Notes Tremendous

2013 sees the centenary of the birth of one of the greatest composers of the 20 th century, Benjamin Britten. Notable in particular for his operas, including Peter Grimes, and his church parables, such as St. Nicholas which was performed in St John’s a number of years ago, Britten also left a significant corpus of works for the Anglican church which have become mainstays of the repertoire, not least his Hymn to the Virgin, written when the composer was only 16 years old.

Britten is also notable for his humanity, seen in the monumental War Requiem written for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral which was destroyed by bombs in WW2. The large scale work combines the text of the Requiem mass with war poems by Wilfred Owen among others and was composed specifically for three soloists- a German Baritone, a Russian Soprano and a British Tenor.

If you’re not familiar with the composer’s music you’re in luck- on the 25th May you will have the opportunity to join the world-wide celebrations by coming to the annual concert of the Choir of St John’s. A packed programme will feature music by Britten, including his rarely-heard Jubilate, and the gorgeous Hymn to St Cecilia from which the title of the concert comes (Britten was born on St
Cecilia’s Day.) You can also hear music by his contemporaries including some delightful part-songs by Finzi, spectacular arrangements of well-known spirituals by Tippett and American folk songs by Copland- great fun and full of surprises…!!

It’s possible you’ve been unaware of the organ in St John’s except in terms of it accompanying the hymn singing Sunday by Sunday, but here’s your chance to hear it in all its glory and played by St John’s two assistant organists, Peter Horsfall and Caroline Cradock! Britten’s only major organ piece, the Prelude and Fugue on a Theme of Vittoria will be coupled with two works by the teacher Britten most admired, Frank Bridge, including the most famous one, the sumptuous Adagio.

A particular feature of the architecture of St. John’s and indeed many Anglican churches and cathedrals is that the choir and organ are placed up at the front of the church singing across the church rather than out into the church. Know what I mean? Well, why not come along on the 25th May to hear the choir in full voice, freed from the constraints of the choir stalls and filling the church with their lovely singing. I’m sure you’ll find something in the programme to get your toes tapping - satisfaction guaranteed! - and a glass of wine will help no end!

Look out for the brightly (and I mean brightly) coloured posters and flyers. Tickets are available from the church office (0131 229 7565) or on the door.

I look forward to seeing you at the concert!

Stephen Doughty
Director of Music