Stainer

Notes on Stainer's life and the Crucifixion

Stainer was born in London in 1840 and was a Chorister at St Pauls at age 10.
Aged 14 he sung in the first English performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion.
Aged 20 he became organist at my Magdalen College, Oxford. He rejuvenated the choir with exciting new music,including many new compositions, among them our family favourite "I Saw the Lord".
He was an outstanding organ player and was soon appointed as University Organist, playing for the University Church.
Aged 32, and married with 5 children he returned to St Pauls as organist. Soon W Sparrow Simpson, who was to write the libretto, was the Precentor

Stainer's Crucifixion was first performed on 24 February 1887 at St Marylebone Parish Church. Easier to sing than Bach's passions, it was designed to be sung by parish church choirs. The text by W Sparrow Simpson, the son of the Precentor, is based on the King James bible with some additions.

Colin first sang the Crucifixion on 28/3/1983 at Goring Church with the Goring Chamber Choir under Andrew Mackay. Colin conducted a Good Friday service including the Crucifixion at Goring Church on 9/4/1993. Mo conducted the Crucifixion at Streatley Church on 15/3/2002 and on 5/4/2009. Peter Mitchell has conducted the Crucifixion at East Hagbourne three times from 1986.