "Hark the herald angels by (1987). sing" (Mendelssohn), with words by One work dominates the post­ The main theme [of the service] and others, has served service music: the Chorale prelude is the development of the loving as the recessional hymn, following the upon "In dulci jubilio" BWV 729 by purpose of God ... [seen] through Collect for Christmas Eve and the S. Bach. It was usually paired with the windows and words of the Blessing. Over the years descants and J. a piece from the French school. Some . 21 organ parts have been added to the of the organ compositions that have third verse by Sir David Willcocks appeared on the program include Consequently the true meaning of the (Oxford), Philip Ledger (Oxford), and Chorale No.3 in a minor, Cesar service is only found by those who "go Stephen Cleobury. Franck (1967); "Dieu parmi nous" in heart and mind" and consen~ to Pre- and Post-Service Music . (from La natavite du Seigneur), follow where the story leads. Then (1970, 1972, 1975, they will find revealed the God who is . The printed programs do not list 1981, 1986); "Fantasia and Fugue among us-and worship Him.22 In the the pre-service music until 1948; nor upon Bach," Franz Liszt (1968, 1971, final analysis, the Festival of Lessons do they identify the music played after 1979); "Toccata" from Suite, op. 5, and Carols is a corporate act of the the service until 1967. For the twenty­ Maurice Durufle (1969, 1980); Christian community as it celebrates one year period 1948 to 1968, the "Allegro" from Symphony NQ. 2, the anniversary of the birth of the works played on the organ before the Louis Vierne (1982); "Finale" from Saviour. The carols and hymns are Syniphonie No.1, op. 14, Louis simply there to guide the individual Vierne (1974, 1985); "Finale de members of the congregation in their The main theme [of the l'Evocation (Poeme Symphonique) , response to the Word of God. service] is the development op. 37, Marcel Dupre (1983); C] "Toccata" (Deuxieme Symphonie), op. Notes of the loving purpose of 36, Marcel Dupre (1984); "Prelude God ... [seen] through the and fugue in B major," Marcel Dupre I Eric Milner-White, a liturgical pioneer in (1987); and "Toccata" (Symphonie the Anglican Church, was appointed Dean of windows and words of the King's College Chapel in 1918 at the age of 34. V), C. M. Widor (1988). In addition to his important role in revising the Bible. Festival of Lessons and Carols, he planned the Conclusion first King's College Carol Service in 1934. He later served for a quarter of a century While those of us who participate as Dean of the Cathedral. Arthur Henry service were always the same: the Mann, organist and choir master at King's in the Festival of Lessons and Carols Pastoral Symphony from the College for 53 years (1876-1929), is generally by radio, television, recording, or by a given credit for transforming the quality of the Christmas Oratorio of S. Bach; two J. version which we adapt for our own chapel choir at King's from the "Worst of the Chorale Preludes on "In dulci jubilio," Christmas Eve services, undoubtedly three in Cambridge that maintained daily BWV 608 and 729, by Bach; and the choral services" to "the most famous Anglican value it for its musical content, this Pastoral Symphony from Messiah by choir in the world" (The New Grove was not its original purpose when it G. F. Handel. However, beginning Dictionary, Vol. 11, p. 620). He accomplished was established at Truro and this feat, first by persuading the college to with the year 1969, a much greater developed at King's College. Its establish a choir school and then by replacing variety occurred in the music played the lay clerks gradually with choral scholars. "pattern and strength," as Dean before the service: 2 Truro is the administrative and Milner-White points out in the printed 1. The Canonic Variations upon ecclesiastical center of Cornwall. It lies in a program of the very first service at shallow valley at the confluence of the Kenwyn "Von Himmel hoch da komm' ich her" BWV 769 appeared in every service between 1969 and 1988. HEADSTRONG/OCASO PRODUCTIONS is now offering 2. At least two and as many as six Thinking complete perfonnance-to-product service. Our experienced (in 1985) of the "Meditations" from staff of engineers and producers can meet any requirement from state-of-the art digital location and studio recording to obtaining La nativite du Seigneur of Olivier About the best prices on quality artwork, packaging, and pressings on Messiaen were played in every Festival all four fonnats. Most important of all, we will coordinate the of Lessons and Carols between 1969 entire process and deliver the completed product to your and 1988, giving the pre-service a Producing doorstep. 