John Henry Maunder

Born: 1858, Chelsea, England.

Died: 1920, Brighton, England.

Maunder  attended the the Royal Academy of Music, and played the organ St. Matthew’s, Sydenham (1876-7); St. Paul’s, Forest Hill (1878-9) and at churches in Blackheath and Sutton. He provided accompaniment for concerts in Albert Hall, and, starting in 1881, conducted of the Civil Service Vocal Union. His works include: ‘Olivet to Calvary’, ‘Bethlehem’ ,’Penitence, Pardon and Peace’ and ‘The Martyrs’, a cantata for men’s voices. Before turning to sacred music he wrote operettas, including 'Daisy Dingle' (1885)and 'The Superior Sex' (1885). 

Olivet to Calvary is typical of much of the church music of its time. Considered by some to be over sentimental by modern tastes it was nevertheless a work sincerely written and should be judged as such. Although more or less shunned 30 years ago it has become very popular and is regularly performed all over the world.  Similar works of the time are the better known ‘Crucifixion’ written by Sir John Stainer and the less well known ‘The Darkest Hour’ by Harold Moore. Charles Wood’s St Mark Passion is a work of great depth and is well worth performing St Alban’s Choir performed this quite recently..

Olivet to Calvary is written two solo voices (tenor and baritone) and mixed chorus, interspersed with hymns to be sung by the congregation.

The work depicts the last few days of the Saviour's life. The rejoicing of the multitude with hosannas and palms, the view of Jerusalem from the steep of Olivet and the lament over the city, the dispersal of the money changers in the Temple, and the sad nocturnal walk on the Mount of Olivet are all portrayed in the First Part.

 Part Two opens with the Last Supper, at which Jesus washed His disciples' feet, and commanded them to love one another. Then follows the agonising prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the sudden appearance of the hostile crowd, the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples, His utter loneliness among ruthless enemies, the turmoil before Pilate when Barabbas is released, the tragedy of the Cross, and the triumph of Calvary.The work finishes with the hymn ‘Rock of ages’ srt to a rather attractive tune by Maunder himself.Earlier on in the work he sets ‘Just as I am’ to his own tune which has found a place in ‘Hymns Old and New’.. Other works by Maunder which are readily available:-

For TTBB and piano. Words by Sir Walter Scot A Sacred Cantata for Soprano, Tenor and Baritone Soli, Chorus and Organ, interspersed with hymns. Words written and arranged by E. Cuthbert Nunn.