HCS Newsletter Number 98 (13 January 2009)

"In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan
Earth was hard as iron, water like a stone"

Words by Christina Rossetti Tune by Gustav Holst.
Voted best carol in 2008 by various choir masters.

Achieved is the Glorious Work
Well, I think that 9 December was a great day in the history of HCS. To have been asked and to have delivered for such a sparkling occasion is a ‘feather in our cap’. This is what Brian Kay had to say:

It was such a special pleasure making music with the HCS in Watford; a proud past-President given the opportunity to conduct a choir in such terrific form. It was the first time the BBC Concert Orchestra had agreed to a choir taking part in that concert. They were delighted by your contribution – as indeed was I. The singing was splendidly tight and wonderfully committed and the sound was positively thrilling! So – many thanks indeed for all your hard work on behalf of the concert and my warmest thanks to everyone in the choir for entering into the spirit of the occasion so totally. I hope we can get together again some time and I hope too that the BBC will want to involve you further.
With all good wishes to all….

The orchestra’s manager said:

A huge thank you to you (i.e. Derek – ed) and the choir for such a marvellous performance on Tuesday evening. I thought the standard of their singing was extremely high – they sang beautifully and looked extremely smart. Everything ran very smoothly (thank you for coping with the less than professional dressing rooms!) and they were a joy to work with.

I enjoyed being part of the audience for once and felt very proud of HCS!

Having had a fun time last year (Creation, the band, the Purcell/Handel programme), we start 2009 with the Requiem by Durufle. Yes, it is a Requiem but also one of the best-loved pieces at the core of the repertoire for a major choir. Probably most often heard with just organ accompaniment, our performance will be different – and rather special, of course! – because we shall have a full orchestra.. On a rather lighter note, we also have two pieces by Elgar. Pomp and Circumstance No 4 has the typical ‘big tune’. The other piece begins We are the music makers which seems appropriate and there are several echoes of famous ‘Elgar moments’ sprinkled throughout. The text continues ……and we are the dreamers of dreams. I hope you would agree that HCS has had dreams and has fulfilled them by being adventurous and innovative from time to time. Such
occasions have left many of us with vivid and treasured memories. I do hope that spirit will be maintained and that HCS will continue to evolve. I hope you enjoy this term’s activities – including the workshop day on 28 Feb, of which more anon!

(Re those treasured memories, if you would like to share them with the rest of us, please send them for inclusion in the newsletter – ed)

Welcome to our spring concert season. I hope you all had a really good break and are fully refreshed and ready for the new challenges that lie ahead. Reality is often more complicated but I hope you have a great 2009.

Congratulations and our warmest best wishes to Eric and Morna. How wonderfully romantic!

One of the pleasures of becoming chair of HCS is that I get to hear from a lot of people about what they think from the perspective of both choir and audience members. Unsurprisingly, recently expressed views have varied considerably, perhaps especially in response to proposed changes. Changing things is never easy and there is always the danger that different is not necessarily better. At least in relation to one aspect of the Christmas concert at All Saints there seems to have been pretty much a unanimous and very positive conclusion. It was hugely enjoyable to see and hear the Bengeo School choir again.

HCS is, as I am sure you know, a Charitable Trust. As such it enjoys many benefits, mainly of a financial nature. For example, we derive considerable additional ‘free’ income from Gift Aided subscriptions. Many of the organisations offering potential grants to Arts’ organisations will accept applications only from registered charities. Money left to the society in people’s wills has the added bonus of not attracting inheritance tax, something from which we have benefited considerably on a number of occasions.

But there is more to being a charity than pecuniary advantage. One of the obligations of being a Trust requires us to state our ‘legal objects’ as a choir. Those for HCS set out our purpose as being to:

‘…improve members’ musical education and to stimulate the general public’s education, interest in, and awareness and appreciation of choral music...’

In seeking to achieve our overall purpose our Trust Deeds set out a number of objectives. These include:

To continue to be an ‘all-comers’ choir…
To make choral singing accessible to as wide a cultural and social spectrum as possible.
To attract and encourage new, particularly younger, members to ensure the Society’s future and to ensure a well balanced choir.
To investigate opportunities for local cross-arts collaboration.

