In the fall of 2021, Redeemer expanded its pre-Covid monthly Sunday Evensong to a weekly offering. Having just offered some insight about the origins and significance of Evensong in a recent Redeemer Forum, I thought I would share this presentation with the wider parish and hope that this may encourage you to experience the beauty of this liturgy. 

The Origins of Evensong in the Anglican Church

Evensong, also known as Evening Prayer, is a traditional Anglican Church service that has its origins in the monastic offices of Vespers and Compline. The Book of Common Prayer, first compiled by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in the 16th century during the English Reformation, played a significant role in shaping the structure of Evensong as it is known today.

The monastic offices of Vespers and Compline were part of the daily cycle of prayer observed by medieval monastic communities. Vespers, the evening prayer service, typically included psalms, hymns, and prayers. Compline was a shorter service said just before bedtime and often included a hymn, a reading, and prayers for protection during the night.

When Cranmer was compiling the Book of Common Prayer in the mid-16th century, he drew on these traditional monastic forms of worship and adapted them for use in the reformed English Church. The resulting service of Evensong became one of the distinctive features of Anglican worship. It combines elements of Vespers and Compline and is structured around the singing or chanting of psalms, the reading of scripture, and prayers.

Evensong has since become a beloved and distinctive part of worldwide Anglican liturgy. It is often celebrated in cathedrals and large parish churches, featuring choral music, hymns, and a sense of reverence. The language used in Evensong often reflects the beautiful and poetic prose of the Book of Common Prayer, contributing to its distinctive and timeless quality.

The structure of Evensong

Evensong typically follows a structured format, and while there may be some variations, the basic elements remain consistent and include the following components:

1.      Opening Sentences:

The service usually begins with sentences or verses from the Bible that set the tone for worship and invite the congregation to focus their thoughts on God.

2.       Preces and Responses:

Short prayers and responses are recited by the officiant and the choir in a call-and-response format, with the officiant leading. 

3.       Psalmody:

Traditionally, the complete Psalter of 150 Psalms is said or sung at Matins (Morning Prayer) and Evensong every month. To achieve this, the Psalter is divided into 30 days for the month, and divided again with Psalms for Morning Prayer (MP) and Evening Prayer (EP). For example: Psalm 1-5 is sung on the first day of the month at MP, Psalm 6-8 at EP. On the second day of the month, one would say or sing Psalm 9-11 at MP and 12-14 at EP. If you are lucky enough to come to Evensong on day 15, you would traditionally hear the choir sing all 73 verses of Psalm 78. I’ve been tempted to propose this format to Mike, but it would probably make me unpopular with the choir and congregation. 

4.       Old Testament Reading:

After the Psalm, a passage from the Old Testament is read. The selection may vary, and it is often chosen thematically to complement the season or occasion.

5.       Magnificat:

Also known as the Song of Mary, the Magnificat is a canticle that comes from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55). At Evensong, it is often sung or chanted by the choir and reflects the Virgin Mary's response to the Annunciation.

6.       New Testament Reading:

A passage from the New Testament is read. Like the Old Testament reading, it is chosen thematically.

7.       Nunc Dimittis:

Also known as the Song of Simeon, the Nunc Dimittis is a canticle found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:29-32). It expresses Simeon's response to seeing the infant Jesus.

8.       Creed:

The Nicene Creed or the Apostles' Creed is recited, affirming the central beliefs of the Christian faith.

9.       Responses and Collects:

Additional prayers and responses follow, including the Lord's Prayer and various collects (short prayers) for the day, the Church, and other specific intentions.

10.      The Anthem:

A choral anthem is sung by the choir that often complements the theme of the service.

11.       Intercessions and Prayers:

Prayers are offered for the needs of the Church, the world, and individuals. 

12.       The Blessing:

The officiant imparts a blessing, and the congregation is dismissed.

One may have noted that a Sermon, Homily or Reflection has not been mentioned as it is not strictly part of the Office. In English Cathedrals, where Evensong is sung daily, sermons are only offered during the weekends, as we do at Redeemer.

The significance of Evensong today

There are several reasons why the tradition of Evensong hold significance today:

1. Liturgical Tradition:

Evensong is deeply rooted in the liturgical tradition of the Anglican Church. Its structured format (as discussed), blending scripture, psalms, and prayers, reflects the historical and theological foundations of Anglicanism. Many people appreciate the continuity with centuries of Christian worship.

