Mendelssohns Hear My Prayer: Temple Church 1927 (George Thalben-Ball) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2026-09-21 | Mendelssohns Hear My Prayer: Temple Church 1927 (George Thalben-Ball)
O Valiant Hearts sung by the London Choir School, 1948 Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-11-12 | From the film "The Guinea Pig" starring a young Richard Attenborough. Choristers of the London Choir School featured in the film as the Chapel Choir of the fictitious Saintbury School. Filming was done at Sherbourne School.Visit this page of the Archive website to read more about the London Choir School. recordedchurchmusic.org/tractarian-choir-schoolsReminiscences of the filming by Cliff Wilmott, Chorister at the London Choir School."“We travelled by coach to a London film studio where we made the recording. Now hand up all those old boys who can remember being chosen to represent the film at the 1948 Royal Command Film Performance which was held at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square. You do!!! Then do you recall attending a theatrical outfitters in London to be fitted with a complete Saintbury’s school uniform! It was so exciting for us young lads travelling to London and after our rehearsals we were allowed to sit in the cinema stalls to watch the other participants go though their paces and then later be allowed to mingle with the famous!"
Ernest Lough The Boy who sang O for the Wings of a Dove TV documentary 1993. Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-10-08 | A documentary on Ernest Lough and his legendary recording of Mendelssohn's 'Hear My Prayer/O for wings of a Dove' Written and produced by his son, Robin, for Channel 4 television. Read our comprehensive page on Ernest Lough, with music, photos and more documentaries at: recordedchurchmusic.org/lough-master-ernest
Chorister Voices from the Past Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-10-07 | The Archive celebrates the RSCM International Chorister Day with a celebration of choristers voices from the past.
Annual Appeal Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-10-05 | TO MAKE A DONATION, please click recordedchurchmusic.org/donate
Byrd Mass for Four and Five voices Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, 1977 (Simon Preston) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-09-27 | Commercial LP issued on the Argo label (ZRG858) The choir of Christ Church Cathedral, directed by Simon Preston, 19771. Mass for four voices2. Mass for five voices
Coventry Cathedral: Consecration 1962 (David Lepine) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-25 | Edited radio broadcast of the Consecration of Coventry Cathedral on 25 May 1962, with the cathedral choir, directed by David Lepine. Several other choirs also took part in the ceremony, but it’s not clear from the Order of Service or the radio broadcast which choir was singing what.
BBC TV: Coventry Cathedral - Building for a New Britain (2021) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-25 | BBC television documentary from 2021, telling the story of the building of the new Coventry Cathedral in 1962 after the destruction of the medieval building in WWII.
Behold thou hast made me (Gibbons): Hampstead Parish Church 1954 (Martindale Sidwell) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-23 | A track from record number 38 in the series “The History of Music in Sound”, released by His Master’s Voice as a shellac disc (HMS 98) in 1954 and featuring the choir of Hampstead Parish Church, directed by Martindale Sidwell.
Recording sessions 2: All Saints Margaret Street 1968 (Michael Fleming) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-19 | These private recording sessions took place in January and February 1968, shortly after it was announced that the famous Tractarian choir school was to close later that year. The original intention was to record everything in the choir’s repertoire with a view to issuing a series of LPs, but that project was never realised. The contents of this particular tape are somewhat arbitrary, but very few of the items on it have been heard before.1. Pueri hebraeorum (Giovanni P da Palestrina)2. O come all ye faithful (“Adeste fideles”)3. Ye watchers and ye holy ones (“Lasst uns erfreuen”)4. Hosanna filio David (Walter Vale)5. O salutaris hostia (Sidney Nicholson)6. Tantum ergo (Sidney Nicholson)7. The royal banners forward go (Plainsong)8. O blest creator (Plainsong)9. Psalm 42 (Plainsong)
