CE Chapel of Merton College, Oxford Wed, 3rd Nov [L]

[Keraulophone]

Probably because, lovely though they are, they're rather overwritten for the liturgical function they perform.

Agree entirely. After over three decades as a lay clerk I have never sung them, so DoMs I've known would seem to concur. I recall them being performed to spectacular effect by the Choir of Christ Church Oxford under Simon Preston in a remarkable [1981?] R3 CE broadcast that did seem more like a concert than an act of worship, being heightened by the superlative standards of the choir at that time.

[Triforium]

St. Thomas NYC sang the Howells responses during John Scott's tenure.

[Magister Chori]

Probably because, lovely though they are, they're rather overwritten for the liturgical function they perform.

In addiction to their complexity (both for the choir and the cantor) and lenght, some DoMs say they largely tend to be more a thoroughly-written piece rather than a set of single versicles, so quite lacking in the call-and-response effect traditionally required to the P&R.

[ardcarp]

A criticism sometimes made of a liturgical service which is musically rich and professionally delivered is that it is 'a concert'. Well, so what if it is? Making a cheerful noise to the God of Jacob is surely a biblical imperative? I can quite understand that some persons of faith might feel excluded if they are not personally taking part in the act of worship. But I know that others are spiritually inspired by fine liturgical music, and for many that spirituality is an open door to their faith. I am not personally a strong 'believer', but what I have just written is based on fairly recent experiences. In my dotage, I belong to a small group of...well I suppose you'd call us ex-professionals. Before lock-down our organiser would contact parish churches both large and small, most of which had lost their choral tradition and offer to 'do a choral evensong'. We would gather for a shortish rehearsal and perform (yes, perform) to the best of our ability. We had a couple of ex-cathedral organists in tow as well. The conditions were (a) that we would be fed and watered by the parish (b) we would provide the organist and (c) one of the choir would sing the office.

Chatting to congregation members after these ad hoc CEs, it was clear that, while some were displaying obligatory politeness in their thanks to us, some were genuinely moved by the experience. 'Being moved' is not necessarily a religious experience, but I'm fairly sure that for some it was. We might even do Howells' Responses when we get going again......

[DracoM]

Beautifully expressed - will speak to and for many of us.