Joseph Rheinberger (1839-1901) studied organ and composition at the Munich Conservatory. His Mass in E flat dates from 1878, and is dedicated to Pope Leo XIII. It makes excellent and varied use of its eight-part scoring and demonstrates the contrapuntal mastery that might be expected of a man renowned for his teaching of fugue and composition. Betraying the influence of the Venetian choral tradition (the juxtaposition of two separate choirs), the Gloria uses the sumptuous harmonic language that is employed throughout the Mass. The largely syllabic Gloria is balanced by the (relatively) large proportions of the remaining movements, where there is more repetition of text and development of ideas. The warmth of the E flat major tonality is made all the more effective by the deviations from this key, serving to convey the affekt of the text and give the mass a somewhat symphonic structure. This is underlined in the instrumentally conceived ending of the Agnus Dei, here the long-term harmonic planning contributes to the success of this closing section.

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), Diasi lode in cielo, in terra (La Resurrezione)

Handel travelled widely throughout Europe in the early part of his career, and lived in Italy at the beginning of the 18th century.  The oratorio from which today’s anthem is taken was first performed on Easter Day 1708 in Rome in the palace of Prince Ruspoli, one of Handel’s patrons.  Today we will sing the final chorus: ‘Let praises sound in Heaven and Earth to the King of Earth and Heaven!  Who rose upon the Earth this day That Earth might rise to Heaven.’

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), Rise Heart

Vaughan Williams composed ‘Five mystical songs’ between 1906 and 1911, setting texts by George Herbert.  The simplicity and directness of the music puts Herbert’s texts in the foreground.  Today’s anthem is the first song, taken from Herbert’s poem ‘Easter’, and includes a soaring bass solo and expansive choral writing.

Bertie Baigent (b. 1995), O nata lux

This anthem was written especially for St Marylebone Parish Church.  Its simple text setting and warm harmony aim to bring the mystery of the ancient text to the fore.