Church Music Quarterly
Church Music Quarterly (CMQ), published in March, June, September and December, is available exclusively to members of the RSCM; it is also sent free of charge to Friends of the RSCM to keep them informed of our activities. (On this page you can find some articles available for everyone to read or download.) CMQ has a readership of around 80,000 worldwide.
Each issue offers a wide range of articles and interviews by distinguished musicians, theologians and scholars, providing expert advice, information and inspiration for readers (see below for contents of recent issues). Through CMQ, members are kept up to date with news of the latest developments in church music and can share their views on related topics through the 'Letters' page.
At its heart lies the RSCM Newsletter, which is dedicated to reports from members from around the world, and information regarding events and developments at its administrative centre in Salisbury. The RSCM Newsletter provides a vehicle for communication between RSCM staff and members and also serves as a platform for members to share their news.
Each quarter, an expert panel of reviewers surveys the latest releases from music publishers and recording companies, providing detailed recommendations for the very best of new choral and organ repertoire, recordings, and books on church music.
Classified adverts
In addition to the special contents listed below, each issue includes classified adverts; these are also listed on this website.
Contributions
Please send reports, press releases, letters and classified advertisements
for CMQ to the editor two months before publication:
Editor, Church Music Quarterly, 19 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EB UK
T: +44 (0)1722 424848; F: +44 (0)1722 424849; E: cmq@rscm.com
Copy date for each issue is two months before issue date:
- 1 January (March issue)
- 1 April (June issue)
- 1 July (September issue)
- 1 October (December issue)
Items for review should be sent to:
Julian Elloway, Reviews Editor, Highmead, Field Road, Stroud, Glos GL5
2JA
T: 01453 840388; F: 01453 840388; E: cmqreviews@rscm.com
Display adverts
To place a display advertisement in CMQ, please contact the advertising
manager:
Stephen Dutton or Sue Keighley, Church Times, 13-17 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN
T: +44 (0)20 7776 1011 / 2; F: +44 (0)20 7776 1017; E: stephen@churchtimes.co.uk
Copy date for display advertisements is:
- 15 January (March issue)
- 15 April (June issue)
- 15 July (September issue)
- 15 October (December issue)
Articles (and music) to download or read online
- Information about the proposal for a School of English Church Music and its early days
- Interview with Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith extended version (CMQ, September 2006)
- At a PC near you
Following the recent launch of the RSCM’s first podcast on its website, broadcaster and musician Stuart Robinson considers podcasting, and offers some DIY podcast tips - Interview with Bazil Meade (London Community Gospel Choir) extended version (CMQ, June 2006)
- The Lost Carol (CMQ, September 2005)
-
Strategies for maintaining a thriving trebles section
"Bucking the trend" by Christopher Barton (CMQ, March 2002)
-
Why and how we use music for worship
"Back to basics" by John Harper (CMQ, March 2002)
Contents of recent issues
September 2008
- Notes from the Director
- Choral masterclass
If ye love me by Thomas Tallis, discussed by Hugh Benham (buy Hugh Benham's new edition here)
- Church Music Skills
The RSCM’s pioneering new education programme is launched in September - Rejoice in God O ye tongues
How 300 pupils from schools in South Wales valleys joined Llandaff Cathedral’s Girl Choristers to sing Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb - Celebrating Ralph Vaughan Williams
Anne Harrison suggests hymns, anthems and voluntaries to celebrate his life and music on Sunday 12 October (see full music list here) - Geoffrey Beaumont and the 20th Century Church Light Music Group
An assessment by Simon Parry of their contribution to contemporary hymnody - No Entry: Recording in Progress!
