Around 12 singers gathered on 20th March at St Laurence, Wormley for the session on plainsong and then singing Compline – as outlined below. We were hampered to some degree by the Compline booklet not being the one expected however all was completed satisfactorily! A congregation of similar size joined us for the short service itself which included the anthem “Hail gladdening light” (for SA & men). The readings and prayers were read by members of the choir. It was particularly appropriate for the nature of the service that we all sat in the choir pews (in the chancel) – choir one side, congregation the other. The sense of occasion was enhanced by a number of candles lit around the area. We were very grateful for the support given to us by members of the church who also provided a lovely tea and cakes.

The guidance given for the event was:

This is another opportunity to learn about singing plainsong and reading from neumes in the context of the quiet service of Compline – An Order for Night Prayer. Led by Derek Harrison

DATE/VENUE: Sunday 20th March 2022; Venue: St Laurence, Church Lane, Wormley EN10 7QF. (www.stlaurencewormley.org.uk)

TIMES: WORKSHOP 3.00; REHEARSAL 4.15; SERVICE 6.00

The first session will look at musical notation briefly but the notation of neumes in particular (using the Compline music for practice). That include listening to the opening of DuruflĂ©’s Requiem noticing how exactly he follows the plainsong for the opening; likewise the Toccata on Ave Maris Stella by Flor Peeters. We then rehearse all of the music the service including the anthem (tbd). A congregation is very welcome to experience this lovely service in a special setting. The choir does not robe for this service.

Between the rehearsal and service, tea will be provided for all those taking part.

Music for the event: the Compline booklet was provided (from the EHCCA library). It is published by the RSCM for The Plainsong and Medieval Music Society.