My question is how well are we doing in relation to these objectives? How accessible do we make ourselves across a wide cultural and social spectrum? What opportunities do we actually take to collaborate in local cross-arts? Although we continue to be very successful in many ways, we are attracting relatively few younger members and our age profile is steadily rising. (Incidentally that appears to be true of our audiences as well.) The traditional musical environment that many of us grew up in no longer exists. Thirty plus years ago most churches had thriving choirs. All Saints is now one of relatively few parish churches with a thriving choir with membership drawn from a wide age range, including boy choristers.

School choirs, often several in the same school, were once fairly commonplace. The school day used to include hymn singing in both music lessons and the daily act of collective worship. Nowadays, choral singing, particularly in secondary schools, is not the norm it once was and generally, where it occurs, the content is no longer ‘traditional’.

At the same time, music is undoubtedly more prevalent than ever - from the private soundtracks on MP3 players to the relentless background music in almost every shop and public space. John Lewis had an excellent Christmas 2008, built in part around huge sales of iPods. There is certainly no evidence that young people don't want to sing: look at the massive crowds of X-Factor, Any Dream Will Do and Last Choir Standing hopefuls - but group singing, particularly in school, appears to be increasingly something of a postcode lottery.

The point, I think, is that perhaps there is no longer a ready source of younger people – say those under 40 - who naturally gravitate towards choirs such as ours. HCS is very typical of local amateur choirs who perform a mainly classical repertoire. If we are to survive and continue to thrive in the next five, ten, twenty years and more, we need to find ways to overcome this so that children like those currently at Bengeo will have a local choir they are attracted to and able to join – and in the meantime, what about their parents?
Our focus must surely be to actively embrace the objectives we set ourselves as an organisation and in doing so find new, creative ways of engaging with people in Hertford and its surrounding areas. Some of that has to be going out into the community to let people know about what we do and who we are. The challenge is how to make what we offer more attractive to people in their twenties, thirties and forties, and perhaps especially men. How we set out to do all this is, I think, our next step.

Keith Hutt

A carol to be sung to the tune of Jesus Child (the first line of which is Have you heard the story that they’re telling ‘bout Bethlehem? by John Rutter).

Have you heard the latest awful carol we’ve got to sing?
Really hackneyed words; it’s loud and far too long.
How can any man who wrote that beautiful Requiem
Write a carol like a Eurovision song?
O God – the choirs mutter
Please not another Rutter

Can’t we stick to Berlioz or trad. Anon?
Viola da Gamba

As usual the hard work of many members made the two concerts at All Saints last term run smoothly. I am analysing the efforts put in by so many members at the moment, as well as those of our supporters whether they are stewards (including the one who spent most of the Christmas concert on the cold floor stopping the Christmas tree lights go into flash mode every time the mike was used!!), bearers of Christmas trees, drink pourers or those who cope at home on ‘The Day of an HCS Concert.’ To our supporters behind the scenes: heartfelt thanks. And to those of you who offer your time so willingly, from part reps to trustees, from music to refreshments, from washing glasses or entertaining our soloists, or chasing around Hertfordshire for programmes, flyers and flowers and then chasing around All Saints on the day: it’s great for us all to share in the work for a concert production. It is all too easy to concentrate on the few gaps we have at times, and overlook the hundreds of jobs that get done, often by some people juggling several different responsibilities. If you want to help: don’t feel left out! We can find you a job or a job-share that helps us and that suits you! Hilary Laidler

They also serve…………….