'it Our staff has extensive training in all phases of the decidedly twentieth-century French music business. We know what works and what doesn't. We understand the financial constraints of non-profit music groups flavor. and the difficulties associated with allotting staff time and 3. As many as seven (in the Bach Your energy to special projects. 'it We have produced a number of year 1985) and as few as one of the award-winning recordings. Our recent American Boychoir Chorale Preludes (BWV 600-611, and recording ON CHRISTMAS DAY was Musical Heritage Society's "featured" Christmas selection for 1988 as well as a BWV 650) of J. S. Bach appeared in Own recipient of CD REVIEW's 1988 YEARBOOK award for best -the pre-service music. "artwork design and concept". 'it If you are interested in more 4. A variety of organ works by infonnation about our recording, producing, and consulting other composers were played between Recordings? services, call us toll free at 1-800-525-5413 or write to: the years 1975 and 1988, including: P.O. Box 3173 "Variations sur un Noel," op. 20 by HEADSTRONG OCASO Princeton, NJ 08543-3173 Marcel Dupre (1980), Chorale December 1990 I Page 19 and Allen rivers, which together form the Truro. The cathedral church of St. Mary, which was elevated from a parish church to a cathedral in 1876, is in the Early English style Emory University announces with Normandy Gothic spires. 3 F. W. B. Bullock, A History of the Parish the inauguration of Church of St. Mary Truro (Truro: A. W. Jordan, 1948), p. 120. Three New Masters Degrees 4 The West Briton, 21 October 1880. 5 Minute Book of Vestry Meetings Fall 1991 (1865-1885) and the appropriate issues of The West Briton, a newspaper in Cornwall. o The West Briton, 23 December 1878. Master ofSacred Music 7 The West Briton, 30 December 1878. o The West Briton, 27 December 1880. o The West Briton, 27 December 1880. Master of Music in Organ 10 The terms "decani" and "cantoris" refer to the two halves of the choir (stalls) in'the English church. "Decani" is the south side, while Master of Music in Choral "cantoris" is the north. The names mean "dean's" side and "cantor's" side and refer to the Timothy Albrecht, University Organist highest officials of the chapter of the medieval cathedral. Alfred Calabrese, Director ofChoral Music 11 G. H. S. Walpole, Bishop of Edinburgh: A Don E. Saliers, Director ofMaster of Sacred Music Memoir, by W. J. Margetson (1930), p. 8. Walpole had been ordained iIi 1878 as a Deacon at , Truro. He was Scholarships and Teaching Assistantships are available appointed Succentor of the Cathedral at Truro the same year and subsequently served in that For information on admissions and financial aid capacity for the next four years. As Succentor for the M.S.M., please contact: his responsibilities included directing the choir. Don E. Saliers, Candler School ofTheology, 12 A. C. Benson, Life of Edward White Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 404/727-4157 Benson Vol. 1 (1899), pp. 483-484. 13 This listing of readings and the assigned readers is taken from A Festival of Nine Lessons For the M.M., please contact: and Carols. Program for Christmas Eve 1988 Timothy Albrecht, Department of Music, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 404/727-6452 1988), pp. 12-37. 14 Both King's and Eton are educational foundations established by Henry VI. Therefore, a representative from Eton is invited annually to participate in this service "to symbolise the loving bond" between these two venerable institutions. A Festival of (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1972), p. 2. 15 The New York Times, December 24, 1988, p.11. 10 It is well known that many of the most familiar hymns and carols are sung to different tunes in England than they are in this country. So that the reader will know which tune is used in the King's College Festival of Lessons and Carols, the writer has identified the name of the tune by placing it in brackets [i.e. Adeste Fidelis]. 17 The New York Times, December 24, 1988, p.11. 10 As a convenience to the reader, the author has identified the publisher of the carol and hymn settings mentioned in this article by placing the name of the publisher in parentheses () immediately following the listing. 10 The word "Invitatory" comes from the Invitatio and means invitation; that which invites. It is a call to participate in the service. 20 An exception was made for the special television taping in 1954. 's setting of "A virgin most pure" (Cowley Carol Book, Mowbray) was inserted at this point in the service in place of the congregational hymn "God rest you merry, gentlemen." 21 A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Program for Christmas Eve 1988 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988), p. 4. 22 A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve 1981. Program (Cambridge University Press, 1981), p. 3. Page 20 I CHORAL JOURNAL

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