20th-Century Anglican Music: What Was Lost So That We Might Gain

If 20^th- century liturgical music could be summed up in a single word, it would be - change. While the Anglican repertoire of the 19th century clung to the imperial idealisms of the past, the 20^th- century witnessed the emergence of a new musical England - one grounded in the realities of its people, shaped by two world wars and the growing influence of the English folk tradition.

This Sunday, The St. Jude’s Choir will sing Like as the Hart by Herbert Howells (1892–1983), one of the most significant composers of sacred music in the 20^th-century. Born in Lydney, Gloucestershire, Howells received his formal training at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied under Charles Villiers Stanford, Hubert Parry, and Charles Wood.

Like as the Hart was composed in 1941, during a time of profound personal and national turmoil. Just a few years earlier, in 1935, Howells had lost his young son Michael to polio at the age of nine - a tragedy that would deeply shape the rest of his musical life.

The text of the anthem is drawn from Psalm 42:1–7, beginning with the poignant verse:

“Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks,
so longeth my soul after thee, O God.”

This setting, along with other works from this emotionally charged period - such as his Requiem and Hymnus Paradisi - expresses themes of longing, grief, and spiritual hope. Through his music, Howells transformed personal loss into transcendent beauty, giving voice to a nation - and a Church - seeking comfort and meaning in a time of deep uncertainty.

Sebastian Moreno
Director of Music