“English Church Music”: St Andrew’s Kingsbury 1960 (Barry Rose) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-15 | BBC radio recital by the choir of St Andrew’s Kingsbury, directed by Barry Rose, recorded in St Gabriel’s Church, Cricklewood, North London, on 1 September 1960 but not broadcast until 17 May 1961 ― the day of the consecration of Guildford Cathedral, where Barry Rose was already Organist and Master of the Choristers.1. Almighty God, who by thy son (Orlando Gibbons)*2. O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth (William Byrd)3. Out of the deep (Thomas Morley)**4. Civitas sancti tui (William Byrd)5. Sacerdotes Domini (William Byrd)6. Great lord of lords (Orlando Gibbons)**** Ian Partridge (tenor); Michael Vaile (alto); Peter Burrows (alto)** Christopher Scott (tenor)*** Michael Vaile (alto); Peter Chapman (alto); John Miller (baritone)Read the story about how this church was moved from Wells Street in London to Kingsbury! recordedchurchmusic.org/first-choir-to-record
“In Quires and Places” 2.12: Llandaff Cathedral 1989 (Michael Smith) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-07 | Commercial audio cassette released on the Abbey label (CACA 591) and featuring the choir of Llandaff Cathedral, directed by Michael Smith.1. Magnificat in F minor (Alan Gray)2. Haec dies quam fecit Dominus (William Byrd)3. Hosanna to the son of David (Orlando Gibbons)4. Ye choirs of new Jerusalem (Charles Stanford)5. Magnificat & Nunc dimittis in G (Charles Stanford)6. Magnificat from St Paul’s Service (Herbert Howells)7. Ye choirs of new Jerusalem (Richard Shephard)8. Jesu, lover of my soul (Walter Stanton)9. The Lord is my shepherd (Lennox Berkeley)10. Dignus est agnus (Malcolm Williamson)11. Hear my prayer (Felix Mendelssohn)
Choral & Organ Music: King’s College Cambridge 1955 (Boris Ord) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-05-03 | Vinyl transcription of a BBC radio broadcast on 17 May 1955 by the chapel choir of King’s College Cambridge, directed by Boris Ord and accompanied by Hugh McLean. This Anglo-German exchange programme was one of four organised by the BBC and was broadcast simultaneously in Holland and Germany.1. See, the Word is incarnate (Orlando Gibbons)2. Voluntary in C major, Op. 5 No. 1, last 2 mvts (John Stanley)3. O Lord, look down from heaven (Jonathan Battishill)4. My beloved spake (Patrick Hadley)
“English Choral Music”: Gloucester Cathedral 1987 (John Sanders) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-25 | Commercial audio cassette recorded 4-6 June 1987 and issued in the same year on the Priory label (PRC 218). With the choir of Gloucester Cathedral, directed by John Sanders and accompanied by Mark Blatchly (organ).1. The holy birth (Herbert Sumsion)2. The Reproaches (John Sanders)3. Blessed be the God and Father (Samuel Sebastian Wesley)4. And when the builders (Richard Shephard)5. Prevent us, O Lord (Herbert Brewer)6. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Herbert Howells)7. Cast me not away (Samuel Sebastian Wesley)8. Benedicite omni opera (Herbert Sumsion)9. Magnificat & Nunc dimittis (Arnold Bax)10. Jubilate Deo (John Sanders)
“Songs of Praise” for Easter: Hereford Cathedral 1991 (Roy Massey) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-17 | BBC TV broadcast for Easter, 31 March 1991, with the choir of Hereford Cathedral, directed by Roy Massey.For more information on the long-running BBC series, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songs_of_Praise.
“A Recital of Music & Readings for Holy Week”: Winchester Cathedral 1989 (David Hill) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-14 | A limited release audio cassette (WCR 102) recorded at a live service on 21 March 1989, with the choir of Winchester Cathedral, David Hill (music director), Timothy Byram Wigfield (organ) and John Thorn (reader).1. Miserere mei (Gregorio Allegri)2. Hear my prayer, O Lord (Henry Purcell)3. O saviour of the world (Frederick Gore Ouseley)4. Reading: “The Passion” (Andrew Young)5. O Lord in thy wrath (Orlando Gibbons)6. Hymn: My song is love unknown (“Love unknown”)7. Reading (Richard Cranshaw)8. Emendemus in melius (William Byrd)9. In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)10. Reading: “The Cross” (George Herbert)11. Timor et tremor (Francis Poulenc)12. Vinea mea electa (Francis Poulenc)13. Reading: “The Shadow” (Andrew Young)14. O vos omnes (Pablo Casals)15. Hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross (“Rockingham”)16. Pange lingua gloriosi (Plainsong mode iii, Vatican Graduale)17. Crucifixus (Antonio Lotti)
BBC Choral Evensong: Ripon Cathedral 2010 (Andrew Bryden) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-13 | Radio broadcast from Ripon Cathedral, 31 March 2010 (Spy Wednesday), with the cathedral choir, directed by Andrew Bryden and accompanied by Edmund Aldhouse (assistant director of music).Introit: O vos omnes (Carlo Gesualdo)Responses: John HolmesOffice Hymn: Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (“Pange lingua”)Psalm: 88 (Plainsong)First Lesson: Isaiah 63 vv1-9Canticles: Evening Service in F (George Dyson)Second Lesson: Revelation 14, v18 to 15, v4Anthem: Ne irascaris Domine (William Byrd)Final Hymn: O sacred head, sore wounded (Passion Chorale)Organ Voluntary: Jésus console les filles d’Israël qui le suivent [“Le Chemin de la Croix”] (Marcel Dupré)