Home-made recordings on a limited budget: Stuart Robinson suggests what to do and pitfalls to avoid - The RSCM archive of recordings
John Henderson is the custodian of a treasury of recordings, from 1909 to the present day - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
J S Bach’s In dir ist Freude – an organ pedalling lesson - Hymn meditation: ‘Come down, O Love divine’
Gordon Giles discusses this great hymn, with music by Vaughan Williams and others
June 2008
- Lindsay Gray
A profile of the RSCM's new Director: singer, organist and educationalist - Angel voices ever singing
Who are the south London boys of Libera, who have just released a new CD and have completed a north American tour that included singing in Pope Benedict's Washington Mass? Stuart Robinson finds out - International Summer School and Conference
Transforming, enabling and inspiring worship! Music, worship, practical activity, discussion and fellowship for singers, instrumentalists and clergy from around the world - That wandering Knight so fair
An appreciation by Kenneth Shenton of the work of Gerald Knight, the RSCM's second Director, who was born 100 years ago - Worship changes lives!
Transforming Worship: Living the new creation, the Church of England's recent liturgical initiative, provides the context for Peter Moger to examine the potential of music to effect transformation - Sacked!
Church organists have employment rights. Barry Williams and Robert Leach discuss with Stuart Robinson some of the implications of a recent court ruling - Hymn meditation: ‘Jerusalem the golden’
We contemplate John's vision, in the book of Revelation, of a new Jerusalem, as Gordon Giles leads us to probe the meaning of this ever-popular hymn - All change at Guildford and Chichester
Katherine Dienes-Williams and Sarah Baldock talk to Roderic Dunnett about being the first women to be appointed as Organist and Master of the Choristers in England's Anglican cathedrals - The forgotten Christmas carol of George Herbert Salter
Andrew Earis describes the career of George Salter, Sydney Nicholson's first chaplain of the School of English Church Music, including new information, a newly published carol, and a newly discovered photograph in Sydney Nicholson's photograph album - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
A lesson in how to find pedal notes without looking at your feet, based on the first verse of Guilmant's Magnificat Op 41, No 2
March 2008
- The 21st-century church musician
How are you investing in worship? Huw Williams and Mervyn Hogg explore the essential skills (musical and non-musical) and fresh approaches needed by the next generation of music leaders - Ivor Gurney: chorister, organist and composer
As the 90th anniversary of the First World War Armistice approaches, and following the 70th anniversary of Gurney's death, Roderic Dunnett recalls a musician who was a chorister, pianist, organist, poet and composer - Voice for Life: How to run a Young Voices Festival
Programme director Leah Perona-Wright explains how the RSCM Young Voices Festivals can be used on a local level to encourage the involvement of young singers - Hymn meditation: 'Christ triumphant, ever reigning'
Gordon Giles explores the history, the three tunes, and meaning of one of the best and most famous hymns of our time - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Study notes on Gigout's popular Toccata in B minor - The choir of Ashdown House
Remarkably, a small number of private household choral foundations survived in Britain into the twentieth-century. Peter James describes one of the last of these choir schools, as seen through the eyes of a former chorister. - In every corner sing
Geoff Weaver celebrates the arrival of a major new publication and explains why we should sing the songs of the worldwide church
December 2007
- All my hope on God is founded
A tribute to the outgoing Director, John Harper, by the Chairman of Council, Mark Williams - Facing new challenges
John Harper concludes his series of articles on the first 80 years of the RSCM with a review of the period 1989 to 2007 - Play it again
Jo Brand describes learning to play the organ - Fanfare for Francis
Simon Lindley celebrates Francis Jackson on the occasion of his 90th birthday - Music in The Rainbow Nation
Leah Perona-Wright reports on her Voice for Life tour of South Africa - From tails, to jeans and sweatshirt
John Rutter in conversation with Stuart Robinson - Philip Ledger: conductor, pianist and composer
To mark Philip Ledger's 70th birthday, Tim Rogers explores his wide-ranging career - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Study notes on Le Banquet céleste by Olivier Messiaen, in preparation for the centenary of his birth next year - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles reflects on ‘As with gladness men of old’, the words of which are directed to Christ who is the light of the world, and encourages us to copy the wise men's journey of hope and faith
September 2007
- The Golden Years? The RSCM from 1952 to 1989
John Harper continues his review of the history of the Royal School of Church Music, examining the eras of Gerald Knight and Lionel Dakers - 'A continuous and unbroken search for the sacred'
