The Sound of Stillness: Music for Lent

“During Lent, music is not an embellishment of worship, but rather a means to help you to focus.”

As we enter the period of Lent and prepare for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, we took a moment to sit down with Revd Ellie Launders-Brown, the Succentor here at York Minster, to find out more about music during this special time of year.

What is the significance of the music we hear during Lent?

“Music during Lent is completely different to other seasons in the year. Lent is a time of preparation and reflection, and the music that accompanies our worship mirrors these themes. For the pilgrimage that is Lent, we are led by the music that we hear, and it helps us to understand the themes of the season. The music we hear is atmospheric, contemplative and often monastic sounding, helping to build expectation as we move towards Good Friday and Easter Sunday.”

What pieces of music are you most looking forward to?

“There are two things that I love about Lent and look forward to.

“The first one is specific to York Minster and that is the performance of Messiah. Handel’s Messiah is often associated with Christmas, but it was actually composed for the Lenten period and was first performed during this time. Here at York Minster, we honour Handel’s intention, and it has now become one of the most beloved traditions in the York Minster calendar that I always look forward to.

“The second thing I look forward to during Lent is the Compline services. Compline is one of my favourite services, because it takes place at night-time, which creates such a gentle feeling of stillness. It is so simple yet intertwined with classic Renaissance-style music from composers such as Tallis, Byrd and Victoria and is a spiritual service that roots us in our connection to Christ.”

Why is the music of Lent so important?

“Music invites you into the atmosphere of what the season is about. For Lent, a contemplative, reflective and spiritual time when we prepare for the trials of Jesus, the music is more stripped back and simple; it lacks the big sounds that you might associate with Advent and Christmas for instance. The Gospel narrative that is sung is beautiful and invites us to prepare for the sufferings of Christ. During Lent, music is not an embellishment of worship, but rather a means to help you focus. It is a time when we slow down the pace and encourage stillness in both heart and mind.”

What can people expect from worshipping at York Minster at this time?

“Lent invites us to step away from the commercialisation of our secular lives into quiet and contemplative worship. By observing Lent, you can enjoy the celebrations of Easter in a more special way, for you have walked alongside Christ in his suffering. Observing Lent helps us to understand that death and darkness have no hold over us and we can overcome them.

“Lent draws us together in communal prayer and worship. And we invite everyone to be a part of it this year at York Minster.”

You can find out more about our Lent and Easter services by visiting our What’s On Page.

March: Transformed in Worship

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord and bless his name; tell out his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than all gods.

For all the gods of the nations are but idols; it is the Lord who made the heavens.

Honour and majesty are before him; power and splendour are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honour and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the honour due to his name; bring offerings and come into his courts.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him.

– Psalm 96

Take time to reflect:

As we journey through Lent, reflect on the words we say, hear and sing in worship. How do they help you to grow in faith?

And finally a prayer:

Lord God, you draw us by your beauty and transform us by your holiness; let our worship echo all creation’s praise and declare your glory to the nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.