The text of the Magnificat, or the Canticle of Mary, is taken directly from Luke 1 46:55. The words were spoken by Mary, pregnant with Jesus, to her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant with the child that would become John the Baptist … More Magnificat
Why am I writing about a Christmas Carol? Because it highlights a less palatable part of the Christmas story, which is often glossed over: the massacre of the innocents … More The Coventry Carol
This article first appeared in the February 2017 issue of our parish magazine. You can read it again here: Taken from the gospel of St Luke (2:29-32), the text of the Song of Simeon is: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, According to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, … More Song of Simeon, or Nunc Dimittis
This sermon was presented by Rev Deborah on Sunday 2 February 2020. She was ably assisted by our Sunday School … More Candlemas
I discovered this anthem whilst browsing in the Sing for Pleasure shop at Summer School 2018. It appealed immediately, and I knew that, with encouragement, Maggie’s Music Makers would be able to make a good job of it. … More Advent to Christmas – Noel Rawsthorne (1929-2019)
A visit to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to sing there with the Manchester Chorale … More Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 1st Baronet, was an English composer, probably best known for stirring hymns and anthems such as “Jerusalem” and “I Was Glad” … More “There is a Country Far Beyond the Stars” Parry (1848-1918)
Running a music group of any kind requires a lot of planning, organisation, and inspiration. I constantly have an ear out for music that would suite our Sunday School Singers and Maggies Music Makers. … More Your Kingdom Come (P James & H Jessop)
This beautiful melody had slipped completely from my memory until I saw the phrase ‘Light of the World’ in “Walking Backwards to Christmas”, the text used by the Advent group in December … More Light of the World – Lyrics: Paul Wigmore (1925-2014), Music: John Dankworth (1927-2010)
A quote often attributed to St Francis of Assisi is that we should endeavour to “Preach the gospel at all times…use words if you must”. I myself have found that quite often, words are superfluous to finding spiritual meaning in music … More Instrumental Music for Worship
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 