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Why should anyone care? Perhaps Simper's music is the worst of the lot? I cannot comment upon the lot, nor even upon a large selection of Simper's own music. It is possible to comment upon the single work I know, The Nativity of Christ.

This is not music of an incompetent hack. His technical command is certainly professional. His part writing is fine (I wish more theory students could write as well), the melodies are fairly memorable and have a rather naive simplicity and charm to them. The harmonies are interesting and effective, certainly reminding one of Handel (in English choral music of the Victorian era this cannot be considered a surprise). Vocally, the lines suit the voices extremely well, and have proven quick and effective to learn. Overall, the structure of the cantata shows a good sense of form and contrast (though not of large scale tonal structure -- I think the cantata was assembled from anthems and carols composed for other purposes).

This is not music to be dismissed.

When one considers the vast quantity of church music published today which consists of little more than a bland parody of pop song forms and which are soaked in choking sentimentality, the music of Caleb Simper rises in one's estimation. It may not be a good claim to value -- that his music sounds good in comparison with that which is bad -- but placing music into context is not without merit.

Simper plainly wrote for small choirs (though this piece is obviously more demanding by virtue of its scope), intending his music to be easy to rehearse and perform. If Hindemith is allowed the concept of 'music for use', then Simper's music certainly fits this category. Simper knew the capacities of parish churches and provided them with new music suited to the situation.

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