Evening Canticles

SKU: GI.G-RCP57

Edited by Edward Tambling Thomas Tomkins wrote no fewer than seven services: three full and four verse settings. The first two full services, as numbered in the posthumous publication of ‘Musica Deo Sacra’ (1668), are straightforward settings in the central Elizabethan style. The First Service is in the major mode, and the Second Service in the minor: the Third Service is a radical departure in style from these settings and is presented as a ‘Great Service’ in homage to Tomkins’ ‘ancient and much reverenced master, William Byrd’. The Fourth and Fifth are verse services, and a further two are present only in manuscript sources: the Sixth Service received its first modern publication in this series (CP17), edited and reconstructed by Peter James. The Seventh to date is unpublished, and survives only in the form of an organ part, the vocal parts having been lost to history. This numbering system of one to seven is misleading, however, as it confuses the chronology of the compositions: some attempt to clarify this ordering is given in a table at the end of this edition in order to address this matter. Tomkins’ relatively late death places him well into the seventeenth century, at a time when musical fashions were changing and the Civil War was altering the course of British History. However, it is correct to describe him as ‘the last Elizabethan’, as his style remained conservative, as did the genres with which he worked and cultivated. ‘Musica Deo Sacra’ is supposed to have been supervised by his son Nathaniel, and collates much of Tomkins’ music not found in other sources. As such, it is a valuable resource for the material it contains, and is also a landmark in music publishing, in that it presents the first known printed organ book set in moveable type on two staves, an unrewarding process which seems to have caused considerable trouble for its printer, William Godbid. Even John Barnard in preparing his ‘First of Selected Church Musick’ (1641) did not go to the trouble of printing an organ part to supplement his vocal partbooks, instead providing his customers with a blank manuscript book into which the already ubiquitous organ parts could be copied by hand. As a result, Tomkins’ source as a whole contains a number of errors, but all of which can be corrected without distortion to the musical text, and the composer’s intention can be realised without too much difficulty.  In addition to the note on the ordering of the various services by Tomkins, I have endeavoured to give some brief information concerning the pitch of church music of this period with regards to the organ part, a subject much misunderstood and obfuscated by variously contradictory information.  It is hoped that this new edition of Tomkins’ First Evening Service will fill a need for short, attractive settings of the canticles for Evensong, furthering an appreciation of the music of the last great composer of the Renaissance era in Britain.

SKU: GI.G-RCP46

SKU: HL.1115719

ISBN 9781705179789. UPC: 196288105688. 6.75x10.5 inches.

This six-minute setting of the Evening Canticles by Frances-Hoad is for mixed chorus a cappella. It was written by the composer with support from the 2021 Visiting Research Fellowship in the Creative Arts at Merton College, Oxford.

SKU: XC.HRMG2373

UPC: 785147110354.

This expressive meditation is a cappella writing at its finest. This elegant work is an English setting of the prayer O Lord, lettest thy servant depart in peace. Thoughtfully-prepared suspensions and close harmonies that stay on the staff make this piece easy to learn and enjoyable to sing. (ca. 3.5 minutes).

SKU: HL.14043158

8.25x11.75x0.055 inches.

Brian Chapple 's setting of the Evening Canticles, for SATB chorus and Organ.

SKU: GI.G-6401INST

Scripture: Psalm 8, Psalm 27, Psalm 40, Psalm 51, Psalm 63, Psalm 66, Psalm 121, Psalm 131, Psalm 138, Psalm 141.

Music Source: Also, Lori True.

SKU: HL.14009581

Setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ.

SKU: HL.14016736

A Setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ.

SKU: SU.80101152

These unique and creative settings of the traditional evening canticles were written for the Voluntary Choir of Manchester Cathedral. The Magnificat is joyful, with a light, skipping accompaniment. The Nunc Dimittis is introspective and contrasts with the Magnificat. It makes use of the octatonic mode to create an atmosphere of slightly aching serenity. 24 pages Published by: Zimbel Press.

SKU: OU.9780193521926

ISBN 9780193521926. 10 x 7 inches.

For SAATB and organ.

About Tudor Church Music

A series of superb anthems spanning one of the greatest periods of English music. The anthems reflect many styles ranging from simple four-part chordal anthems to elaborate motets. They cover all the main seasons and festivals of the Church's year together with many anthems for general use.

SKU: HL.14009579

Setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ.

SKU: HL.14018862

Setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ.

SKU: HL.14016735

6.75x9.75x0.113 inches.

A setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ.

SKU: XC.HRMG2372

A joyful and soaring a cappella work, this English setting of My soul doth magnify the Lord is a wonderful way to show off the sound of your choir. Homorhythmic movement and careful voice leading make it easy to learn and enjoyable to sing. (ca. 4 minutes).

SKU: HL.14035527

A setting of the Evening Canticles for SSAATTBB Choir and Organ.

SKU: HL.14004169

UPC: 884088445843. 6.75x9.75x0.058 inches.

A setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ. Commissioned by the Southern Cathedrals Festival.

SKU: ST.EC19

ISBN 9790220216978.

Ther e are particular problems of establishing authentic sources for much of Tye's music. Nonetheless, its high quality places him, with Taverner and Tallis, at the forefront of English 16th-century church music. This first volume of his work contains 15 full anthems, evening canticles, and his famous setting of texts from The Acts of the Apostles, dedicated to Edward VI.

SKU: HL.14016426

A setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir and Organ.