Music & Liturgy

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live; I will praise my God while I have my being.

I’ve been a musician all my life, and am both a scholar of liturgy, as well as a practitioner. I particularly enjoy writing collects, formal prayers, and blessings. During the pandemic some of these appeared on Twitter each as #MorningPrayer. At Christ Church, during weeks I serve as Canon in Residence, I write 15-20 formal prayers for our services, mostly collects for Evensong.

This page is gathering some notable services or performances, as well as some of those prayers, and is in development.

Oxford’s Celebratory Evensong for the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III, with Oaths and Prayers.

I’d put this in the category of events I never thought I’d need to plan, but it was an absolute delight to work the the Lieutenancy and colleagues at the cathedral on this event. I knew from the beginning that I wanted the service to include the renewal of oaths for reasons I detailed in a piece called ‘Crowns and Vows’. Music details:

Introit Zadok the Priest - George Frederick Handel Responses William Byrd Psalm 21 Canticles Jubilate in C - Benjamin Britten Magnificat in D - Sir George Dyson Anthem I was Glad Address The Bishop of Oxford Voluntary Orb and Sceptre - William Walton

Dean’s Installation

While serving as Interim Precentor at Christ Church, the King appointed the Revd Prof Sarah Foot to be the next Dean of Christ Church. This was a hugely significant event for the whole Foundation. While the whole service was enjoyable to plan, I especially enjoyed finding an appropriate biblical verse to mark for the moment she put on the Whittington Cope, made of Chinese silk and covered in dragons. Watch the moment (including the bishop’s blessing) from 56:56-58:47.

Prelude J S Bach - Prelude & Fugue in C (BWV 545) & Trio Sonata 6 (BWV 530) Introit Cheryl Frances-Hoad - Except the Lord build The House (World Premier) Responses: Matthew Martin Psalm 27 Canticles Herbert Howells - Collegium Regale Anthem: Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry - I was Glad Voluntary: Olivier Messiaen - Les anges & Tranasport de joie

Matthew Martin responses

As an Evensong officiant, I know how invaluable it is for a priest to have recordings of responses. (See the videos above as well.) Here’s a video of me singing on the Eve of All Saints (‘Halloween’), including a favourite set of responses in Oxford and a little ‘direct to camera’ introduction.

More responses to be posted in due course.

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