Music plays a central role in the life of St Mary’s both liturgically and in concerts.
The Parish Mass draws on a variety of musical styles from the earliest chants of the church to good modern choral and congregational music. The “ordinaries” (the regular sung parts of the Mass) are sung to a mixture of choral and congregational settings. The choir sings some of these ordinaries each week to the music of Palestrina, Victoria, Byrd and many others. In addition, they sing a motet during the communion. Polyphony features heavily in St Mary’s, partly because of the current limitations of the organ (see the page on The Organ) and partly because it is still considered to be the music of the church. It is wonderful to think that some of the music which the choir sings was being sung when the walls of St Mary’s were new. These beautiful choral settings provide moments of reflection during the Mass, when the congregation can use the singing of the choir to focus on the central act of worship and to aid their prayers.
In addition to the choral settings of the ordinaries, we use a variety of modern congregational settings, chosen particularly for their prayerful character and for ease of singing. We use the New English Hymnal as our main source of hymnody and intend to add a partner book to this fine collection shortly. We are fortunate that, at St Mary’s, we not only have a very good choir but also a congregation which sings lustily and with joy.
The other sung services include 1662 Choral Evensong (first Sunday of the month) and special services as the seasons require, such as Carol Services and Stations of the Cross. In 2009, we shall be experimenting with the introduction of Evening Prayer (Common Worship) with a recital to follow. Beautiful prayer coupled with beautiful music of all genres in a moment of peace before the start of another week. This service will take place on the third Sunday of the month.
With it’s lofty vault, the large open spaces of St Mary’s give it the best acoustics for music in the town. Recently, the church has hosted concerts by the eminent counter-tenor, James Bowman, CBE; the Essex Youth Chamber Orchestra, Senegalese kora player, Kadialy Kouyate and a performance of Rachmaninov’s Vespers. It is a major venue for the Maldon Festival of Arts and will feature prominently in this in 2009. We are very happy to host concerts by any musical organisation from Maldon or elsewhere.
We hope that the provision of a new pipe organ, will further enhance the concert making in St Mary’s and the town.
The organ scholarship was set up in early 2008 to support and encourage young musicians. Anyone who has reached a standard of at least grade VI on the keyboard (not necessarily organ, piano will suffice) may apply. The holder receives tuition, ample practice time and many opportunities to accompany the choir and congregation under the guidance of the Director of Music. It is an ideal opportunity for any young person interested in pursuing a career in music or who simply loves making music for its own sake. Experience of holding such a position can be an invaluable aid in university entrance. The first holder of the St Mary’s Organ Scholarship was Paul Johnson, who was generously supported financially by a grant from the Linda Starling Memorial Fund. Paul is now pursuing a course as a first study organist at Birmingham Conservatoire, directly inspired by his time as St Mary’s Organ Scholar.
Anyone interested in applying for the post of Organ Scholar or of finding out more information should contact the Director of Music, Colin Baldy.