Rosemary Broadbent talks with the composer James MacMillan about the sacred as part of the mainstream of music - A life enriched by church music
From founder King's Singer to RSCM Vice President, Brian Kay describes the importance of church music in his varied activities - Organise your choir rehearsals
Joseph Cullen shows how a little forward planning can help you to achieve so much more - Carrying a torch for church music
As the RSCM Millennium Youth Choir launches its new CD, we look back with David Ogden over its first seven years and with confidence to its future - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the themes of the popular hymn ‘Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour’, a hymn steeped in Biblical theology - Anne Marsden Thomas’s Organ Lesson
Study notes on the Aria by Noel Rawsthone - The special world of choir schools
Brian Rees describes life in choir schools in the fwenty-first century
June 2007
- Elgar’s spirituality
Emma Disley marks Elgar’s 150th anniversary with a look at his faith and its impact on his music - From Nicholson to Knight
John Harper explores the history of the RSCM through the trials of the war years to its arrival in Addington Palace in 1954 - Sunday by Sunday: ten years old
A personal view by its first coordinator, Robin Sheldon - An unequal music
Andrew Maries on the relationships between music, worship and community - Redefining outreach: eighteen choir schools and growing
Benjamin Saunders, Director of Music, outlines the singing outreach programme at Leeds Cathedral - God in your iPod: ‘alternative worship’ and the spiritual soundtrack of your life
Steve Collins on the use of music in ‘alternative worship’ services - Hymn meditation
In preparation for St Mary Magdalene’s Day, Gordon Giles looks at ‘Mary, weep not, weep no longer’ - Anne Marsden Thomas’s Organ Lesson
Study notes on 'Cantabile' from Widor’s Symphonie IV - Byrd, Gibbons and Murphy’s law
Andrew Johnstone writes about his experience of re-editing two favourite Reformation-period evening services for the RSCM Press - Praise him on the marimba!
Colleen Hart explains how using the marimba can add excitement to worship
March 2007
- Nicholson's vision: the earliest years of the RSCM
John Harper's first article in a four-part series celebrating 80 years of the RSCM - St Sepulchre and the School of English Church Music
Andrew Earis on the links between the RSCM and St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, London - A living Orthodox tradition: Music in a Welsh community
Vladimir Lysak and Nicole Crossley-Holland describe the pattern of Orthodox worship in the chapel of St Celer - Sad and distracted times
Peter James on the life and times of Thomas Tomkins - Sing freedom
Geoff Weaver explores the connection between singing and freedom - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the origins and themes of the modern hymn 'From heaven you came, helpless babe' - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Practice notes for Toccata Primi Toni by Einar Thærup Sark - Choir or organ?
David Hill dispels the notion that church musicians must choose between the choir and organ - Speaking and singing with one voice
Brenda Smith outlines the importance of good vocal health for choir trainers - Come on, worship!
David Ogden marks the launch of Sunday by Sunday Collection 2 with a look at music for the Eucharist
December 2006
- A festival of nine lessons and carols: Some reflections
Stephen Cleobury shares his thoughts on the world-famous King's carol service - Hosanna! dyma'r dydd: Welsh plygain services
Rhiannon Ifans on a unique Welsh Christmas tradition - Working with the young church choir: repertoire
To celebrate the launch of the Voice for Life Songbook, Esther Jones looks at music for young voices - How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Jan Payne on a new training scheme offered by Ely Diocese for church musicians - Potential in partnership
Frances Novillo explains the advantages of pooling musical resources between churches and schools - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the origins and themes of the well-known carol 'Ding dong! merrily on high' - Playing the organ for funerals
Robert Fielding on the demands of playing the organ for funerals
September 2006
- Putting words into people's mouths
Anne Harrison talks to the eminent hymn-writer Timothy Dudley-Smith - The spiritual theme: another view of Benjamin Britten
Graham Elliot on Britten's spirituality and sacred music - Ouseley and his legacy
David Bland reflects on the life of Fredrick Ouseley and his contribution to English church music - Songs to teach the faith: songs to keep the faith
Elspeth Hannen on promoting young people’s participation in congregational song - From boys to men
Jenevora Williams offers guidance to those working with young male singers with changing voices - Going for gold
John Wardle offers advice on meeting the challenges of the RSCM Gold award - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the origins and themes of the well-known hymn 'Love divine' - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Study notes on Lento by Frank Bridge - At a PC near you