‘Did you enjoy it?’ I asked my husband in the interval of the Christmas concert. He was stewarding at the back of the church. ‘Well’ he said ‘first a child was sick and that had to be cleared up. Then a lady sat down opposite me and started to breast-feed her baby (I hope you haven’t got a problem with that – ed). Throughout, every time the microphone was used, it disturbed the Christmas tree lights so my colleague spent the first half lying under the tree where the control switch was!’
As he spoke, someone dropped a glass of red wine on the stone floor. I left him clearing up while I rejoined the other members of the choir for the second half of the concert…

A second alto

Alison Walker (A2) moved to Devon in the summer.
She wrote the following; I have very much enjoyed singing with HCS all these years and to have the opportunity to sing such a very varied collection of music. Special thanks to Jean Crow (name has been changed to protect anonymity! - ed) who was hon sec in 1986. When I wanted to join, she said – Oh dear, we already have too many altos. I said – well, perhaps you could give me the phone number of the Ware Choral Society, at which Jean said – on second thoughts, if you could sing second alto, I’m sure we could fit you in. Thanks to Derek (and Jean) and everyone for making it possible to learn so much while enjoying oneself. Best wishes for the future.

Morna Braybrook (A2)
In 1993, the following was written in a profile on Morna. It would be no surprise if there are still some people who do not know who Morna is because she is one of those uncomplaining, non-bolshie types who just gets on with the job. At the time, Morna was HCS social secretary and was largely responsible for raising several £1000 for HCS from fund-raising activities as well as providing refreshments for every occasion. But there can surely be no one who doesn’t now know Morna, as it is she who sells the concert tickets with extreme efficiency and unflappability. Hers will be a hard act to follow.
But sshhhhhhh – is that the Wedding March I hear? No – my mistake – it is Bach’s Sheep may safely graze. And the bride is no less than Morna herself looking resplendent in blue and holding a bouquet of yellow roses and being ‘given away’ by her son, Robert. On 3 January, this year, at Holy Trinity church, Bengeo, Morna walked down the aisle on the arm of Robert and accompanied by flower girls, Abigail, Marion and Carole, who are three of Morna and Eric’s (combined) nine grandchildren. Marriage vows were exchanged with Eric Lane, Morna’s bridge partner of several years. They both sing in the choir of Holy Trinity. Eric’s two sons were ‘best men’. In the congregation were at least five other grandchildren, as well as Morna’s five children and many other family members and friends. During the signing of the register, Morna’s twin daughters, Ruth on flute and Mary on piano played Saint-Saen’s The Swan and Debussy’s The Girl with the Flaxen Hair. A beaming Morna and Eric left the church hand-in-hand to Handel’s Hornpipe and pealing bells. Such happiness couldn’t happen to a nicer couple.

In 1991 HCS put together a prize-winning ‘float’ for the Hertford Carnival to represent and advertise the next concert; Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius. Morna dressed up as an elegant but unconvincing demon. I thought at the time that the role as The Angel in white robe, with wings, a golden harp and a halo would have been more fitting for such as she. I was wrong – I think she’s a bit of a devil on the quiet. After the whirlwind engagement, she’s certainly living up to the motto she cited in 1993. ‘Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today’.

Ed

For many years, HCS music scores have been stored in Morna’s house. Morna is now selling her house. Please – is there any one out there who has space enough to take on the storage? For details of how much storage is needed please contact Hilary Laidler (A1) tel 01992 586252

SATC is the abbreviation used (apparently) when referring to Sex and The City (a popular TV programme and now a film). What can you come up with for what SATB stands for (other than Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)?
Sex and The Basses has already been ruled out!
Suggestions to the ed - please!

But did you know that a Hertford Choral Society was bringing music to the people of Hertford well over a hundred years ago? The nineteenth century Hertford Choral Society was founded by Mr Malcolm Heywood, organist at All Saints, and gave one ballad and two choral concerts each season.

Notice from the Hertfordshire Mercury 11 October 1879 Reproduced with kind permission of Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

Malcolm Heywood was appointed organist at All Saints in 1873, following the resignation of Charles Bridgeman, who is said to have been the world’s longest serving church organist. Born in 1778 Charles Bridgeman took up his post in November 1791 shortly after his thirteenth birthday, finally feeling compelled to resign from his duties on 7 December 1872 at the age of 94. In his letter to All Saints Vestry he offered them his resignation “after 81 years of uninterrupted service”. In addition to his work at All Saints, Charles Bridgeman presided over the Hertford Glee Society, and composed music for both the church and the Glee Society. A piece entitled The Hertford Borough March attributed to him was performed by the society at a literary soiree in Hertford Town Hall in October 1852.

