Choral Evensong

This week’s music list:

• Introit: Johannes Eccard, When to the temple Mary went
• Responses: Humphrey Clucas
• Canticles: William Harris, Evening Canticles in A
• Anthem: Charles Wood, O thou the central orb

On the eve of Candlemas, we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, when Simeon met his Saviour and proclaimed the words now sung daily in the Nunc dimittis. Although originally in German, Eccard’s six-part motet describing this joyful occasion has become a staple of English cathedrals. Similarly ubiquitous, Charles Wood’s setting of O thou the central orb plays deeply into the themes of light dispersing dark, joy radiating through the woes of the world, as Simeon’s eyes were opened to Christ and his glory revealed to all peoples.

To close out Epiphanytide, come experience the peace and joy with which Simeon departed the earth, knowing that there is yet hope and light amidst the terrors of the day. Come rest from your labours and be refreshed in the knowledge of better things to come. Come breathe in stillness and beauty and find release from earthly toil and worry. Come share in the 400-year old tradition of Choral Evensong.