BRATTLEBORO — The beautiful service of Choral Evensong will be sung at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at St. Michael's Episcopal Church.
The 24-voice choir, directed by Susan Dedell, will sing settings of the Evensong Canticles by Everett Titcomb, with additional liturgical music by Vaughn Williams.
Those in attendance will be invited to sing a variety of evening songs and chants, which are woven throughout the service.
The little-known music of Everett Titcomb (1885-1968) occupies a unique niche in American sacred music. His creative voice shows his affinity for plainchant and the polyphonic style of the 15th and 16th century Italians, giving his music a satisfying linear simplicity.
Titcomb was associated with the Cowley Fathers of Boston, devotees of social justice, especially in the West End of Boston. Titcomb fervently believed that beauty was an essential component for the full lives of all, not just the wealthy.
Choral Evensong itself is a service that was created in the early days of the Church of England. Meant to be sung at dusk, the service has attracted the attention of composers who revel in the opportunity to set the beautiful words of the canticles.
“Choral Evensong was a favorite of many of the great composers, as the design and intent of the service creates an opportunity for so much music,” says Dedell, who is St. Michael's' director of music.
“Evensong has lots of singing and chanting - no sermon - and a beautiful sense of gratefulness for the day past and the evening to come. It is the perfect service for someone outside the church to come and enjoy the graciousness of this particularly Anglican event,” she adds.