Following the recent launch of the RSCM’s first podcast on its website, broadcaster and musician Stuart Robinson considers podcasting, and offers some DIY podcast tips - Christmas is coming…
John Barnard explains why The Carol Book has quickly become an RSCM Christmas bestseller
June 2006
- Man on a mission
Leah Perona-Wright talks to Bazil Meade, the founder and director of London Community Gospel Choir - The centrality of worship
After ten months as National Worship Development Officer for the Church of England, Peter Moger reflects on worship and formation within the Church - Prom Praise for Schools
Alan Mitchell reviews a musical extravaganza for schools in London - The echo of tradition
Steve E Plank shares thoughts on historical performance in the modern Church - Going for silver
John Wardle offers advice on preparing for the RSCM Silver award to singers and their choir trainers - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the origins and themes of 'Holy, holy, holy!' - RSCM Newsletter
News from the RSCM; St Albans Area Convention; RSCM Australian Summer School; RSCM in South Africa; RSCM in New Zealand; RSCM in Ireland; RSCM validated awards; News of members - RSCM relocation update
From Surrey to Salisbury: the relocation of the RSCM 'hub'; Contact details for the RSCM in Salisbury - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Advice on playing the organ for weddings - Small can be beautiful
Geoff Weaver offers advice and encouragement to churches with limited musical resources
March 2006
- Happy Birthday to the English Hymnal
To mark the centenary of The English Hymnal, Canon Alan Luff considers its origins and aims - Raising standards of hymn singing
John Barnard gives guidance on choosing and singing hymns - At heaven's gate
David Ogden considers the influence of the hymnbook on worship - Engaging with the past
John Harper reflects on the past and its relevance today, and particularly on Ireland - Irish Church Music
Peter Parshall continues our series on Celtic Church Music - The sound in your hand: a view of gesture for choral conductors
Michael Brewer challenges choral conductors to explore the impact of gesture on the sound of their choirs - Going for bronze
John Wardle offers advice on preparing for the RSCM Bronze award - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles on Twells's hymn 'At even, ere the sun was set' - New hymn by Timothy Dudley-Smith
The text of a new hymn entitled 'Our God and Father, whose eternal mind' - Anne Marsden Thomas’s Organ Lesson
Study notes for organists on 'Air' and 'Gavotte' from Twelve short pieces with a full voluntary added by Samuel Wesley - Caring for the king of instruments 5: Time for restoration
Dominic Gwynn gives advice on organ restoration projects - Choral Masterclass
Bill Ives gives advice to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing his anthems Listen sweet dove and There is a land of pure delight
December 2005
- Throughout all generations
In the first of two articles based on his keynote speech at the RSCM International Summer School and Conference, John Harper considers our responsibility to the future of church music - Sacred space
Jeremy Fletcher takes readers on a virtual tour of York Minster and considers how it has been used for worship over the centuries - Manx Church Music
In the third of our articles on Celtic church music, Fenella Bazin examines the Manx tradition - Discernment and discrimination: four categories of psalms, hymns and worship songs
Guy Jansen explains his methods for establishing quality control when seeking new congregational music - Return to the source: Pope Benedict on the way forward for church music
In this final article in his series on church music and renewal, Michael O'Connor explores the writings of the new pope - Alternatives to electronic organs
Richard Wood explains that with careful planning pipe organs can compete in price with electronic instruments - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the origins and themes of the ancient advent hymn 'Come thou redeemeer of the earth' - Anne Marsden Thomas’s Organ Lesson
Study notes for organists on Gordon Slater's An Easter Alleluya - Caring for the king of instruments 4: organ builder's troubles
Dominic Gwynn outlines the role of the organ builder - Choral Masterclass
Peter Nardone gives advice on how to prepare for the Christmas carol service
September 2005
- Talking with Townend
Worship leader and composer Stuart Townend talks to Leah Perona-Wright about his life and music - Music and renewal III: Isaac Watts and the salvation of children
Michael O'Connor examines the attitudes of childhood evident in Watts's hymns for children - The land of song and the language of heaven: the Welsh dimension
In the second article in the series on Celtic church music, John Harper examines the link between Welsh spirituality and music - Spiritual sounds
David Ogden explores why one of the most famous jazz musicians of all time should turn his hand to sacred music - Vain repetition or fresh expression?