BBC Choral Evensong: St George’s Windsor 2008 (Timothy Byram-Wigfield) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-10 | Radio broadcast, 16 March 2008, featuring the lay clerks of St George’s Chapel, Windsor, directed by Timothy Byram-Wigfield and accompanied by Roger Judd (organ). This recording was edited before being donated to the Archive.Introit: Pueri Hebraeorum (Palestrina)Responses: William ByrdPsalm: 80 (Plainsong)Canticles: First Service (John Sheppard)Anthem: Tribulatio proxima est (William Byrd)Final Hymn: My song is love unknown (“Love Unknown”)Organ Voluntary: Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV582 (Joh. Seb. Bach)
Out of the deep (Thomas Morley): New College Oxford 1949 (H K Andrews) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-07 | A track from the first series of Columbia’s Anthology of English Church Music, released on a 12-inch 78rpm disc in 1949. This particular track is sung by the choir of New College Oxford, directed by H K Andrews.
St John Passion (J S Bach): Liverpool Cathedral 1966 (Ronald Woan) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-04-03 | A private recording of a public concert given in Liverpool Cathedral in 1966 by the cathedral choir, together with unknown soloists and orchestra, directed by Ronald Woan. The music is sung in English.
BBC Choral Evensong: Coventry Cathedral 1992 (Paul Leddington Wright) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-30 | Radio broadcast from Coventry Cathedral, 1 July 1992 (as the opening service of the 1992 International Church Music Festival), with the cathedral choir, directed by Paul Leddington Wright and accompanied by David Poulter (assistant organist). This recording fades out during the final prayers.Introit: Never weather-beaten sail (Richard Shephard)Responses: John ReadingHymn: Christ triumphant, ever reigning (“Guiting Power”)Psalm 118: (Mann, Martin, Parry, Goodenough)Lessons (NRSV): Ezekiel 1, vv 1-14 and vv 22-end; Colossians 3, vv 1-17Canticles: Hereford Service (Richard Lloyd)Anthem: I saw the Lord (John Stainer)
“Britain’s Cathedrals & their Music” 16: Chichester Cathedral 1966 (John Birch) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-26 | The sixteenth in a series of weekly BBC radio broadcasts introduced by Sir John Betjeman (later Poet Laureate). It was broadcast on 11 March 1966 and features the choir of Chichester Cathedral, directed by John Birch and accompanied by Richard Seal (organ).1. Alleluia! I heard a voice (Thomas Weelkes)2. O how amiable (Thomas Weelkes)3. Sanctus & Benedictus “Mass for 4 voices” (Byrd)*4. Fancy for Organ (Thomas Tomkins)**5. Cantatibus organis (Peter Phillips)6. Hear my prayer (Henry Purcell)7. Sing we merrily (Frederick John Read)8. Set me as a seal (William Walton)9. Magnificat in C (Bryan Kelly)**conducted by Richard Seal** played by John Birch
BBC Choral Evensong: Bristol Cathedral 2003 (Mark Lee) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-22 | Radio broadcast from Bristol Cathedral, 19 March 2003, with the cathedral choir, directed by Mark Lee. This recording was edited before being donated to the Archive.Introit: O pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Herbert Howells)Responses: Anthony PiccoloPsalms: 1, 112 (Dibdin, Thalben-Ball)Canticles: Evening Service in G (Herbert Howells)Anthem: Te Deum “Collegium Regale” (Herbert Howells)Final hymn: Dear Lord and Father of mankind (“Repton”)
Bairstow’s Choral & Organ Music: Leeds Parish Church 1974 (Donald Hunt) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-18 | BBC radio broadcast, 31 October 1974, celebrating the centenary of the birth of Edward Bairstow and featuring the choir of Leeds Parish Church, directed by Donald Hunt and accompanied by Anthony Langford.1. Blessed city, heavenly Salem (Edward Bairstow)2. Save us, O Lord, waking (Edward Bairstow)3. Let all mortal flesh keep silence (Edward Bairstow)4. Prelude on “Vexilla regis” (Edward Bairstow)*5. Elegy (Edward Bairstow)*6. Toccata & Prelude on “Pange lingua” (Edward Bairstow)*7. Jesu, the very thought of thee (Edward Bairstow)8. Communion Service in D (Edward Bairstow)*played by Donald Hunt
Gaudent in coelis (Richard Dering): Llandaff Cathedral 2006 (Richard Moorhouse) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-17 | The opening item from an edition of the Welsh TV series “Start Singing, Start Praising”, broadcast in September 2006 on S4C (Channel 4 Wales). Sung by the choristers of Llandaff Cathedral, directed by Richard Moorhouse.
