A Country Parson: James Woodforde’s Diary, 1759-1802,Oxford University Press, 1985 by Alan Seymour According to the blurb inside the dust jacket:First published between 1924 and 1931, the diary of Parson […]
Extracts from Parson Woodforde’s Diary Read More »
But, sir, if many acts of indiscretion are committed by the organist and his one or two friends, what shall we say of an assembly of men and boys or
From The Parish Choir Read More »
by Karl Moritz (London: Cassell and Company, 1886) On to Nettlebed: a perfect village I walked a little way out of the village, where, at some distance, I saw several people
Travels in England in 1782 Read More »
by John Antes La Trobe At the appointed time they commence. The first specimen he has of his choir is perhaps ushered in by a clarinet, which, though rather a
From The music of the church considered in its various branches … Read More »
The Diary of William Holland, A Somerset Parson, 1799-1818(Over Stowey, Somerset) 1800Sun 23 FebThe Church was full this evening, some strangers with instruments of various kinds among the Singers. Poor
“Paupers and Pig-killers” Read More »
Francis W.Galpin In Musical News, July 8 1883, pp31-32, and July 15, 1883, pp.56-58. It is only at the church of Winterboume Abbas, a mile further up tbe valley, that a
The village church band; an interesting survival. Read More »
Originally published in The Connoisseur, No. 134, THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 1756. Delicta majorum immeritus lues,Romane, donec templa refecerisÆdesque labentes Deorum, etFœda nigro simulacra fumo.The tott’ring tower, and mould’ring walls repair,And fill
William Cowper’s Observations on Country Churches Read More »
Firle, near Lewes, Sussex, 30th July 1832 At this church at Firle, which is in its itself and its surrounding trees a most beautiful thing, … there was not a
William Cobbett on Country Singers Read More »
by Charles Burney Lovers of mere harmony might receive great pleasure from Metrical Psalmody, in parts, devoid as it is of musical measure, and syllabic quantity, if it were well
From A General History of Music, volume ii, p.57 Read More »
From The Gentleman’s Magazine, February 1741 Sir, There is a certain abuse swept, of late years, into the Psalmody of our churches. We have, in most Parishes, a set of men called
On the Abuse of Psalmody in Churches; and Proposals for remedying it. Read More »
Some of these accounts have been published in Rollo Woods’ book Good Singing Still Contemporary Accounts What The Papers Say Reminiscences Fictional References Authors
Literary References to West Gallery Music Read More »
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