All Saints Clifton

Choir school 1869-1962

Music

Introduction

The principal musical services are Solemn Mass, on Sundays at 11am, and on Holy Days during the week at 7.30 pm, while Evensong and Benediction are sung most Sunday evenings at 6 pm to Gregorian Chant. The following pages introduce the music at All Saints, and give details of the musical history in this place, the organs and of the season of concerts and events. Click here for the All Saints Music Diary.

Music

It was the intention of the founders of the church that the services should be presented with all due dignity and ceremonial. An important element was to be the music and from the consecration of the church in 1868 the High Mass and Mattins and Evensong were sung on Sundays. In order that daily sung services could be maintained a choir school was founded in 1869. Click here for more details.

From the beginning the foundation of the music has been plainsong, the ancient music of the Church, sung in English and this is still used in the church today. Settings of the Mass are usually congregational, some written especially for All Saints' and the New English Hymnal is in use. Choral Mass settings are frequently used on Holy Days.

The mixed adult choir has an extensive repertoire with the music of the English sixteenth century composers Byrd, Gibbons, Tallis featuring prominently along with their Continental contemporaries Palestrina, Victoria and others. Composers of later centuries to the present day also have their place. Previous Directors of Music have provided many items for liturgical use including a complete set of Alleluia verses sung between the readings at mass, responsorial psalms and a number of anthems for particular occasions.

The Organ

Designed in association with the then parish organist, Edward Fry, the organ was built by the well known firm of J W Walker. It is a three manual and pedal organ, classical in its conception, with mechanical action, low wind pressures and open foot voicing. It is a very versatile instrument and is equally at home with a wide variety and period of organ music as well as with the regular congregational and choral music of the services. There is also a small chamber organ of three stops placed in the Gallery Chapel. Click here for details of the organs.

Invitation

Would you like to be involved in the music making at All Saints, Clifton?

The music is expanding through choral services and concerts, which are a regular feature at All Saints. We are seeking additional singers, instrumentalists and supporters to join us!

Whether you are making music regularly or would like to get back into it again - do come forward!

You would be made most welcome on a part time basis.

Organ lessons can also be offered.

For further information contact Graham Davies, Music Director & Organist at All Saints
Tel. (07845) 968025 or Email