“Laudes Creaturarum”: St Mary’s RC Cathedral Edinburgh 1962 (Arthur Oldham) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-13 | LP released in 1962 on the Waverley Records label (LLP 1011), featuring the choir of St Mary’s RC Cathedral Edinburgh, strings of the Scottish National Orchestra, the Edinburgh Quartet and Eileen McLoughlin (soprano), directed by Arthur Oldham.1. Laudes creaturarum* (Arthur Oldham)2. Hymns for the Amusement of Children* (Arthur Oldham)3. Ave verum corpus (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)4. Laudate Dominum (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)With the combined choirs of St Mary’s RC Cathedral Edinburgh and Craiglockhart College Edinburgh.
BBC Choral Evensong: St Davids Cathedral 1971 (Peter Boorman) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-09 | Radio broadcast from St Davids Cathedral Pembrokeshire, 3 March 1971, with the cathedral choir, directed by Peter Boorman.Responses: William ByrdPsalm 132 (Garrett)First Lesson: Wisdom 5, vv 1-18Office hymn: Urbs beata (Mode ii)Canticles: Evening Service in A (Charles Stanford)Second Lesson: Revelation 21, vv 22-27Anthem: Ecce sacerdos magnus (Victoria)Hymn: Crist yn sylfaen a osodwyd (“Westminster Abbey”)
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”: Bromsgrove School Chapel 1977 (Nigel Allcoat) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-05 | A limited edition LP issued on the Discourses label (DCL 1221) in 1977 and featuring the chapel choristers of Bromsgrove School, directed by Nigel Allcoat and accompanied by Paul Spicer and Bernard Hall Mancey (organists).In 2022 the Chapel Choristers celebrated with a 45th anniversary lunch at the school. This LP has been uploaded as a tribute by the Archive as a tribute to the choristers.This LP contains the only know recordings of Allcoat’s Lichfield Service and Missa “Sant’ Andrea.” The former, a setting for treble voices of the evening canticles, was composed in 1973 for the choir’s visit to Lichfield Cathedral and was published in 2021, but the Missa “Sant’ Andrea” has never been published because the only existing score was destroyed in a fire.1. Jesu, joy of Man’s desiring (Joh. Seb Bach)2. Psalm 82 (Plainsong)3. The Lichfield Service (Nigel Allcoat)4. Creator of the starry height (Plainsong 7th cent.)5. Orientis partibus (French 12th cent.)6. Adam lay ybounden (Peter Warlock)7. Missa “Sant’ Andrea” (Nigel Allcoat)
BBC Choral Evensong: King’s College Cambridge 1967 (David Willcocks) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-03-02 | Radio broadcast for Ash Wednesday from the chapel of King’s College Cambridge, 8 February 1967, with the chapel choir, directed by David Willcocks. This recording was edited before being donated to the Archive.Introit: Lent Prose (Plainchant)Responses: William ByrdPsalms: 143, 130Lessons: Daniel 9, vv 3-9; St. Matthew 6, vv 16-24Office Hymn: The fast as taught by holy lore (Plainchant mode i)Canticles: Evensong Service in the Dorian Mode (John Farrant)Anthem: Hear my prayer (Henry Purcell)Psalm 51 ("Miserere mei Deus"): Gregorio Allegri
“Choirs & Places Where they Sing” 8: St Michael’s Tenbury 1967 (Lucian Nethsingha) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-26 | BBC radio broadcast, 8 October 1967, featuring the choir of St Michael’s Tenbury, directed by Lucian Nethsingha and introduced by Sir John Betjeman. This was the eighth edition of an 11-part weekly series intended as a follow-on to an earlier series entitled “Britain’s Cathedrals and their Music”, which had focused on cathedrals alone. “Choirs and Places” featured mainly non-cathedral choirs. A planned 12th programme from the Temple Church in London was never completed.1. When all thy mercies, O my God (tune: “Contemplation”- Frederick Ouseley)2. Lord, for thy tender mercie’s sake (Anon)3. Laudibus in sanctis (William Byrd)4. Wir glauben all’ an einen Gott (Joh. Seb. Bach)5. My soul there is a country (C H H Parry)6. Beati quorum via (Charles Stanford)7. Hail, gladdening light (Charles Wood)8. Toccata & Fugue Op. 59 Nos. 5 & 6 (Max Reger)
