Sumsion’s “They that go down to the sea in ships”: Hereford Cathedral 1988 (Roy Massey)

This performance comes from BBC radio broadcast from Hereford Cathedral on 15 June 1988, featuring the choir of Hereford Cathedral under the direction of Roy Massey, with organist David Briggs.
Herbert Sumsion, who died in 1996, was Organist of Gloucester Cathedral from 1928 to 1967. He wrote “They that go down to the sea” in 1979. The text, which is often associated with St Andrew (a fisherman), is taken from Psalm 107:
They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters; these men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep; their soul melteth away because of the trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, he delivereth them out of their distress; for he maketh the storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad, because they are at rest; and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.

[@brandonb.2430]

I didn't know that music so beautiful could possibly be composed after the 19th Century. Absolutely stunning!

[@cycleSCUBA]

So evocative of the sea. It ebbs and flows, winds strengthen, waved crash. Hurry, to harbour!

[@Cantorisalto1]

A wonderful acoustic Hereford with a first rate cathedral choir. Superb counter tenors second to none. Tuning and dynamics perfect throughout. Will never forget Richard Winnall's voice in particular with that rich counter tenor sound. Thank you for this - a trip down memory lane having used to live in Hereford with the cathedral and its wonderful choir just down the road from where we lived.

[@jennymulholland2671]

Thank.you RUclips. A huge, deep, powerful musical rendering of remembered from childhood words and they turn out to be a psalm. The awe of recognition of the enormity of everything but hope in deep waters

[@thedevilsreject23]

Love this piece and the acoustics and the organ sound great 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🍻

[@ArchiveofRecordedChurchMusic]

This is my all time favourite performance of the work.

[@petermay6332]

Truly excellent. No need for further comment

[@ArchiveofRecordedChurchMusic]

In my opinion, the finest performance of this work to be recorded or broadcast.

[@chrisdoeller7332]

I remember this being a favorite by the boy choristers, in the various choirs I have sung. They always like to sing most anything by Gibbons too.

[@1211foster]

Beautiful!

[@nigelthebriton54]

I just LOVE the way that the mood changes at "...he delivereth them out of their distress"

[@ArchivesofSound]

A masterly performance.

[@OldPost661]

Wow.

[@colinturton4524]

I like the Billings version, but this is OK. The organ has all the power of the sea.
Now, what is that wonderful image, please?

[@mw11stuff]

I have always wanted to see the sheet music for this. Shame it can't be found online.

[@ArchiveofRecordedChurchMusic]

You can purchase it from several websites for just a few dollars.