Gardiner spent much of his time helping to establish the works of Bax, Holst, Grainger and Quilter. This probably resulted in his missing the opportunity to promote his own works, some of which betray a strong Delian influence. His Evening Hymn dates from 1908 and is quite unrepresentative of his compositional idiom. The long, seamless phrases, carefully written dynamic changes and effective use of harmonies, have made this piece a favourite in any parish choir's repertory.

from notes by William McVicker © 1990