BBC Choral Evensong: Blackburn Cathedral 1981 (John Bertalot) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-22 | Radio broadcast from Blackburn Cathedral, 17 June 1981, with the cathedral choir, directed by John Bertalot and accompanied by Keith Bond (organ). This recording was quite heavily edited before being donated to the Archive.Introit: ’Twas in the year that King Uzziah died (Geoffrey Bush)ResponsesOffice Hymn: Holy, holy, holy (“Nicaea”)Psalm 105, vv 23-endCanticles: Evening Service in G (Herbert Sumsion)Anthem: The Lord is a man of war (G F Handel)Hymn: Bright the vision that delighted (“Laus Deo”)
Hear my words (C H H Parry): St Paul’s Cathedral 1978 (Barry Rose) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-20 | From a commercial LP issued in 1978 on the Guild Records label (GRSP 7012), with the choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, directed by Barry Rose and accompanied by Christopher Dearnley.First published in 1894, this grand anthem was written for the Salisbury Diocesan Choral Association. The words are from Job, Isaiah, the Psalms and by H W Baker. The hymn tune “Laudate Dominum” was developed from the closing section in 1915. The score can be accessed via cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Hear_my_words,_ye_people_(Charles_Hubert_Hastings_Parry).
TV Songs of Praise [excerpts]: Westminster Cathedral 1995 (James O’Donnell) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-18 | From an edition of the long-running BBC television series broadcast on 2 April 1995 and featuring the choir of Westminster Cathedral, directed by James O’Donnell.1. Ave verum corpus (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)2. Breathe on me, breath of God (“Carlisle”)
BBC Choral Evensong: Truro Cathedral 2000 (Andrew Nethsingha) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-14 | Radio broadcast from Truro Cathedral, 17 May 2000, with the cathedral choir, directed by Andrew Nethsingha. This recording was edited before being donated to the Archive.Introit: It was in that train (Barry Ferguson)Responses: Kenneth LeightonOffice hymn: Sing alleluia forth (“Martins”)Psalm 115 (Parry)Canticles: Magdalen College Service (Kenneth Leighton)Anthem: Blessed city, heavenly Salem (Edward Bairstow)
Byrd’s “Great Service”: Magdalen & New College Oxford 1970 (Bernard Rose & David Lumsden) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-10 | Radio broadcast 16 December 1970, with the combined choirs of Magdalen College and New College Oxford, directed by Bernard Rose and David Lumsden.1. Venite “Great Service” (William Byrd)2. Te Deum “Great Service” (William Byrd)3. Benedictus “Great Service” (William Byrd)4. Kyrie “Great Service” (William Byrd)5. Creed “Great Service” (William Byrd)6. Magnificat “Great Service” (William Byrd)7. Nunc dimittis “Great Service” (William Byrd)
“Britain’s Cathedrals & their Music” 1: Ely Cathedral 1965 (Arthur Wills) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-06 | This was the first in a series of 19 weekly BBC radio broadcasts introduced by Sir John Betjeman (later to become Poet Laureate). This particular edition, which featured the choir of Ely Cathedral directed by Arthur Wills, was broadcast on 19 November 1965.1. Dialogue sur les Grands Jeux (Nicolas de Grigny)2. Kyrie “Orbis factor” (Christopher Tye)3. O praise God in his holiness (Robert Whyte)4. Teach me thy way, O Lord (William Fox)5. O Lord, we beeech thee (George Barcroft)6. Te Deum “Caesar’s Service” (John Amner)7. The Praises of the Trinity (Arthur Wills)
BBC Choral Evensong: Wakefield Cathedral 1984 (Jonathan Bielby) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-02-02 | Radio broadcast from Wakefield Cathedral, 29 February 1984, with the cathedral choir, directed by Jonathan Bielby and accompanied by Gareth Green. The lessons were edited out before the recording was donated to the Archive.Introit: If ye love me (Thomas Tallis)Resposes: William SmithPsalms: 142, 143 (Stewart)Canticles: Evening Service in E minor (Daniel Purcell)Anthem: Psalm 150 (César Franck)Hymn: We sing the praise of him who died (“Bow Brickhill”)Voluntary: Choral No. 3 in A minor (César Franck)
