Music and Liturgy

Solemn celebration of the liturgy is part of the Oratorian tradition. Mass is celebrated in both English and Latin, in the new Roman rite and also according to the older liturgical books. Choral Mass settings in Latin and motets, in a variety of styles and from many centuries, are sung by a fine established choir. The musical experience is further enhanced by a specially commissioned organ, which was installed in 2004.

A History of the Organ

When the church opened it seems there were two little organs:  one was in the gallery at the back of the church, the other on the floor behind the pulpit, where it can be seen in some old photographs with very decorative pipes.  Some time in the 1930s this organ disappeared, and the one from the gallery was moved into a gallery constructed in the bay of the aisle behind the pulpit.  It was a nice little organ, but far too small for a church this size, and its position made it even less useful.  When the Oratorians arrived in 1990 the organ had not been maintained for years, and the choirs were accompanied by an electronic "Viscount" organ.

The decision was taken to sell the little organ to a firm of Dutch organ grinders, and it is now playing happily in a small chapel in the Netherlands.  In its place we commissioned Matthew Copley of "Organ Design" in Surbiton to build something large enough for our church and fit to accompany Oratorian liturgy.  It was not quite ready in time for the Great Jubilee of 2000, but now consists of three parts: the Great and Swell Organs are on either side of the choir gallery, with the console in between.  It was found that the architect had anticipated us by providing the necessary supports from the beginning!  The Choir Organ is in a new gallery high up above the gallery behind the pulpit;  it can be used quietly to accompany Vespers, or can dialogue with the other two along the length of the church.   It is played from the same console in the gallery, although in the future a detachable console could be connected up so that it could be played from the sanctuary.

The Thirty Nine Stops

The specifications of the new organ were designed to give it a "French accent"; they will be added in detail to this page in due course. They do include dramatic trumpets which call from end to end of the church on dramatic occasions.

The Oratory attracts its congregation from near and far. Many pilgrims, tourists and non-Catholics visit the church, particularly in the summer, all wishing to experience the atmosphere and the liturgy.

Orchestral Music

Frequently at the 9:30 Mass, and occasionally at the 11:00 Mass the choir and organ are supplemented by an orchestra.  Many young ladies of the parish (and a few young gentlemen) play different instruments, and interesting new settings of the Mass have been celebrated with this accompaniment, as well as some of the great Baroque settings we have inherited.

Proper rehearsal facilities are needed for the choir as well as appropriate storage for the vast library of liturgical music. These, together with a fund to provide additional support, will ensure the continuation of this uplifting musical heritage.

“Since their arrival in Oxford, which was an unrealised dream of Cardinal Newman, the Oratorian Fathers have done an enormous amount in their parish and beyond. Now they wish to consolidate the musical tradition for which they are well-known, restore their church and, because of increasing numbers, enlarge the Oratory House. Thus, they have initiated this appeal. I wish the Campaign every success and encourage those who read these words to be generous in this excellent cause.”

Katharine, Duchess of Kent
Patron, Reaffirmation & Renewal