The Music Community of Victorian Worcester
Written by Albert Edward Bibbs
Strange as it may seem, I have a vivid recollection of the Worcester festival of 1866, when, at that time, I was three years of age, and this was stamped upon my memory by a serious accident which befell me at that time, and which is still a disability*. I find on reference to the programme of that date, the performance of "Elijah" was given with Mesdames Titiens, Sherrington, Dolby, Patey: Messrs Sims Reeves, Cummings, and Santley, most of whom I heard sing in later years.
Probably heredity had something to do with my love of music, for my grandfather was Secretary to the Worcester Glee Club in 1834, and was Vice-President of the Club in 1860, when was celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its formation, but which now appears to have been established a year, at least, earlier. A picture of this venerable gentleman, who is said to have possessed a good tenor voice, hangs in the Glee Room of the Crown Hotel. In later years I was privileged to serve upon the Musical Committee of this Club.
My first practical experience of Music, was, when as a boy in 1874, I joined the Cathedral Voluntary Choir, and of which I was one of the original members, and remained with it for thirty eight years. So far as I know, I am the only one now living who sang at the very first service. Very much could be written of this splendid organization, which has served the religious life of the City so faithfully and well, for nearly sixty-five years, but that needs a history to itself.
In those days, Choir boys were just 'boys', and up to all manner of mischief. A favorite amusement was to play 'hare and hounds' round the Cloisters, but the hunt was often disturbed by those in authority, and nothing more happened than a good talking to.
The Guildhall
The first full rehearsal of the newly formed Choir, was held in the Assembly Room of the Guildhall, and I can picture it still, with the faces of many who became life long friends. As is well known, the Choir was founded by Dr. Alfred Barry, Canon of the Cathedral, and afterwards Primate of Australia, and Canon of Windsor.
*While walking the grounds at the Festival the toddler was kicked in the face by a horse, and so lost his right eye.
Written by Albert Edward Bibbs
Probably heredity had something to do with my love of music, for my grandfather was Secretary to the Worcester Glee Club in 1834, and was Vice-President of the Club in 1860, when was celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its formation, but which now appears to have been established a year, at least, earlier. A picture of this venerable gentleman, who is said to have possessed a good tenor voice, hangs in the Glee Room of the Crown Hotel. In later years I was privileged to serve upon the Musical Committee of this Club.
My first practical experience of Music, was, when as a boy in 1874, I joined the Cathedral Voluntary Choir, and of which I was one of the original members, and remained with it for thirty eight years. So far as I know, I am the only one now living who sang at the very first service. Very much could be written of this splendid organization, which has served the religious life of the City so faithfully and well, for nearly sixty-five years, but that needs a history to itself.
In those days, Choir boys were just 'boys', and up to all manner of mischief. A favorite amusement was to play 'hare and hounds' round the Cloisters, but the hunt was often disturbed by those in authority, and nothing more happened than a good talking to.
The Guildhall
The first full rehearsal of the newly formed Choir, was held in the Assembly Room of the Guildhall, and I can picture it still, with the faces of many who became life long friends. As is well known, the Choir was founded by Dr. Alfred Barry, Canon of the Cathedral, and afterwards Primate of Australia, and Canon of Windsor.