The appointment of a new organist was to be a particular headache for the Vestry of All Saints – after all it was 81 years since the last appointment and there was some disagreement about how to proceed. A public vote had to be taken on whether to advertise for candidates outside of the area and in January 1873 an advertisement was placed in The Hertfordshire Mercury and The Musical Standard requiring candidates to produce “a certificate of qualification from a professor of music or organist of whom the committee approves”. The selection process seems to have got out of hand with some candidates excluded despite having provided testimonials. Furious letters to the Mercury followed. Eventually the matter was resolved by a public poll in the Town Hall on 11 March, and the winning candidate was Malcolm Heywood.

The second half of the Victorian era saw a cultural renaissance throughout England, and Hertford was no exception. Concerts and literary soirees abounded, and Hertford could boast a literary society, a choral class, an elementary singing class and choral societies such as The Hertford Choral Society, St Andrews Choral Society and The Hertford Musical Society. Not wishing to be left behind, the good folk of Ware soon embarked on their own venture and parishioners were invited to attend a meeting in November 1880 “for the purpose of making arrangements for the formation of a Musical Society”.

Malcolm Heywood had no small part to play in bringing music of the highest quality to Hertford. In December 1873, the year of his appointment, he held Musical Services at All Saints in aid of the organ restoration fund, at which the church choir was “assisted by several eminent vocalists from the Sacred Harmonic Society”. Recitals, concerts and festivals continued in the church, giving rise to complaints that All Saints was being turned into a concert hall! An evening concert at the Shire Hall in January 1875 was the first of many annual performances, soon to be known as “Mr Malcolm Heywood’s Grand Evening Concert”, with distinguished soloists who had performed with the likes of the Old Philharmonic Society and the Royal Italian Opera. The Hertfordshire Mercury was most enthusiastic about his endeavours and after the 1875 concert reported “It is a matter of congratulations to him that he has at last been induced to break the ice and venture on a public concert in the Shire Hall; and having made a commencement it is hoped that Mr Heywood will do his utmost to improve and foster the musical taste of the town by giving a series of such concerts”. Indeed he did. A review of his sixth annual concert in February 1880 stated that “the public of Hertford is indebted to Mr Heywood for the rich musical treats he provides them”. Later that year “Amateur Musical Entertainment” was given at the Shire Hall in connection with the Hertford Literary Association under the management of Mr Malcolm Heywood. In January 1881, at one of his frequent organ recitals, he again brought a high standard of music to Hertford when he was “assisted by some of the leading choristers of Waltham Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral”. The Mercury praised “Mr Heywood’s well known ability on the organ” and said of his recitals that they “cannot fail to be a great treat to all music lovers”.

There is no doubt that the musical life of the town was much enhanced during the last years of the nineteenth century, not only by Malcolm Heywood’s commitment to the sacred music of the church, but also by his energetic enthusiasm for music as entertainment. A strong choral tradition was begun that we have the privilege to continue.

Malcolm Heywood died aged only 48 in December 1900 and was buried at All Saints, having served as organist there for 27 years. Charles Bridgeman died in the August following his retirement and was also buried at All Saints, the church he served for 81 years.

A copy of Charles Bridgeman’s manuscript music book and the Hertford Borough March (or Hertford Grand March), The Vestry Minutes of All Saints and nineteenth century editions of The Hertfordshire Mercury are held at Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies. More information about the organists of All Saints can be found in Gillian Sheldrick’s book, Three Centuries of Music at All Saints Church Hertford.

