28th November: Monday in Advent Week One
Domine non sum dignus
Our Gospel today recounts the familiar encounter between the Centurion and Jesus. He comes seeking help for his servant. When Jesus says he will come himself and heal the man, the Centurion objects, telling Jesus he is not worthy to have him under his roof. This gives us the prayer just before Holy Communion which has been restored in the recent translation of the Missal: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. This beautiful setting is by the Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. It is sung by Ensemble Plus Ultra, directed by Michael Noone.
Click on the image to listen.
TEXT
Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbum, et sanabitur anima mea.
Miserere mei, quoniam infirmus sum; sana me, Domine, et sanabor.
Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof, but say the word and my soul will be healed.
Be merciful to me, for I am faint, heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed.
Our Gospel today recounts the familiar encounter between the Centurion and Jesus. He comes seeking help for his servant. When Jesus says he will come himself and heal the man, the Centurion objects, telling Jesus he is not worthy to have him under his roof. This gives us the prayer just before Holy Communion which has been restored in the recent translation of the Missal: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. This beautiful setting is by the Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. It is sung by Ensemble Plus Ultra, directed by Michael Noone.
Click on the image to listen.
TEXT
Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbum, et sanabitur anima mea.
Miserere mei, quoniam infirmus sum; sana me, Domine, et sanabor.
Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof, but say the word and my soul will be healed.
Be merciful to me, for I am faint, heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed.
29th November: Tuesday in Advent Week One
Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen
Performed by the British vocal ensemble, VOCES8
The Prophet Isaiah is one of our guides on our pilgrimage through the first days of Advent. The scripture reading today speaks in familiar terms of the stock or root of Jesse, and how a shoot shall spring from that stock. Jesse was the father of King David, so the royal lineage of the Messiah is established. The beautiful German Advent carol Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, often translated as See how the Rose of Judah, is most familiar in this harmonisation by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621).
Click on the image to listen.
Performed by the British vocal ensemble, VOCES8
The Prophet Isaiah is one of our guides on our pilgrimage through the first days of Advent. The scripture reading today speaks in familiar terms of the stock or root of Jesse, and how a shoot shall spring from that stock. Jesse was the father of King David, so the royal lineage of the Messiah is established. The beautiful German Advent carol Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, often translated as See how the Rose of Judah, is most familiar in this harmonisation by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621).
Click on the image to listen.
30th November: Wednesday in Advent Week One
“Their sound has gone out into all lands" from Handel's Messiah.
The Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists are conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner in ths recording.
Andrew, together with his brother Simon Peter, and their fishing companions James and John, are the first to follow Jesus. Andrew’s name is always prominent in the lists of the Apostles and it is he who brings the young boy with the five loaves and two small fish to Jesus when there is need to feed a multitude. Like Andrew, we too must bring people to Jesus by the way we live. When Saint Francis of Assisi sent his brothers out on mission he said: “Preach the Gospel. Use words if you have to.”
The scripture reading for today is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (10:9-18;). The passage finishes with the text: “Their voice has gone out through all the earth, and their message to the ends of the world.” This, in turn, is taken up as the response to the psalm: “Their word go forth through all the earth.” Our music today is Handel’s setting of that text from The Messiah.
Click on the image to listen.
1st December: Thursday in Advent Week One
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Sleepers, awake!, the Voice is calling us!
Presented by The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir with Ton Kopmann, conducting.
PART One: Opening Chorus
In the Gospel for today Jesus says: “It is not those who say to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, who will enter the kingdom of heaven…” We turn to Bach’s great Cantata 140 to hear the opening chorus of Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme (we shall hear the chorale tomorrow). In this opening movement Bach sets the tune as a choral fantasia. The tune (cantus firmus) is sung by the soprano voices. TThe orchestra plays independent material mainly based on two motifs: a dotted rhythm and an ascending scale. " The lower voices add in unusually free musical images such as the frequent calls "wach auf!" (wake up!) and "wo, wo?" (where, where?).
Click on the image to listen.
