Howells: Evening Canticles

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Herbert Howells (1892-1983) was introduced to the music of the Anglican Church as a boy in his parish church, and his early interest in the choral tradition resulted in his becoming an ‘articled pupil’ to Herbert Brewer at Gloucester Cathedral (a position similar to today’s cathedral organ scholar).

In 1912, Howells left Gloucestershire for the Royal College of Music in London, where he was to spend most of his career, first as a student to Stanford, Parry and Wood, and then as a teacher himself. His church music has become a staple part of the Anglican choral repertoire and three of his 20 settings of he Evening Canticles are sung regularly; the other 17 are unjustifiably neglected.

The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College consists of undergraduates and graduates reading a variety of subjects, most of whom are students either at Selwyn College or Newnham College. Most choir members are Choral Exhibioners but there are also some volunteers. The choir sings three services each week during University Term, as well as concerts and services in and around Cambridge. In addition, it records regularly, and every year undertakes a major international tour.

Recent destinations have included Sweden, Italy, Hungary, and the United States.