Music in Worship
Music speaks to our souls. Song is a part of virtually every tradition of Christian worship, and therefore music is the most ecumenical aspect of the Christian faith. Hymns and songs are borrowed between denominations and churches.
Anglican music is therefore as eclectic as any other tradition, but with specific hymnody and songs which fit into particular themes and events in the Church year. In this article, we will explore musical worship in the Anglican tradition.
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Music: At the Core of Anglican Worship
There is great variety across North America in terms of how music is used in worship, and music is very important to our worship. It is just a simple and obvious fact that human beings sing. Not every one of us sings with the same quality, but we sing. The scripture commands us to sing.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Col. 3.16
The Types of Music
Most Anglican communion services include at least two hymns, an opening or processional hymn, and a closing or recessional hymn. The Gloria, an ancient song of praise, is often sung, especially during Easter. Songs of praise are often blended into the service, with great variety as to the placement and duration. Service music is based on the liturgical texts of the Prayer Books, which may be sung or said by clergy and people. These include the Gloria, the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), the Lord’s Prayer, and the Fraction Anthem.
These are the songs frequently incorporated into a Sunday service:
- The Opening or Processional Hymn
- Songs of Praise
- Psalms sung or chanted
- Service Music
- Closing or Recessional Hymn
Music Supports the Liturgy
The core reality of Anglican worship is that music supports and fits into the liturgy and not the other way around. That is, the liturgy is primary, it is the order that guides our worship, and music is secondary in that it must fit the tone and themes given by the Prayer Book order. Thus the music of the church may joyfully remain in the service of worship and not become an end in itself. With this in mind, musicians offer their gifts to God and his people in producing beautiful music.
The Role of the Musician
Music is also seen as much the work of the people as is the whole liturgy. The musicians and leaders are not performing, they are supporting. You will notice that in most Anglican services the musicians are off to the side or even hidden almost completely. This emphasizes their role as supportive of what the rest of the people and clergy are doing. At times energetic contemporary music or overzealous choirs give the impression of a movement toward performance-oriented music.
Anglicanism has long celebrated excellence in sacred music. Sacred music does not have to be performance-oriented to be important, and powerful does not diminish and is integrated deeply into the order of our worship.
Image: Photo by John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash
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