Sleepers, awake!, the Voice is calling us!
Presented by The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir with Ton Kopmann, conducting.
PART One: Opening Chorus
In the Gospel for today Jesus says: “It is not those who say to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, who will enter the kingdom of heaven…” We turn to Bach’s great Cantata 140 to hear the opening chorus of Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme (we shall hear the chorale tomorrow). In this opening movement Bach sets the tune as a choral fantasia. The tune (cantus firmus) is sung by the soprano voices. TThe orchestra plays independent material mainly based on two motifs: a dotted rhythm and an ascending scale. " The lower voices add in unusually free musical images such as the frequent calls "wach auf!" (wake up!) and "wo, wo?" (where, where?).
Click on the image to listen.
2nd December: Friday in Advent Week One
Sleepers, awake! the Voice is calling us!
Part Two: Chorale.
Yesterday, we featured the opening chorus of Bach's great Cantata 140. Today, we have the lovely Chorale - sometimes described as 'the king of chorales'.
Click on the image to listen.
Part Two: Chorale.
Yesterday, we featured the opening chorus of Bach's great Cantata 140. Today, we have the lovely Chorale - sometimes described as 'the king of chorales'.
Click on the image to listen.
5th December: Tuesday in Advent Week Two
The Wilderness, Anthem by S S Wesley
Sung by the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Choir
A longer musical piece today which sets the text from Isaiah, the allotted reading for this day. It speaks of a time when the wilderness will blossom, when many signs and wonders will be seen and sorrow and sadness shall flee away. The great English composer Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) composed this glorious piece in 1832.
TEXT
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them,
and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
Say to them of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not:
Behold, your God, even God, he will come and save you.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb sing:
for in the wilderness shall waters break out,
and streams in the desert.
And a highway shall be there:
it shall be called the way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion
with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Sung by the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Choir
A longer musical piece today which sets the text from Isaiah, the allotted reading for this day. It speaks of a time when the wilderness will blossom, when many signs and wonders will be seen and sorrow and sadness shall flee away. The great English composer Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) composed this glorious piece in 1832.
TEXT
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them,
and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
Say to them of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not:
Behold, your God, even God, he will come and save you.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb sing:
for in the wilderness shall waters break out,
and streams in the desert.
And a highway shall be there:
it shall be called the way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion
with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
6th December: Tuesday in Advent Week Two
'Comfort ye, my people – every valley shall be exalted', from Handel's Messiah
Sung here by Nicholas Sharratt, tenor soloist
Isaiah again gives a message of consolation and calls the people to prepare the way for our God that all may see the glory of the Lord. It is with this text that Handel begins his Messiah, a musical staple for this time of year. For many, attending a performance of this great work is part of their Advent preparation. That will not be possible this year but we can still listen to it and rejoice in its message.
Click on the image to listen.
Sung here by Nicholas Sharratt, tenor soloist
Isaiah again gives a message of consolation and calls the people to prepare the way for our God that all may see the glory of the Lord. It is with this text that Handel begins his Messiah, a musical staple for this time of year. For many, attending a performance of this great work is part of their Advent preparation. That will not be possible this year but we can still listen to it and rejoice in its message.
Click on the image to listen.
7th December: Wednesday in Advent Week Two
Creator of the Stars of Night
St. John's Compline Choir; Thomas Edward Morgan, conductor.
Today’s piece of music is the beautiful chant, Creator of the Stars of Night. It is a translation and slight musical adaptation of the 7th-century Latin hymn, Conditor alme siderum. Not surprisingly — since this text refers to the stars of night and to the coming of the Saviour into the world — this hymn was first sung in monasteries during Advent as part of the Evening Prayer liturgy.
Click on the image to listen.
St. John's Compline Choir; Thomas Edward Morgan, conductor.
Today’s piece of music is the beautiful chant, Creator of the Stars of Night. It is a translation and slight musical adaptation of the 7th-century Latin hymn, Conditor alme siderum. Not surprisingly — since this text refers to the stars of night and to the coming of the Saviour into the world — this hymn was first sung in monasteries during Advent as part of the Evening Prayer liturgy.
