Evensong: Notes from the Choir

by Timothy E. Popple

How is an ancient choral tradition thriving in today’s secular world?

Sir John Rutter

The ultimate insider's guide to everyone's favourite Church of England Choral Evensong, as heard in cathedrals and churches throughout the land.

Tim Popple, ex-chorister and now cathedral choirman, lifts the lid on its mysteries with the lightest of touches, plenty of anecdotes, and some laugh-out-loud moments.

Whether you are a seasoned devotee or you don't know your versicles from your canticles, this book is guaranteed to have you running to your nearest cathedral to experience the beauties of choral worship . . . and you will go back and back.

286 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2025

Reviews

[Jackson Hearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a highly informative and well-written book, but of interest only to those who a) have sung in a choir, b) have worked in an Anglican church (or wanted to), and c) been to a service of evensong and wondered what all this is about. Popple does a really good job of explaining some of the more esoteric parts of the service (including the pronunciation of some really obtuse terms), and with a dry, gentle humor. (Or humour, since it IS a British book.) But I was misled by the quote on the cover, "Laugh out loud." (John Rutter) Humorous, yes; riotous, no.

[Pip Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a funny book- really encapsulated the feeling of being in a choir but it was also informative with quotes from people like Sarah Macdonald.
A great read for both seasoned choir members and people who have never stepped foot in a cathedral!

[Lily Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitty, Real and Relatable. Excellent. Recomened to anyone involved in cathedrals.