Choral Evensong

Evensong is a church service traditionally held near sunset. It has one of England’s richest heritages – a living tradition that precisely costs nothing to encounter live. Regarded by many as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of liturgical church music, the service is mostly still set to the words of the Evening Prayer of the Book of Common Prayer. The text is so beautiful, and it has barely changed since the publication of the book in 1662. That said, the music itself could date back to early Christian history, or have been written by a living composer, just last week!

We live in a time of chaotic global ever-availability: but Evensong is not about instant gratification. Indeed, it is reminiscent of a fine wine, to be savoured sip by sip. Evensong is an observed private ritual: nobody is meant to clap, and the music is not presented to an audience for approval; rather, it is meant to guide the mind out of the building into unseen heights and depths. Therefore, Evensong is meant for contemplative worship and should be heard in a state of quiet meditation. As a member of the congregation, it is a perfect opportunity to let the music, scripture and prayers simply wash over you. This service still has the power to inspire and to move.

The music enhances the words of the service, giving beauty and character to the heartfelt text of the Psalms – music augments the joyful thanksgiving of Mary’s song of praise and liberation (the Magnificat) – music gives emphasise to the prophetic words of Simeon in the Nunc dimittis – and music enriches the prayerfulness of the Collects. The anthem that then follows will be chosen to fit the readings of the day. The congregation will be invited to join in just two hymns, the first called the ‘Office Hymn’ that reflects the theme of the readings or the season, and the second a hymn of thanksgiving towards the end of the service.