St. Bartholomew's Summer Festival Features Music of Howells, 8/29

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bartholomew's continues on Sunday, August 29 at 11 am with a service featuring choral works of HerBert Howells, including his "Collegium Regale" Communion Service.

The music of HerBert Howells (1892-1983), English composer, organist and teacher, represents the pinnacle of the English post-Romantic era. Written in 1956 for the choir of King's College, Cambridge, Howells re-used the themes of his classic "Collegium Regale" Magnificat and Nunc dimittis settings for his Communion Service of the same name. Scored for choir, soloists, and organ, the communion service is characteristic of his mature style, with arching melodies in broad phrases, a rich harmonic language often characterized by a strong modal feeling, and supportive yet independent organ writing. Rather than merely setting the text, Howells creates an atmosphere from which the words seem to emerge, often with beguiling rhythmic fluidity and ambiguity.

The service will also include Howells' Magnificat composed for the Choir of Gloucester Cathedral, as well as his anthem "My eyes for beauty pine." St. Bartholomew's Choir will be conducted by William K. Trafka. Paolo Bordignon will be the organist.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place each Sunday morning at 11 am at St. Bartholomew's Church during the summer months. At a time when most churches reduce their musical offerings, St. Bartholomew's Church provides outstanding sacred music sung by St. Bartholomew's Choir and Boy and Girl Choristers, two of New York City's most renowned choirs. Works include an array of mass settings from the 15th century to the present embracing a diversity of cultures from around the world. The music is sung as part of the 11 am service, the liturgical context for which it was composed. All Summer Festival events are free and open to the public.

St. Bartholomew's Church is located at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street and Lexington or E Train to 53rd and Lexington. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit www.stbarts.org/sacredmusic.asp

 

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