“Nearer my God to thee”: Durham Cathedral 1985 (Richard Lloyd) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-29 | Commercial audio cassette of hymns, issued on the York Ambisonic label (HAC 852) and featuring the choir of Durham Cathedral, directed by Richard Lloyd and accompanied by Ian Shaw (organ).1. Holy, holy, holy (“Nicea”)2. Not for our sins alone (“Ockbrook”)3. For the beauty of the earth (“Lucerna laudoniae”)4. Alone with none but thee O God (“Pembroke”)5. Nearer my God to thee (“Horbury”)6. By gracious pow’rs “(Highwood”)7. Lord thou hast told us (“Wonder”)8. Jesus shall reign (“Galilee”)9. Ring Christ ring Mary Benedict and Bede (“Woodlands”)10. Come my way my truth my life (“Come my way”)11. Awake our souls away our fears (“Fulda”)12. Keep me O God of grace (“Elton”)13. King of glory king of peace (“Gwalchmai”)14. Jesu lover of my soul (“Hollingside”)15. Lord of beauty thine the splendour (“Obiit”)16. When I survey the wondrous cross (“Job”)17. Ye that know the Lord is gracious (“Hyfrydol”)
BBC Choral Evensong: Temple Church 1965 (George Thalben-Ball) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-25 | Live radio broadcast from the Temple Church London on 14 July 1965, with the choir of the Temple Church, directed by George Thalben-Ball. This recording was edited before being donated to the Archive.Introit: O thou that hearest prayer (Henry Walford Davies)Psalms: 73 and 74Canticles: Festal Service in G (Henry Walford Davies)Anthem: Where thou reignest (Franz Schubert)
TV Epilogues: Ripon Cathedral 1981 (Marcus Huxley) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-21 | Television recordings of the choir of Ripon Cathedral, under the direction of Marcus Huxley (assistant organist).In December 1981, the choir travelled to the television studios of Tyne Tees TV to recorded a series of short programmes to be broadcast in early 1982 as part of a late-night series called “Epilogue”. We have joined the separate recordings together into a single upload.
BBC Choral Evensong: Beverley Minster 1959 (David Ingate) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-17 | Radio broadcast from Beverley Minster, 7 January 1959, with the minster choir, directed by David Ingate. Unfortunately, this recording has been quite heavily edited and is missing the start of the service, but we feel that its age and technical quality justify its upload.Psalm 37Canticles: Evening Service in D (Charles Wood)Carol: Rejoice and be merry (Traditional)Hymn: Earth has many a noble city (“Stuttgart”)
“In Quires and Places” 29: Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral 1979 (Philip Duffy) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-13 | Commercial LP recorded in 1979 and released on the Abbey label (LPB 816) in the same year. With the choir of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, directed by Philip Duffy.1. Jesu, joy of Man’s desiring (Johann Sebastian Bach)2. Jesus Christ the apple tree (Elizabeth Poston)3. A Cry to Mary (Johannes Brahms)4. Christ is the flower (Edward Chapman)5. Pangue lingua (Plainsong)6. Tantum ergo (Maurice Duruflé)7. Love is his word (Anthony Milner)8. Panis angelicus (César Franck)9. Sacerdos et pontifex (Philip Duffy)10. Evening Hymn (Henry Balfour Gardiner)11. O nata lux de lumine (Thomas Tallis)12. Kyrie from “Missa Sine nomine” (Palestrina)13. When I survey the wondrous cross (“Rockingham”)14. Christus factus est (Anton Bruckner)15. Ave verum (Gabriel Fauré)16. Gloria from “Mass in G” (Franz Schubert)
Choirs on Sunday: King Edward’s School Birmingham 1970 (Roy Massey) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-09 | BBC local radio programme featuring the chapel choir of King Edward’s School Birmingham, directed by Roy Massey and accompanied by John Pryer. Believed to have been recording in Birmingham Cathedral.1. Praise to the Lord, the almighty (“Lobe den Herren”)2. Bright the vision that delighted (“Laus Deo”)3. Praise, my soul, the king of heaven (“Lauda anima”)4. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds (“St Peter”)5. Dear Lord and father of mankind (“Repton”)6. It is finished, Christ hath known (“Sebastian”)7. The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended (“St Clement”)
BBC Choral Evensong: Derby Cathedral 1953 (George Heath-Gracie) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-08 | An edited recording of a radio broadcast 6 January 1953, with the choir of Derby Cathedral, directed by George Heath-Gracie. We realise that such a truncated recording is unsatisfying, but BBC Choral Evensongs from this time are very rare. This one would not have survived at all, had it not been for VB Sound Studios, who recorded it off-air onto two 12" 78rpm acetate discs.Canticles: Stanford in AAnthem: Lo, star-led chiefs (William Crotch)
