Lutheran Vespers
VOICES
Tutor: Roger Wilkes
Location: Christ Church, Carnforth
Reviewer: Frank Estcourt
LUTHERAN LITURGICAL MUSIC AT CARNFORTH
A new musical experience for me and my wife was a day with the North West Early Music Forum at Christ Church, Carnforth, singing music of the Lutheran Liturgy. Most amateur singers will be familiar with the works of Bach, Handel and later composers, but to sing the works of composers from the sixteenth century is not something I have experienced for many years, and certainly not in the context of the church services of the time. The day consisted of workshops, commencing in the morning and continuing until late afternoon. Roger Wilkes conducted the music in a scholarly and enjoyable manner, and was ably assisted by Ann Bond, the organist at Carnforth Church. Ann, we discovered, is as knowledgeable with the German language as she is a fine organist. Perhaps at this point I should inform the reader that all the singing was in German, though I should also make clear that the music was relatively easy to sight-read, and that most singers would not find it difficult to fit into the very friendly group of approximately 25 singers. Indeed I would suggest that any singer should experience this music to extend their knowledge and singing technique.
At 6.00 p.m. the service of the Lutheran Liturgy commenced and finished at approximately 7.15. The service consisted of alternate sung and organ pieces, with a most interesting address by the officiant and Vicar of Carnforth, Canon Stephen Jones. The address gave a scholarly insight into the religious practice of the Lutheran Church, with particular reference to the music. The most memorable music of the whole day was the German Magnificat. Composed some decades before J.S. Bach was born, this was by Samuel Scheidt: it consisted of approximately 6/7 sections, with each section being either sung as plainsong/2/3/4 voices and with each voice independent of the others. All singers should experience this music to further their knowledge, and emotional and technical attachment to their art.
Overall a great day and looking forward to the next.
First published in April 2012 Newsletter
