The English word �Anthem� has been derived from the Anglo-Saxon �antefen�, which in turn is from the Greek �antiphona�. Anthems evolved in relative independence of European idioms in the Anglican Church after the Reformation, and are one of the most characteristic of English musical forms, and are usually sung at a certain point in the service although they are not necessarily a part of the service as the Canticles and Psalms are. Of English origin an injunction was inserted into the Prayer Book in 1662 that �In quires and places where they sing, here followeth the anthem�.

�Hymns For All Occasions� has proved to be very popular with visitors to my Sibelius store, so I am now compiling a collection of the best known and loved anthems in church music today as a companion volume. My sincere wish is that you will enjoy the beautiful music and words.