Anne Harrison considers one aspect of using short songs in worship - Why the organ?
John Harper explores the reasons for the prevalence of organs in places of worship - The lost carol
John Harper reveals how an enquiry from South Africa lead to an RSCM detective hunt across three continents! - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles takes a look at the origins and meaning of Toplady's well-known hymn 'Rock of Ages' - Anne Marsden Thomas’s Organ Lesson
Study notes for organists on Tuba Tune in D major by C S Lang - Caring for the king of instruments 3: overcoming faults
Dominic Gwynn on how to combat some of the organ's enemies and mitigate some of the effects of wear and tear, moth and mice, heating and building works - Choral Masterclass
Martin Neary gives advice to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing Tallis's O Lord, give thy holy spirit and Salvator mundi
June 2005
- The heart of worship
Leading Christian singer-songwriter Matt Redman talks to CMQ about his life and passion for music - Music and renewal II: Martin Luther’s musical reformation
In the second article of this series, Michael O’Connor considers the significance of music for Martin Luther and his stand against the Church - The funeral of Pope John Paul II
Michael O’Connor reviews the music and liturgy of the papal funeral service - Musick fyne: Scottish Church Music up to 1603
Alistair Warwick looks at the distinct voice of music in Scotland (also available online) - Never a dull moment
An interview with Simon Lindley to mark his 30th anniversary as Organist and Master of the Music at Leeds Parish Church - From Tallis to the present day
As Waltham Abbey celebrates the 500th anniversary of its most famous music director, Thomas Tallis, Matt O’Connor reviews its thriving musical tradition - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the reasons for the popularity of the well-known hymn ‘Immortal, invisible’ - Anne Marsden Thomas’s Organ Lesson
Study notes for organists on Buxtehude’s Praeludium in C major, BuxWV137 - Caring for the king of instruments 2: environmental issues
Dominic Gwynn on how to combat some of the organ’s enemies and mitigate some of the effects of wear and tear, moth and mice, heating and building works - Choral Masterclass
Martin Neary gives advice to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing Wesley’s Blessed be the God and Father
March 2005
- New, improved blend - and how to achieve it
Tips from Mike Brewer to help you develop the sound of your choir - Sing glory, sing holy - echoing the music of heaven
John Harper considers the practicalities of Archbishop Rowan's call to sing the Gloria and Sanctus in the Eucharist - Music and renewal I: renaissance Italy
Michael O'Connor considers the role music played in Savonarola's reforms in renaissance Florence - These shoes are made for walking
After a recent trip to the Philippines, David Ogden reports on the work of the Asian Institute for Music and Liturgy - Singing in Eastern Europe
Geoff Weaver compares the English attitues to song with that of the Eastern Europeans - Composer profile: Alan Ridout
To mark the publication of Alan Ridout's Francis, John Watson recalls the composer's life and music - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles considers the relationship between dance and the Christian faith through Sydney Carter's well-known hymn 'Lord of the dance' - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Study notes for organists on the 'Toccata' from Widor's Symphonie V - Caring for the king of instruments 1: understanding the basics
The first in a series of articles by Dominic Gwynn on keeping pipe organs in good health and happiness
December 2004
- Angel voices...
