Herbert Sumsion

Herbert Whitton Sumsion CBE (14 January 1899 – 11 August 1995) was an English musician who was organist of Gloucester Cathedral from 1928 to 1967. He is perhaps less well known than but had close friendships with his contemporaries Edward Elgar, Herbert Howells, Gerald Finzi, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, all major figures in England's 20th-century musical renaissance. Sumsion is a composer whose music we come across frequently in our choir, but who has perhaps not been given the recognition he deserves.

Biography

Sumsion became a probationer at Gloucester in the cathedral choir under the direction of Herbert Brewer, singing with them until 1914. His treble voice broke late, at 15, after which he became an "articled' pupil to Brewer, a position which gave a three-year apprenticeship in organ, choral direction, and music theory. As one of Brewer's articled pupils Sumsion was following in the footsteps of his slightly older contemporaries, Herbert Howells and Ivor Gurney. Sumsion passed the Associateship exam of the Royal College of Organists in 1915, and in July 1916 joined Howells in passing the Fellowship exam; though he was only 17, Sumsion was awarded the Turpin prize for the second-highest marks in the practical component, a phenomenal achievement.

Sumsion spent time in the trenches of Flanders 1917-1918, returning to Gloucester in 1919 as assistant organist to Brewer. On 1 March 1928, Herbert Brewer died suddenly of a heart attack, leaving the post of organist at Gloucester vacant only a few months before the cathedral was to host the Three Choirs Festival, which Sumsion had already had involvement with. Having gained a music degree at Durham Sumsion had been due to take up the post of organist at Coventry cathedral, but Brewer had been keen Sumsion succeed him. Sumsion returned to Gloucester as organist and took up leadership of the Three Choirs Festival. His conducting skill was frequently remarked upon, and his leadership of the Festival applauded. Following the 1928 Festival Elgar made his frequently quoted pun:-

‘What at the beginning of the week was assumption has now become a certainty.’

Music

Although Sumsion is known primarily as a cathedral musician, his professional career spanned more than 60 years and encompassed composing, conducting, performing, accompanying, and teaching. His compositions include works for choir and organ, as well as lesser-known chamber and orchestral works. We were due to sing his Communion Service in F on Maundy Thursday, sections of it are included below. I particularly like the Sanctus, perfect for an introspective, reflective service celebrating the Last Supper and I have fond memories of singing it.