Click on the image to listen.
10th December: Saturday in Advent Week Two
An Advent Gathering Song, by James Chepponis
Sung by Schola Cantorum
The longing of humanity for God is captured in this very simple mantra-like hymn, An Advent Gathering Song by American composer James Chepponis. In the style of Taizé, the congregation sing a gentle ostinato refrain, 'Come, come Emanuel, Come Emmanuel', while a cantor intones verses above which overlap with the beginning of the refrain each time.
For the Lord of creation will come…
Oh the Son of Mary will come…
See God’s marvellous deeds and come…
For God chose us, and so we will come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
Christ, have mercy upon us and come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
Sung by Schola Cantorum
The longing of humanity for God is captured in this very simple mantra-like hymn, An Advent Gathering Song by American composer James Chepponis. In the style of Taizé, the congregation sing a gentle ostinato refrain, 'Come, come Emanuel, Come Emmanuel', while a cantor intones verses above which overlap with the beginning of the refrain each time.
For the Lord of creation will come…
Oh the Son of Mary will come…
See God’s marvellous deeds and come…
For God chose us, and so we will come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
Christ, have mercy upon us and come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
11th December: Third Sunday in Advent
Rejoice In The Lord Alway
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
The opening prayer of today's liturgy says, Rejoice in the Lord, indeed the Lord is near (Phil. 4.4). The sombre purple of Advent gives way today to the brighter rose colour in the lighting of the third candle on the Advent Wreath and in the use of rose coloured vestments. Our salvation draws ever nearer and we anticipate that event. Henry Purcell's beautiful setting of Isaiah's words is sung here by the choir of St. John's College Cambridge.
Click on the image to listen.
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
The opening prayer of today's liturgy says, Rejoice in the Lord, indeed the Lord is near (Phil. 4.4). The sombre purple of Advent gives way today to the brighter rose colour in the lighting of the third candle on the Advent Wreath and in the use of rose coloured vestments. Our salvation draws ever nearer and we anticipate that event. Henry Purcell's beautiful setting of Isaiah's words is sung here by the choir of St. John's College Cambridge.
Click on the image to listen.
13th December: Tuesday in Advent Week Three
My Soul in Stillness Waits
by Marty Haugen
Today our musical meditation is based on the ancient titles of God used in the antiphons for the Evening Prayer Magnificat and Gospel Acclamation for each day from December 17, known as the great O Antiphons. These are familiar to us from the hymn O Come Emmanuel.But we are jumping ahead somewhat and we will get to those Antiphons from 17 onwards. This gentle hymn, “For You, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits” will help us prepare for those great days as we, like the people of old, wait for the Lord’s coming.
Click on the image to listen.
by Marty Haugen
Today our musical meditation is based on the ancient titles of God used in the antiphons for the Evening Prayer Magnificat and Gospel Acclamation for each day from December 17, known as the great O Antiphons. These are familiar to us from the hymn O Come Emmanuel.But we are jumping ahead somewhat and we will get to those Antiphons from 17 onwards. This gentle hymn, “For You, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits” will help us prepare for those great days as we, like the people of old, wait for the Lord’s coming.
Click on the image to listen.
14th December: Wednesday in Advent Week Three
15th December: Thursday in Advent Week Three
"On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's cry"
Sung here in an arrangement by Malcolm Archer at Bethany Lutheran Church, Colorado
Today's music is the great Advent hymn, "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry". The prophet Elijah is invoked in both the reading from Ecclesiasticus and in the Gospel today. He is another fore-runner of the Messiah and many expected him to reappear when the Messiah would come. Indeed, Elijah gets mentioned several times throughout the Gospels. He appears with Moses when Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor. When Jesus asks his disciples who the people say he is, they answer Some say Elijah, others John the Baptist and others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. John the Baptist is sometimes described as the new Elijah.
Click on the image to listen.