Archbishop Rowan Williams considers the significance of the Sung Eucharist service - Christmas in the tropics
Richard Owen prepares for Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago - '...For the sheet love of trying to make nice sounds': the church music of Herbert Howells
Paul Spicer on Howells's legacy to the Anglican Church - Classical British organs
Dominic Gwynn celebrates 25 years of organ building with a look at the classical British organ - Music on the Medway
Edmund Aldhouse reports on Rochester Cathedral's 1400th anniversary celebrations - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles examines the origin and themes of 'Once in Royal David's City' - Composition review service
Kit Perona-Wright introduces a new RSCM service for composers - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Study notes for Bonnet's Romance sans paroles - Choral masterclass
Geoff Weaver gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing The Salisbury Service, a new congregational mass setting by Grayston Ives - Software review: Sibelius 3
The latest version of the Sibelius music notation software under the microscope
September 2004
- Hymns, forms and language
J R Watson on the form and shape of a hymn - Mission and motive
Simon Reynolds gives guidance to choirs making cathedral visits - The value of vocal training
Therees Hibbard considers the place of singing in music education - Challenges and opportunities
John Harper reviews church music today - Barry Smith and the music of freedom
Chris Chivers pays tribute to the work of Barry Smith as he celebrates forty years as Organist and Master of the Choristers at St George's, Cape Town - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the themes and origins of the well-known harvest hymn 'We plough the fields and scatter' - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Guidance for organists on choosing the stops - Choral masterclass
Martin Neary gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and directing Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes mei! and Hear my prayer by Purcell
June 2004
- Voice for Life
Leah Perona-Wright on the new revised RSCM Voice for Life scheme - Raising standards in Sunderland
James Lancelot outlines the Durham Cathedral singing outreach programme - My soul doth magnify the Lord
June Boyce-Tillman reviews the results of the Magnificat Project for women composers - In the beginning
Marie Therese Levey on the emergence of the Western tonal system - The Lord's song in a strange land
David Hope outlines his experience of church music in Vietnam - Hymn meditation
Michael O'Connor explores the themes of Fullerton's hymn 'I cannot tell' and the origins of its tune Londonderry Air - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Study notes for Flor Peeters' Chorale Preludes on Sine Nomine and Alta Trinita Beata - Choral masterclass
Martin Neary gives practical advice to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing Purcell's Thou knowest, Lord
March 2004
- A brief introduction to Part-writing
Antony Pitts on composer Arvo Pärt and his unique musical formula - The future is eclectic!
Leah Perona-Wright interviews Christian singer-songwriter Graham Kendrick - Endless alleluias in Pakistan
Geoff Weaver reports on his recent trip to Pakistan - Hymn meditation
Gordon Giles explores the origins and theology of Charles Wesley's hymn 'Jesu, lover of my soul' - Kenneth Leighton's liturgical church music: a brief survey
We celebrate the 75th anniversary of Leighton's birth with an article on the composer's liturgical music - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Study notes for Krebs's Trio in D minor - Choral masterclass
David Ogden gives practical advice to choir trainers on rehearsing music for Easter services
December 2003
- A new song in an old mode
Alan Rees considers the use of modern modal chants in contemporary worship - Church bells: music or chaos?
Graham Carey takes a philosophical look at whether the sound of church bells can be considered as music - Dancing towards Christmas
Anna Burson explores the origins of the English carol - RSCM, CCLI and other initials
Tim Ruffer, Manager of RSCM Press and Music Direct, on when it is lawful to photocopy RSCM publications - Hymn meditation
The first in a series of hymn meditations: Gordon Giles explores the themes of Joseph Anstice's advent hymn, 'When came in flesh the incarnate word' - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Study notes for Bach's Chorale Prelude 'Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ', BWV 649 - Choral masterclass
Martin Neary looks ahead to Lent and gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing The Lamentation by Bairstow
September 2003
- Behind the veil
Nina Large gives a performer's perspective on the premiere of Tavener's seven-hour vigil The Veil of the Temple and considers its significance for Temple Church - Music for the harmonium: an untapped resource
Frank Conley on why we should take a fresh look at repertoire for the harmonium - Allan Wicks at 80
Peter Thresh talks to Allan Wicks, former Organist and Master of the Choristers at Canterbury Cathedral, about his life in church music - Gregorian Chant sung in Latin
In this the second article of our series on the contemporary use of chant, Alistair Warwick looks at the use of Gregorian Chant in Latin (also available online) - The art of hymn-playing
Anne Marsden Thomas on how to lead traditional hymns from the organ - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Study notes for Lefébure-Wély's Sortie in E flat - Choral Masterclass
Renaissance performance practice: Edward Wickham gives guidance to choir trainers on tackling music by Dunstable and Powers - Going Global
Geoff Weaver reviews Michael Hawn's book Gather into one: praying and singing globally and considers the case for adopting a global approach to worship
June 2003
- Singing God's praises in the rainbow nation
Sally Harper reports on her recent trip to the South African branch of the RSCM - Do angels sing in English?