The Starre Anthem (John Bull): Southwell Minster 1959 (David Lumsden) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-06 | From a radio programme entitled “Choir and Organ”, broadcast 17 June 1959 and featuring the choir of Southwell Minster, directed by David Lumsden.John Bull’s “Starre Anthem” was the most popular verse anthem in Jacobean times, being found in more contemporary sources than any other. The text is a Collect from the Book of Common Prayer:“Almighty God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
BBC Choral Evensong: Bath Abbey 1970 (Dudley Holroyd) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2022-01-02 | Radio broadcast from Bath Abbey, 30 December 1970, with the abbey choir, directed by Dudley Holroyd and accompanied by assistant organist Raymond Jones.Carol: Up, good christen folk (Traditional)Responses: Humphrey ClucasPsalms 147, 148, 149, 150 (Stanford, Nicholson) Lessons: Isaiah 61; St Matthew 16, vv 13-20 Canticles: Evening Service “Collegium Regale” in F (Charles Wood) Anthem: Hodie Christus natus est (Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck) Hymn: Shepherds in the field abiding (AMR 594)
“The English Carol”: Magdalen College Oxford 1984 (John Harper) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2021-12-29 | Commercial release on the Abbey Alpha label (CACA 527), featuring the chapel choir of Magdalen College Oxford, directed by John Harper.“The popularity of the carol in England has never been so widespread. The cheap presses of the 19th century widened availability, and the media of broadcasting and recording have extended this. The sentimentality that pervades so many modern carol texts and arrangements is largely the fruit of the 19th century revival, a revival that blurred the distinction of the orally transmitted, truly popular ‘ballad’ carol, and the sacred traditions of hymn and anthem.” [Sleeve notes]1. Come all you worthy gentlemen (Traditional)-- MEDIEVAL CAROLS2. Qui creavit coelum (“Song of the Nuns of Chester”, c 1400)3. Nova, nova, AVE fit ex EVA (15th cent)4. Goday, Sir Cristemas (15th cent)5. Ave Maria, hail blessed flower (15th cent)6. Nowell, out of your sleep arise (15th cent)-- 16th-CENTURY CAROLS7. Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child (Shearmen’s & Tailors’ Play, Coventry Cycle 1591)8. Remember, O thou Man (Trad, noted by Thomas Ravenscroft)9. Lullaby, my little sweet baby (William Byrd)10. This day Christ was born (William Byrd)-- 19th-CENTURY CAROLS11. Wassail Carol (Trad arr Bramley/Stainer)12. The Lord at first had Adam made (Trad arr Bramley/Stainer)13. See, amid the winter’s snow (John Goss)14. The virgin stills the crying (Joseph Barnby)-- 20th-CENTURY CAROLS15. This is the truth sent from above (Trad arr Ralph Vaughan Williams)16. Adam lay ybounden (Boris Ord)17. A New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten)18. I sing of a maiden (Patrick Hadley)19. Lullay my liking (Gustav Holst)20. Of one that is so fair and bright (Gustav Holst)21. This have I done for my true love (Gustav Holst)
Bethlehem Down (Peter Warlock): Guildford Cathedral 1966 (Barry Rose) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2021-12-26 | From the commercial LP “Christmas Music from Guildford Cathedral”, recorded in March 1966 and issued in the same year on the HMV label (CSD 3580). The LP was subequently re-issued by HMV in 1970 on the Greensleeves label (ESD 7021).The text is by the poet Bruce Blunt. Some interesting anecdotal information about the composition can be found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethlehem_Down.When He is King we will give him the King's gifts,Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,Beautiful robes", said the young girl to JosephFair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down.Bethlehem Down is full of the starlightWinds for the spices, and stars for the gold,Mary for sleep, and for lullaby musicSongs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.When He is King they will clothe Him in grave-sheets,Myrrh for embalming, and wood for a crown,He that lies now in the white arms of MarySleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down.Here He has peace and a short while for dreaming,Close-huddled oxen to keep Him from cold,Mary for love, and for lullaby musicSongs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.