Sheila White

Ralph Baldwin (ex HCS member) died at home in Suffolk on 9 Nov 2008. He sang with Bury Bach Choir. The choir sang Faure’s Requiem at their concert on 15 November dedicating it to Ralph.
Russ Craig wrote the following to Ralph’s son;
Dear Darrell
I have just heard of the death of your father. I was a member of the Hertford Choral Society for about 20 years, until my wife's incapacity, during which time I had the pleasure of knowing and singing with Ralph. I recall those hectic days at his home in Welwyn along with a small group from the HCS choir helping to put the finishing touches or repainting the staging which he designed and virtually made himself for 150 members or so. The staging transformed the morale and outward appearance of the choir. Its transport to and from various old barns on the Lord Salisbury estate along with its erection and dismantling helped to bond great numbers of singers, male and female, together on choir performance Saturdays. We were very sorry when he left the choir some time ago for pastures new.
As an architect myself, I was aware of his contribution to innovative architecture in this country and abroad. Please accept my condolences and pass on my deepest sympathy to your mother. Due to a long-standing appointment in Harrow tomorrow I regret that I shall not be able to attend the funeral. My thoughts will be with you and your family.

Russ Craig

Ruth Hughes, who lived at Cradle End, near Little Hadham, was a member of HCS for many years. She left the choir when her voice began to fail but became a patron and was a loyal supporter, attending all concerts. Her presence had been missed of late. On enquiry, it was learnt that she died on 2 March 2007 aged 95.

It’s Winter, meltin intae Spring,
When lav’rocks soar an linties sing
An speugs will fecht an cushats coo,
An wee bits sun come blinkin through.
Stuckies, chaffies stert tae nest
But then, continuous blinkin pest,
The snaw comes driftin doon again,
A variation oan the rain,
And they, lik me, wid raither be
Whaur warmth an comfort are baith free.

Leslie Hunter, Glasgow

A retired singer fearing the approach of the grim reaper worried that he would no longer be able to sing after his demise. He went down on his knees and asked ‘Is there a heavenly choir?’ God replied ‘Do you want the good news first or the bad news?’ ‘The good news’ said the old man. ‘The good news is that there is indeed a heavenly choir. The bad news is that you’re expected at this evening’s rehearsal’.

Jean Boyter sends New Year good wishes to everyone. She is still at Ashview Nursing Home at Widford where she is making slow progress. She welcomes visitors; they keep her sane!

Congratulations to Jessie Hopkins (S1) who was 80 on 16 Sept 2008. She has sung continuously in the choir for 65 years having joined in 1943! This must be some sort of record.

The carols were fine,
And so was the wine.
The medley was deadly –
We didn't shine.
The weather was foul,
The loo had no towel.
There was a good crowd,
But the band was too loud.
The kids were nice,
But they only sang twice.
The church was cold,
My feet grew mould!
And my husband, I fear
Thought the cost was too dear,
And it's debatable whether he'll come next year.

Auntie Di: Yes! Yes! I agree with every word. Re the cost; paying £15 to sit on hard pews in a cold church to sing carols, when church carol services are free, has worried me for a long time. (OK – ours is different and involves much expense)

I Stedford: Have you thought of writing a booklet on choir etiquette?
Di: How do you mean?
Iris: How to behave at rehearsals, how to dress, how to behave in concerts – that sort of thing.
Di: But doesn’t it come naturally?
Iris: Some people are very slow to learn.
Di: There is obviously something in particular that is worrying you.
Iris: ..er..yes…At the last concert, I was sitting near someone who had not bothered to put her music in the correct order and ended up scuffling through various books and manuscripts in between every item – even dropping books on the floor. It was very distracting for other choir members as well as audience.
Di: Poor soul. You know what it’s like – job, home, shopping, family, watching TV, going to the pub, texting friends, drinking coffee, doing the crossword, having a manicure, playing Freecell on the pc, sleeping – she obviously hadn’t had time to arrange her music in programme order. We must show these busy people compassion especially at Christmas…….

Happy New Year!

>> HCS Newsletter Number 97 (September 2008)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 96 (April 2008)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 95 (January 2007)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 94 (September 2007)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 93 (April 2007)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 92 (December 2006)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 91 (September 2006)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 90 (April 2006)

>> HCS Newsletter Number 89 (January 2006)