Peter Allan considers contemporary use of traditional chants set to English words - The resurrection of music
Michael O'Connor on why we should aspire to more than the voice of an angel - The gospel of the twenty-first century
Ken Burton explores the enduring qualities of gospel music and the way in which it has adopted to contemporary culture to maintain its wide popularity - Scandals in the cloister II
James Saunders' second article on the history of English Cathedral Choirs from Elizabeth I to Charles I - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Study notes for John Stanley's Voluntary in C, Op 1 no 1 - Choral Masterclass
Geoff Weaver gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing Byrd's Sing joyfully - Creating colour II
In his second article of the series, Robert Fielding gives advice to organists on accompanying psalm settings in styles other than Anglican Chant
March 2003
- Zwingli and church music: another look
Bruce Gordon challenges the widespread view of the Protestant Reformer, Zwingli, as a man who despised music - Music as identity
Geoff Weaver considers the significance of worship and song within troubled communities - Scandals in the cloister
Revd James Saunders on the turbulent history of English cathedral choirs from Elizabeth I to Charles I - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Study notes for Franck's Prélude (from Prélude, Fugue and Variation) - Choral Masterclass
Martin Neary gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing The Lamb by John Tavener - Creating colour
Advice from Robert Fielding on accompanying Anglican Chant
December 2002
- Anniversary message from Her Majesty the Queen
- Striking the anvil
Professor John Harper on the significance of church music in contemporary culture - Music: the sense of the sacramental
Professor Ann Loades explores the sacramental nature of music - Solemn and strange music
Dr John Arnold, the Dean of Durham, on the role of music in enriching the liturgy of the Church - Seeing the face of Christ in others
Dr Sally Harper reports on the work of the National Network of Pastoral Musicians - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Practice notes for Elgar's Vesper Voluntaries, Op 14 no 3 - Choral Masterclass
David Ogden gives tips to choir directors on how to enliven Christmas services - An introduction to improvisation
Guidance for organists on developing improvisatory skills by Gerard Brooks
September 2002
- Maxwell Davies at Westminster Cathedral
Mark Langham on the newly-commissioned Mass to mark the centenary of the Westminster Cathedral Choir - Chapel Music at HMP Whatton
Andrew Moodie reports on his visit to HMP Whatton and considers the significance of the chapel choir for the residents - 'A music birthed through silence': meeting Margaret Rizza
Sally Harper talks to Margaret Rizza about music, meditation and prayer - Hymns in regular metres: towards a rescue package
David Wright puts forward a case for hymns in regular metres - Thomas Attwood Walmisley (1814–1856): the forgotten legacy of
a Cambridge musician
Nick Abbott reconsiders the contribution of Walmisley to English Church Music - The human touch: organists for tomorrow
Robert Fielding tackles the issue of how to encourage young musicians to play the organ - Choral masterclass
In preparation for St Cecilia's Day, Ralph Allwood gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing Britten's much loved Hymn to St Cecilia
June 2002
- Youth Music: the singing challenge
Alan Harwood examines the strategy of the National Foundation of Youth Music to get young people singing - Out of Africa
Back from a trip to Kenya, Geoff Weaver reports on the liturgical renewal taking place in the Anglican Church in Africa - An eclectic playground: style and genre in Stanford's church music
II
In the second article of the series, Jeremy Dibble considers the musical style and form of Stanford's anthems - Composing for worship
Advice on writing liturgical music from composer, Peter Aston - Anne Marsden Thomas's organ lesson
Practice notes for 'Short' Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 553, attributed to J S Bach - Choral masterclass
To mark the publication by the RSCM of a new edition of I was glad by Hubert Parry, David Ogden gives guidance to choir trainers on rehearsing and performing the ceremonial anthem
March 2002
- An eclectic playground: style and genre in Stanford's church music
I
