Reflection in words & music - Sunday 29th March 2026

Join The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Rector of St Bride's, and St Bride's Choir for this week's reflection in words and music. This week is Palm Sunday, recalling the jubilant crowd laying palm fronds before Jesus as he rides triumphantly into Jerusalem and shouting: "Hosanna to the Son of David." Our reflection opens with Thomas Weelkes's setting of those words. Its rich texture transitions effortlessly between proclamation and excitedness, echoing the crowd's emotions. Weelkes had a chequered personal life which was beset by drinking. He is buried in the crypt of St Bride's because he died in the parish following a drinking binge while visiting a friend in Fleet Street. However, he was a true master of composition and musical word-painting. Our reading from St Matthew's Gospel describes this Palm Sunday event. Alison goes on to consider the crowd and its changing behaviour which is one of the most striking features of Holy Week. We close with the appropriate hymn "Ride on, ride on in majesty" which is the best known of the thirteen hymns by Henry Hart Milman, the eighteenth century poet, writer and theologian. Information about our weekly Sunday services in St Bride's of Choral Eucharist at 11am (www.stbrides.com/worship-music/wo…horal-eucharist/) and Choral Evensong at 5:30pm (www.stbrides.com/worship-music/wo…choral-evensong/) can be found on the website. Find out what's happening at St Bride's at www.stbrides.com/whats-on If you enjoy listening, please leave a comment below or subscribe to our channel. It is great to get your feedback. SUPPORT ST BRIDE'S ================== We are hugely grateful for people's generosity which we wholly rely on to continue our work, maintain our wonderful architectural heritage and support world-class music-making. People are often surprised to learn that St Bride's receives no external funding. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/stbrideschurchfleetstreet