2. Spiritual Reflection and Worship:

Evensong provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and worship, allowing participants to pause and engage in prayer, scriptural readings and music, as well as hymnody. It serves as a dedicated time for individuals to connect with the divine and nourish their spiritual lives.

3. Scripture-Centered Worship:

Evensong is known for its beautiful language. The inclusion of scripture readings from both the Old and New Testaments underscores the importance of engaging with the Bible. The scriptural focus contributes to a deeper understanding of Christian teachings and principles.

4. Choral and Musical Excellence:

One distinctive feature of Evensong is the emphasis on musical excellence. The use of choral anthems, hymns, traditional psalm chants and organ music adds a layer of richness and beauty to the worship experience, enhancing the sense of reverence and transcendence.

5. Evening Reflection and Prayer:

Being an evening service, Evensong offers a space for reflection on the events of the day and a time to bring concerns, gratitude, and hopes before God in prayer. It provides a structured way to conclude the day in a sacred and intentional manner.

6. Accessible Worship:

The relatively formal structure of Evensong, often guided by the Book of Common Prayer, makes it accessible to a wide range of worshippers. The familiarity of the liturgy and the use of traditional language create a sense of continuity and comfort for those attending.

7. Community Gathering:

Evensong often serves as a communal gathering, bringing together members of the faith community for a shared worship experience. It fosters a sense of unity and belonging among congregants.

8. Cultural and Artistic Heritage:

Evensong is often celebrated in cathedrals and churches with historical and architectural significance. The cultural and artistic heritage associated with these spaces adds to the overall experience, making it not only a spiritual event but also a cultural and aesthetic one.

9. Interdenominational Appeal:

While deeply rooted in Anglican tradition, Evensong's structured and contemplative nature can also appeal to individuals from other Christian denominations and even to non-Christians. It provides a space for shared worship that transcends denominational boundaries.

So, Evensong remains significant today as a cherished aspect of Anglican worship, offering a blend of tradition, spiritual depth, and artistic expression. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide a contemplative and communal space for people to encounter the divine and participate in a rich tapestry of worship.

Four composers of significant contributions

The composers Thomas Tallis, Henry Purcell, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Herbert Howells have made significant musical contributions to Evensong in the Anglican tradition. Each of them has a unique style and approach to sacred music, and their compositions are often featured in Evensong services. Here are brief details about their musical contributions with links to three contrasting Nunc dimittis’:

Thomas Tallis (c. 1505-1585):
Tallis is often regarded as one of the greatest English composers of sacred music from the Renaissance period. Although he was born a catholic and lived during the English Reformation, his compositions, including choral settings of the Psalms, liturgical works, and hymn tunes, have been featured in Evensong services for centuries. Tallis is particularly known for his Evening Service orShort Service, which consists of settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis.

Henry Purcell (1659-1695): Purcell was an influential Baroque composer who made significant contributions to sacred music and his compositions are often included in Evensong services such as his Evening Service in G Minor and various anthems.

Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924):
Stanford was an Irish composer and conductor who played a crucial role in the development of English choral music. His compositions are often characterized by rich harmonies and craftsmanship, making them suitable for Evensong. Stanford wrote several settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis of which his service in B-flat is the most popular. His anthems, such as Beati quorum via and Justorum animae are also celebrated Anglican choral repertoire pieces. He is the Nunc Dimittis in G major

Herbert Howells (1892-1983):

Howells was a 20th-century English composer known for his own unique lush harmonies and expressive style. His compositions, including 20 settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, (the most by any composer) have become integral to Evensong services. The Redeemer choir has sung 6 of the 20 in the last 15 months, and it is my intention to sing all 20 over the upcoming few years.

His St. Paul's Service and the Gloucester Service are well-known Evening Service settings and many of his anthems are sung in the Anglican Church.

These composers, spanning different historical periods, have left a lasting legacy in the Anglican choral tradition. Their works continue to be performed in Evensong services, contributing to the beauty, spirituality, and timelessness of this cherished liturgical tradition.

Summary:
I hope this brief overview has been informative and interesting, and that it may encourage you to experience Evensong at the Redeemer if you have not already done so.

If you would like to learn more about Choral Evensong, I would encourage you to read Lighten our darkness - Discovering and celebrating Choral Evensong by Simon Reynolds, which was published in 2021 and is available on Amazon.