Lighten Our Darkness: A Celebration of Choral Evensong

by Simon Reynolds

Overview

Over the course of the past 25 years, a quiet but persistent revolution has been taking place in English cathedrals, in some larger churches in major towns and cities, as well as the chapels of university colleges. The numbers of people drawn by the distinctive musical character of their worship has risen significantly, with Choral Evensong becoming the locus of this persistent growth in the numbers of worshippers. A significant number of these people are under 40 years of age, and many others have, until now, lived their lives on the edges of the Church, if not completely beyond it. Simon Reynolds believes Evensong is providing a place of sanctuary for people seeking space for reflection in a frenetic world. It is becoming a significant part of the Church of England’s mission. Lighten Our Darkness provides the definitive guide to Choral Evensong, and will be a fascinating introduction for newcomers to this historic form of worship, and for clergy and students wishing to explore its roots.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780232534627
Publisher:	Darton Longman & Todd Ltd
Publication date:	06/30/2021
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Simon Reynolds is a visiting research fellow at the University of Winchester, and was formerly a parish priest in the Church of England and succentor at St Paul's Cathedral.

Table of Contents

1 Echoes of Eternity 11

Evensong in Perspective

2 Roots, Shape and Flow 27

Evensong Unwrapped

3 An Acclamation of Praise 43

The Responses

4 All Human Life is Here 49

The Psalms

5 A Word Once Spoken 60

The Readings

6 Revolution and Retirement 73

The Canticles

7 The Cries of Our Hearts 82

The Lesser Litany, Lord's Prayer, Preces and Collects

8 Untold Lament and Unfettered Praise 90

The Anthem

9 Sounding the Depths 102

The Prayers of Intercession, Final Hymn and Blessing

10 Chancing Upon Glory 110

Quires and Places where they Sing

Suggestions for Further Reading 113

Notes 116

Acknowledgements 124

Index 126