Chapter Five - Decline and Fall, 1923–33

Summary

I was also in the South Wing hospital choir with A. F. Parris and when my voice broke and I started to sing tenor, he immediately insisted that I joined the Bedford Musical Society with its marvellous number of “250” [performers]. A. F. Parris took the choir at practices and H. J. Colson took the orchestra and usually the Doctor, organist at St. Paul's conducted the whole outfit. Owing to ill health, Mr. Parris had to give up most of his conducting for a time and then when Captain Percy Burke left and Mr. Parris had improved, he took over the Bedford Choral Society, so, of course, I joined that fine Society as well.

In conversation, Mr. Colson outlined the history of modern choral music … There was a decline, he said, in the Victorian period and we were just emerging from that decline.

The joint conductorship

As detailed in the previous chapter, Harry Harding's resignation, after the memorable 1923 performance of The Apostles, came as a shock to members of the Musical Society. The committee set about appointing a successor immediately rather than waiting until they had consulted members or until the annual general meeting. The committee interviewed Arthur Parris and Herbert Colson.

Herbert Colson was asked whether, if he was not elected as conductor, he would be prepared to work with Arthur Parris or whoever was appointed. He said deliberately that he would not. When Arthur Parris was asked the same question, he replied: ‘My heart and soul are in the Society. I have belonged to the Society for a great many years past and am quite prepared, because I love the Society, to act under anybody in any position to which you may appoint me.’ On the strength of their comments, the committee elected Arthur Parris by an overwhelming majority, and announced their decision to the press before notifying the members.

Technically the committee's action in appointing a new conductor was correct. Rule four stated: ‘The officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Conductors, Organists, Pianist and Librarian to be elected annually by the Committee at their first meeting. Vacancies, as they occur, shall be filled up by the Committee.’ But the committee's action was inept, carried out so soon before the annual general meeting where members would have had the opportunity to have their say.