Music plays an important role in worship at St John's. The weekly Solemn Eucharist includes congregational settings (The Addington Service by Richard Shephard, and The New People's Mass by Dom Gregory Murray) and a selection of hymns - typically from The English Hymnal. This traditional feel is balanced by more contemporary worship songs where appropriate, resulting in a rich tapestry of sound which enhances worship week in week out.
Most of the music making at St John's is led with the main organ, which is one of the finest in Watford. Built in 1911 by the renowned firm of J.W.Walker and Sons, Ltd, and essentially unchanged since then, it remains a glorious testimony of yesteryear, supporting congregational singing in a warm, profound way. The inherent musicality of the instrument ensures that music of all periods (from before Bach to the most recent years) can be played with truly artistic results. In 2009 a small chamber organ built by Robin Jennings was installed, providing a delightful contrast to the Walker instrument
We welcome requests from bona fide organists and associations wishing to view and play these organs.
The 1911 Walker Organ
The wonderful main organ at St John's was built by the renowned firm of J.W.Walker & Sons Ltd and installed in 1911. |
The 2009 Jennings Organ
This organ is owned by our organist, Dr Simon FitzGerald, and is on permanent loan to the church, where it is used for services, concerts and practice. |
QUICK LINKS
Music at St John's
...The 1911 Walker Organ
...The 2009 Jennings Organ
...Music List
ORGAN MUSIC THIS MONTH
A monthly music list of organ voluntaries is available, with full description of each work being played.
>> Music List
