What do you think?
Rate this book
Lighten Our Darkness: A Celebration of Choral Evensong
Over the course of the past 25 years, a quiet but persistent revolution has been taking place in English cathedrals, in some larger churches in major towns and cities, as well as the chapels of university colleges. The numbers of people drawn by the distinctive musical character of their worship has risen significantly, with Choral Evensong becoming the locus of this persistent growth in the numbers of worshippers. A significant number of these people are under 40 years of age, and many others have, until now, lived their lives on the edges of the Church, if not completely beyond it. Simon Reynolds believes Evensong is providing a place of sanctuary for people seeking space for reflection in a frenetic world. It is becoming a significant part of the Church of England’s mission. Lighten Our Darkness provides the definitive guide to Choral Evensong, and will be a fascinating introduction for newcomers to this historic form of worship, and for clergy and students wishing to explore its roots.
- GenresMusic
128 pages, Hardcover
Published June 30, 2021
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Simon Reynolds
52 books496 followersSimon Reynolds is one of the most respected music journalists working today, and his writing is both influential and polarizing. He draws on an impressive range of knowledge, and writes with a fluid, engaging style. His books Rip it Up and Start Again and Generation Ecstasy are well-regarded works about their respective genres, and RETROMANIA may be his most broadly appealing book yet. It makes an argument about art, nostalgia, and technology that has implications for all readerswhether diehard music fans or not. Its an important and provocative look at the present and future of culture and innovation."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 8, 2023
I’ve attended a fair few Evensong services over the years, mostly in England and Scotland. So when Lighten Our Darkness came up in NetGalley to read/review, I immediately jumped on it! This is my jam, I thought. And it really is.
Lighten Our Darkness traces Evensong’s roots over scads of history; naturally, being only 128 pages, it channels Cliffs Notes more than Encyclopedia Brittanica. But, I would hazard that almost enhances its readability; this treatment creates a springboard effect, allowing the reader to pursue specific points of interest from there. I do wish the bibliography included more recently published books, or at least ones more easily available via the local library–but, come to think of it, that may be simply due to geography; approximately 5,000 miles do separate me and the author!
I particularly enjoyed the “words of reflection” at the end of each chapter, which brought together words from poets, theologians, saints, martyrs, and more. And anyone that spends solid time on the “Nunc Dimittis” like Reynolds did is a kindred spirit in my book. 🙂
Lighten Our Darkness was particularly interesting for me to read as a Protestant. I felt I learned a good deal about the Church of England, and appreciated how both Protestantism and Orthodoxy were also represented. This little work combined a number of my interests into one; I finished it contented and more deeply appreciative of the centuries-long worship practice I’ve come to love. Also particularly enjoyable as a way to get my Britain fix, what with the pandemic cramping my travel style!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Lighten Our Darkness traces Evensong’s roots over scads of history; naturally, being only 128 pages, it channels Cliffs Notes more than Encyclopedia Brittanica. But, I would hazard that almost enhances its readability; this treatment creates a springboard effect, allowing the reader to pursue specific points of interest from there. I do wish the bibliography included more recently published books, or at least ones more easily available via the local library–but, come to think of it, that may be simply due to geography; approximately 5,000 miles do separate me and the author!
I particularly enjoyed the “words of reflection” at the end of each chapter, which brought together words from poets, theologians, saints, martyrs, and more. And anyone that spends solid time on the “Nunc Dimittis” like Reynolds did is a kindred spirit in my book. 🙂
Lighten Our Darkness was particularly interesting for me to read as a Protestant. I felt I learned a good deal about the Church of England, and appreciated how both Protestantism and Orthodoxy were also represented. This little work combined a number of my interests into one; I finished it contented and more deeply appreciative of the centuries-long worship practice I’ve come to love. Also particularly enjoyable as a way to get my Britain fix, what with the pandemic cramping my travel style!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2021
Absolutely excellent overview of Evensong. Enjoyed every word
August 7, 2023
This is a really informative book, which I’ve enjoyed reading & learnt a lot from. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Choral Evensong.
However, the Simon Jenkins who wrote this, is not the Simon Jenkins it’s been attributed to. The chap who wrote it really knows his liturgy.
However, the Simon Jenkins who wrote this, is not the Simon Jenkins it’s been attributed to. The chap who wrote it really knows his liturgy.
November 3, 2025
A kind of “field guide to an Evensong service,” this volume felt a bit too light to be a book (more like a blog series in hardcover). Maybe my ideal book of sung evening prayer services still needs to be written.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews