Note: This is part of the book titled "The Organist and Choirmaster" by Charles L. Etherington, and published in February 1952. Use the back/next links to navigate or return to the Table of Contents.
The rector of the parish is, strictly speaking, responsible for the music as he is responsible for every other detail of the service. However, except in the occasional country church where no capable person is available, the responsibility for the music is generally delegated to someone engaged for that purpose.
It is the duty of the choirmaster to select and prepare the music of the church; and to choose, train, and maintain discipline among his choristers.
Perhaps the majority of clergymen choose the hymns and psalms, and decide upon the canticles to be used at the services. A few of them designate the tunes, but that decision rests properly with the choirmaster. Very often the rector will leave the choice of the hymns and psalms to a choirmaster in whose ability and good judgement he has confidence.
The privilege of exercising a free hand in the music of the church is not easily earned, for the successful preparation of an Anglican service requires more than musical ability. Musicians of good reputation, with fine organs and trained choirs at their disposal, have often proved disappointing in the Anglican church because of their unfamiliarity with the background and traditions of the service
On the other hand, one occasionally hears a service inspiringly played and sung by an organist and choir of limited musical ability, but with an intimate knowledge of Anglican usage, and the good sense to confine their efforts to music within their limitations.
The choirmaster, then, should be thoroughly familiar with the services, seasons, rituals and traditions of the church at large; and, of course, fully cognizant of any variations and peculiarities which obtain in his particular parish. He should be able, after consultation with his rector, to plan in such a way that each service will be a continuous whole - hymns, psalms, anthems, lessons and sermon combining to impress upon the people the message of the church's season or the subject chosen by the rector. Such a well-planned service is infinitely more effective than a hodge-podge of hymns, psalms, etc. which are not closely related to one another or to the lessons and sermon.
In his work, the choirmaster will come into contact chiefly with the clergy and the choir.
As has been said, the rector is the authority where the services are concerned, and the choirmaster should do his best to carry out the rector's wishes. Most Clergymen are glad to have frequent consultations with their choirmasters, and will respect the judgement of one who is capable, hard-working and zealous. They do not, as a rule, adopt a sympathetic attitude towards church musicians who are seeking prominence and personal glory before the good of the church, and one can scarcely blame them for that. Generally speaking, a choirmaster whose chief aim is to make the services beautiful and devotional will find in his rector a warm friend and staunch ally.
There are a few clergymen who pretend no interest in the music of the church. Their choirmasters are at a disadvantage in not being able to discuss their plans with their rectors, but even in such cases it it possible by care and alertness, to prepare satisfactory services.
Occasionally (one must be frank!) a choirmaster will become associated with a rector who interferes in the music to such an extent that the choirmaster becomes a nonentity. Unfortunately, the rare clergymen who thus interfere have, as a rule, no knowledge of music or of the problems which the choirmaster has to solve. In such a situation, the choirmaster would be well advised to seek service elsewhere. Conflict is as useless as it is unseemly for, whatever the merits of the case, the rector remains the authority.
Contact with other clergy of the parish (if there are others) is generally unofficial. The choirmaster may be required to instruct a new curate in the manner of intoning the service in his parish, and he will do well to discuss preparations for the service with a curate who is to preach.
The choirmaster's associations with the lay officials of the church - chiefly the wardens - is usually confined to financial matters: salary, supplies for the choir, the care of the organ, etc. Some churches have an elected body called the Select Vestry, but any opinions they may desire to express concerning the music are properly conveyed to the choirmaster through the wardens or, better still, the rector.
Music committees are not the rule in the Anglican church, but they are sometimes encountered. They are of three kinds: those that confine their duties to arranging for the tuning and maintenance of the organ, the supplying of books and anthems, and the provision of vestments, may be of real assistance in relieving the choirmaster of responsibilities that should not be his; those which do nothing can be tolerated; but those that seek to justify their appointment by interfering in the music of the church and the personnel of the choir are nothing more than nuisances.
Choirmasters should not expect to become laws unto themselves, but they should be considered competent of performing the duties allotted to them. The interests of the church are best served when instructions regarding the services are given only by the rector. All church musicians receive suggestions, some helpful, some foolish. The wise man listens courteously, and considers those suggestions that promise to be of benefit.
The Anglican choirmaster's associations with his choir are exactly the same as those of a choirmaster in any other church. The ability to exert authority and maintain discipline, while retaining the friendship and respect of his choristers, is a matter of personality and temperament rather than the subject of a book. It is not always easy to reconcile the needs of the choir with the convenience of the choristers; but the man who sets and example of enthusiasm and hard work, and who treats his choristers with courtesy and consideration, is not likely to have much trouble.
But much of the choirmaster's work is done alone, in study and preparation. He should be able to choose his material intelligently, having regard both to its appropriateness for the service under consideration, and to its appropriateness for the service under consideration, and to its practicability from the standpoint of the choir. This duty requires not only a certain knowledge (of which is hoped that this book may impart a little) but a willingness to devote some time to the matter. A hasty choosing of hymns and chants an hour or two before rehearsal time will usually have unsatisfactory results.
Time should be taken not only for the selection of the music, but for its study. The choirmaster should make himself familiar with the words of the hymns, psalms and anthems he intends to use; he must decide the phrasing, and know what passages are likely to give his choir trouble; he should know each part as thoroughly as he hopes his singers will known it. This familiarity is not acquired by a cursory glance.
Unless he is to remain in a rut, the choirmaster should examine new music, and older music with which he is not familiar. Most publishers are glad to supply music "on approval" and to keep the choirmaster informed as to the newer trends in church music.
It is wise to examine new psalters and service books in these days when the whole system of chanting is undergoing change.
Finally, the choirmaster should strive to submerge personal ambition and to avoid showmanship. The most carefully prepared service can be marred by a conductor who, by exaggerated gestures, attracts the attention of the congregation towards himself. There is a general misconception that humility leads to weak submission and obscurity. True humility goes hand in hand with quiet dignity, and earns more respect than any amount of showmanship. In church music, as in any other activity, a great deal of noise and the desire for prominence may bring satisfaction for a time; but it is the man who performs his duties conscientiously, earnestly and competently who wins the lasting regard of those with whom he is associated.