An Anglican heritage in transition: an examination of the role and function of traditional English Church music in four Anglican parishes on the Witwatersrand.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines an aspect of Anglican Church heritage (in a state of transition in South Africa) namely, the role and function of traditional English Church Music in a selected number of parishes on the Witwatersrand. Some musicians within the church see this heritage as being under threat, and with the ever-growing support for gospel and traditional African music in a number of former "white" parishes, not to mention the ongoing interest in so-called charismatic or contemporary music, there seems to be a concern that the style of music, as practised for centuries in the liturgy of the Anglican Church, may well be in decay. Thus, the preservation of a heritage such as this, surrounded by so many differing and varied cultural influences perhaps requires a new focus and prominence within the local Anglican Church community. The practice of traditional English Church Music in South Africa, and particularly on the Witwatersrand, now lies in the hands of a small number of musicians and liturgists who strive to maintain this heritage, and who also seek to educate those who might continue their legacy in the future. The historical overview at the beginning of this research report reveals the background upon which the present day situation is being investigated. From the research material that has been acquired and the interviews which have been conducted, certain deductions as to the problem areas have been made and thus possible recommendations suggested. The Parishes that were chosen for the case studies are perhaps not necessarily the most extreme examples on the Witwatersrand of what musicians and clergy are doing in keeping this area of heritage active, yet they have many areas in common, and thus were singled out as case studies for that purpose. Three of the case study parishes had very similar heritage scenarios, largely because they were early foundations on the Anglican Church on the gold fields. The fourth, although younger by approximately fifty years, is similar purely because of the idea of preserving a tradition to later generations. Such work is very challenging in this regard, especially with the various external influences which such a heritage has to contend with, and so that is why a chapter is dedicated to the Royal School of Church Music as a supportive organisation. There is every possibility that the case study parishes would do well even without such external support, but the fact that each of the parishes has maintained membership of the RSCM and contribute much to its survival too, shows that there is an undefined reciprocal agreement between them, in that they are supportive of each other. Some might say therefore, that they see it as a matter of survival though unity being strength. The findings of the case studies and the general research that has taken place with regards to this project indicate a number of contributing factors as to the retention of traditional English Church music in the South African context, albeit that as a heritage in transition, it encompasses a minority of the total population . iii For example, 1. Groups of passionate traditional church musicians in various dioceses. 2. The support of organizations such as the Royal School of Church Music and the Guild of Church Musicians. 3. Supportive Clergy. 4. The establishment of Diocesan Choral Associations, such as the Bishop's Choir of the Diocese of the Highveld. 5. Congregants of different racial and cultural backgrounds who wish to retain the traditional English style of music within the liturgy. Future trends that musicians and liturgists may encounter when it comes to the retention of this heritage will no doubt encompass the politics of heritage and change in South Africa. The influence of further African migration from the northern states, whose peoples might have a different perspective when it comes to the English musical traditions, will also have to be considered. Albeit that organizations such as the Royal School of Church Music are doing their best to keep up to date with cultural changes and influences, the impact of socalled "new age" religions, Celtic spirituality and ancestor worship have yet to have any true influence on the role of traditional Anglican music. The report in conclusion shows that there have been many wrongful allegations made as to the seriousness of the so-called threats to this aspect of Anglican music and liturgy, and that although a heritage very much in the minority of South Africa's greater heritage, it still has a following and is much-loved by many South Africans, drawn from virtually all cultural backgrounds.