Remembrance Sunday

War is an unpleasant thing, I think we can all agree with that. Whatever side of the debate you sit on or your views it’s not something we like or would want for anyone. The destruction, the loss of life both soldiers and civilians, the hate, the bitterness and the lasting memories that come with it … More Remembrance Sunday

A Spotless Rose

This article was written for the December 2017 issue of hte parish magazine. Composed by Paul Mealor, the text is taken from a 15th century anonymous German poem, translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in 1919. The poem was based on the prophecy of Isiah in 11.1: “And there shall come forth a rod out … More A Spotless Rose

I Vow to Thee My Country words: Sir Cecil Spring Rice (1859-1918), music: Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

This article was written for the November 2017 edition of the parish magazine. A long time favourite, I was reminded of this hymn in May 2017 when I attended an Open Day at Trinity Laban Conservatoire with Jennifer. The last item on the schedule for prospective vocal applicants was a master class with mezzo soprano … More I Vow to Thee My Country words: Sir Cecil Spring Rice (1859-1918), music: Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

The Call – George Herbert (1593-1633)/Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

This article was written for the September 2017 edition of the parish magazine. Published in 1911, Vaughan Williams set the words of Herbert’s poem The Call to music as one of a larger work, set of Five Mystical Songs. This song collection used four of Herbert’s poems, published in 1633 as “The Temple: Sacred Poems”. … More The Call – George Herbert (1593-1633)/Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)