“Compline: A contemplative journey through Lent” in St Martin’s Church

Service-cum-performance of plainchant and polyphony
St Martin’s Church, Exeter
8pm on 11 18 25 March 1 8 April 2019

The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto), featuring musicians Ruth Molins, Sophie Brewer (Flute), Emma Welton (Violin), Catherine Bradley (Cello).

Lent is the period of 40 days, excluding Sundays, which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter.

By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians draw a parallel with both Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry, and the Israelites’ journey of 40 years to the Promised Land as told in the book of Exodus.

Lent is often marked by fasting, both from food and festivities. Many Christians in the Church of England may also take up something for Lent, such as praying daily or giving more to charity. The underlying purpose is to draw closer to God.

Compline is the last service in the monastic daily cycle of prayer. Its English name comes from the Latin for completion, as it completes the working day. It is also known as Night Prayer, the prayer before sleep.

This short service of Compline remained broadly similar week by week, with additional music that changed to accompany our journey together through Lent. There were opportunities for reflection through the simplicity of the setting, the beauty of the music, and the periods of silence.

The service was cohosted by the Churches Conservation Trust, which looks after St Martin’s.

Programme

11 March	Solo: “The Crucifixion” from “The Hermit Songs” by Samuel Barber Margaret Aagesen Hughes soprano Ruth Molins flute Catherine Bradley cello Antiphon: “Ave Regina Caelorum” Clare Bryden alto Instrumental Voluntary: “Song 2” by Anastassis Philippakopoulos Ruth Molins bass flute
18 March	Solo: “Blute nur” from the St Matthew Passion by JS Bach Margaret Aagesen Hughes soprano Ruth Molins flute Sophie Brewer flute Antiphon: “Ave Regina Caelorum” Clare Bryden alto Instrumental Voluntary: two duets by Francis Chagrin Ruth Molins flute Sophie Brewer flute
25 March Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord	Duet: “Ave Maria” by Camille Saint-Saëns Margaret Aagesen Hughes soprano Clare Bryden alto Emma Welton violin Antiphon: “Alma Redemptoris” Margaret Aagesen Hughes and Clare Bryden Instrumental Voluntary: “Allemanda” from “Partita no. 2” by JS Bach Emma Welton violin
1 April	Solo: “Ebarme dich” from the St Matthew Passion by JS Bach Clare Bryden alto Emma Welton violin Catherine Bradley Cello Antiphon: “Ave Regina Caelorum” Margaret Aagesen Hughes and Clare Bryden Instrumental Voluntary: “Népdalféle (Im Volkston)” and “Doloroso (Garzulyéknak)” from “Signs, Games and Messages” by Kurtág György Emma Welton violin
8 April Passiontide	Duet: First movement of “Stabat Mater” by GB Pergolesi arr Margaret Aagesen Hughes Margaret Aagesen Hughes soprano Clare Bryden alto Catherine Bradley cello Antiphon: “Ave Regina Caelorum” Margaret Aagesen Hughes and Clare Bryden Instrumental Voluntary: “Sarabande” from Cello Suite No.1 in G Major by JS Bach Catherine Bradley cello