In the first of two articles to celebrate Stanford's 150th anniversary, Jeremy Dibble explores his eclectic approach to church music - Western Gallery church music for the twenty-first century
Francis Roads charts the history of West Gallery music and considers the application for today's churches - Bucking the trend
Christopher Barton discusses his strategies for maintaining a thriving trebles section - Back to basics
John Harper challenges us to consider why and how we use music for worship - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Practice notes for Andante with variations in D major by Mendelssohn - Choral Masterclass
In the first of a new series, Paul Spicer presents a masterclass for choral directors on Stanford's Beati quorum via
December 2001
- The Advent of Handel's Messiah
Michael O'Connor explores the Advent themes of Handel's best-known oratorio - Music from the Iona Community II: 'Enemies of Apathy'
In the second article of this series Sally Harper examines the work of the Wild Goose Resource and Worship Groups - Music and the deaf
Paul Whittaker outlines the challenges and rewards faced by deaf musicians - A Christmas Card from America
Neil Weston examines the differences between Christmas in American and English churches - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Practice notes for 'Plein Jeu' (from Suite du deuxième ton) by Louis-Nicolas Clérambault - Jubilation in Jubal
Chris Hayward considers the place of orchestral instruments in church
September 2001
- Music from the Iona Community I: 'The Church always needs new songs
because the world changes'
In the first of a two-part series, Sally Harper explores the music of the Iona Community - Classrooms to choir stalls
Esther Jones talks to Rosemary Field about her scheme to encourage children to fill the choir stalls - Rediscovering the sound of the English Tudor Organ
John Harper reveals how an old dairy door and a piece of rotting timber have transformed our knowledge and understanding of the pre-Reformation English organ (more information) - Pianos for Uganda
Fiona Carr outlines the way in which the Pianos for Uganda project is bringing music to the young people of Uganda - Music and healing
Music therapist Angela Fenwick considers the healing power of music - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Practice notes for Fanfare by Kenneth Leighton - DIY in the choir stalls: producing your own recording
Tips on producing your own CD from Jonathan Jennings
July 2001
- Salisbury Girl Choristers: ten years on
A decade after the inauguration of the Salisbury Girl Choristers, Director of Music Simon Lole examines their contribution to the musical life of the cathedral - The church music of Walford Davies
Lewis Foreman surveys Walford Davies's contribution to church music - Singing the Lord's song in a strange land
As BBC Songs of Praise enters its 40th year, three senior members of its production team discuss their aims and objectives - Striking a chord
Roger Firman considers the challenges and rewards of life as a visually impaired musician - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Practice notes for J S Bach's chorale prelude Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645 - Principles of improvisation
Acclaimed organist, composer and improviser, Naji Hakim offers thoughts on the theory of improvisation - Net resources for church musicians
Daniel Spreadbury reviews a selection of the best web resources on vocal technique
April 2001
- Gregorian chant: living tradition or museum piece?
Peter Wilton considers the performance of Gregorian chant from its beginnings to the present day - In conversation with Bob Chilcott
Esther Jones talks to composer Bob Chilcott about his music and work with young singers - Rubbra reassessed
In celebration of the centenary of Rubbra's birth, Gary Higginson takes a fresh look at the composer's contribution to church music - Music and text in local orders of service
A helpful guide to producing local orders of service by Mark Earey - Anne Marsden Thomas's Organ Lesson
Practice notes for JS Bach's chorale prelude, Wir glauben all' an einen Gott (from Clavierübung III) BWV 680 - www.grovemusic.com: not a free lunch, but one well worth paying for
Daniel Spreadbury reviews the new online version of the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians
Earlier issues
Currently, issues prior to April 2001 do not have their contents listed on this site.