Midnight Mass St Peter’s Vatican: Sistine Chapel 2013 (Massimo Palombella) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2021-12-23 | A live-streamed broadcast by Vatican TV of Midnight Mass from St Peter’s Basilica on 24 December 2013, with the choir of the Sistine Chapel, directed by Massimo Palombella.Before Midnight Mass begins, the Christmas Proclamation (also known as the “Kalenda Proclamation” or the “Cantus martyrologii”) is sung:"Octavo kalendas Januarii luna vicesima secunda, innumeris transactis saeculis a creatione mundi, quando in principio Deus creavit caelum et terram et hominem formavit ad imaginem suam;permultis etiam saeculis, ex quo post diluvium Altissimus in nubibus arcum posuerat, signum fœderis et pacis; a migratione Abrahæ, patris nostri in fide, de Ur Chaldæorum saeculo vigesimo primo; ab egressu populi Israël de Ægypto, Moyse duce, saeculo decimo tertio; ab unctione David in regem, anno circiter millesimo; hebdomada sexagesima quinta, juxta Danielis prophetiam; Olympiade centesima nonagesima quarta; ab Urbe condita anno septingentesimo quinquagesimo secundo; anno imperii Cæsaris Octaviani Augusti quadragesimo secundo; toto orbe in pace composito, Jesus Christus, æternus Deus æternique Patris Filius, mundum volens adventu suo piissimo consecrare, de Spiritu Sancto conceptus, novemque post conceptionem decursis mensibus, in Bethlehem Judæ nascitur ex Maria Virgine factus homo:Nativitas Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum carnem."[Translation:]"Eight days before the Kalends of January in the twenty-second moon, when ages beyond number had run their course from the creation of the world, when God in the beginning created heaven and earth, and formed man in his own likeness; when century upon century had passed since the Almighty set his bow in the clouds after the Great Flood, as a sign of covenant and peace; in the twenty-first century since Abraham, our father in faith, came out of Ur of the Chaldees; in the thirteenth century since the People of Israel were led by Moses in the Exodus from Egypt; around the thousandth year since David was anointed King; in the sixty-fifth week of the prophecy of Daniel; in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; in the year seven hundred and fifty-two since the foundation of the City of Rome; in the forty-second year of the reign of Caesar Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to consecrate the world by his most loving presence, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and when nine months had passed since his conception, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judah, and was made man:The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh."Note: 25th December is eight days before the Kalends (1st) of January, while “luna vicesima secunda” refers to the lunar cycle of the year in question - in this case, 2013.
BBC “Woman’s Hour” Christmas: Durham Cathedral 1979 (Richard Lloyd) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2021-12-21 | An item from an edition of the BBC magazine programme “Woman’s Hour”, broadcast on 12 October 1979, in which reporter George Bayley discovers what Christmas is like for the choristers at Durham Cathedral. It might be worth pointing out that this was recorded in 1979 and that much has changed since then.
“Carols from Prague”: Christ Church Oxford 1990 (Stephen Darlington) Archive of Recorded Church Music 2021-12-18 | A commercial video release based on a special Christmas edition of the long-running BBC television series “Songs of Praise”, originally broadcast on 23 December 1990. Featuring the choir of Christ Church Oxford, directed by Stephen Darlington, along with I Bambini di Praga, Placido Domingo, Ileana Cotrubas and I Virtuosi di Praga Orchestra. Following the downfall of communism, this was the first time since 1950 that Christmas could be openly celebrated in Czechoslovakia.
