‘Such a state of perfection’

Chapter 3 concentrates on the last six years of Roberts’ time at Halifax and his work with Francis Pigou, Vicar of Halifax 1876–1888, when the building was completely restored, the organ reconstructed as a four-manual instrument, and music and liturgy reorganised along cathedral lines, with a large, surpliced, all-male choir (some of the men becoming well-known soloists in their own right). The singers were capable of performing to a very high standard, both in services and major performances, notably Ouseley’s Oratorio Hagar , the ideal opportunity for Roberts to demonstrate his considerable powers and enhance his reputation within the region. The chapter also looks at other key aspects of his career, including his doctor of music degree from Oxford, his role as a choral conductor in the region, and his eventual departure to Magdalen.