Sung here in an arrangement by Malcolm Archer at Bethany Lutheran Church, Colorado
Today's music is the great Advent hymn, "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry". The prophet Elijah is invoked in both the reading from Ecclesiasticus and in the Gospel today. He is another fore-runner of the Messiah and many expected him to reappear when the Messiah would come. Indeed, Elijah gets mentioned several times throughout the Gospels. He appears with Moses when Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor. When Jesus asks his disciples who the people say he is, they answer Some say Elijah, others John the Baptist and others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. John the Baptist is sometimes described as the new Elijah.
Click on the image to listen.
16th December: Friday in Advent Week Three
A Spotless Rose
by Herbert Howells
This is one of three Choral Anthems for Christmas composed in 1919 by Herbert Howells, who greatly influenced British church music in the 20th century, despite not being himself a believer. His setting 'A Spotless Rose' has been named as one of the best Christmas carols ever and one of the best Advent hymns of all time. It is sung here by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers. The baritone soloist is Simon Birchall.
Click on the image to listen.
by Herbert Howells
This is one of three Choral Anthems for Christmas composed in 1919 by Herbert Howells, who greatly influenced British church music in the 20th century, despite not being himself a believer. His setting 'A Spotless Rose' has been named as one of the best Christmas carols ever and one of the best Advent hymns of all time. It is sung here by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers. The baritone soloist is Simon Birchall.
Click on the image to listen.
Daily Music for Advent
Note: we put up each piece of music a day in advance.
Note: we put up each piece of music a day in advance.
23rd December
O Emmanuel - O God-with-us
This setting is by Arvo Pärt, sung by Theatre of Voice, conducted by Paul Hillier.
The final antiphon, O Emmanuel, reminds us that Jesus comes among us as God in human form, the image of the invisible God. He is called Emmanuel, a name which means God is with us.
Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio Gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.
O Emmanuel, you are our king and judge, the one whom the peoples await, and their saviour. O Come and save us, Lord our God. Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus, come.
O Emmanuel - O God-with-us
This setting is by Arvo Pärt, sung by Theatre of Voice, conducted by Paul Hillier.
The final antiphon, O Emmanuel, reminds us that Jesus comes among us as God in human form, the image of the invisible God. He is called Emmanuel, a name which means God is with us.
Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio Gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.
O Emmanuel, you are our king and judge, the one whom the peoples await, and their saviour. O Come and save us, Lord our God. Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus, come.
22nd December
O Rex Gentium - O King of Nations
Performed here by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
Today our title is O King of Nations. This is a modern setting by the very popular Estonian composer Arvo Pärt who has set all seven antiphons in the German language. It is performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, directed by Tönu Kaljuste.
O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man whom you made from clay. Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
O Rex Gentium - O King of Nations
Performed here by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
Today our title is O King of Nations. This is a modern setting by the very popular Estonian composer Arvo Pärt who has set all seven antiphons in the German language. It is performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, directed by Tönu Kaljuste.
O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man whom you made from clay. Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
20th December
O Clavis David - O Key of David.
This setting is by Sir John Stainer and is sung by the Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
The First Reading today tells of David’s desire to build a house for the Arc of the Lord. However, the Lord says I will make you a House…your throne will be established for ever.
O Key of David,6 and Sceptre of the house of Israel; That openest, and no man shutteth; and shuttest and no man openeth: come, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death!
O Clavis David - O Key of David.
This setting is by Sir John Stainer and is sung by the Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
The First Reading today tells of David’s desire to build a house for the Arc of the Lord. However, the Lord says I will make you a House…your throne will be established for ever.
O Key of David,6 and Sceptre of the house of Israel; That openest, and no man shutteth; and shuttest and no man openeth: come, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death!
19th December
O Radix Jesse - O Root of Jesse
This setting is by Sir John Stainer and is sung by the Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
On December 17 the Gospel was the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Joseph, the husband of Mary, is of the House of David. Thus this list of the generations firmly roots Jesus both as a human being and of the royal house.
O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the Gentiles shall say: Come and deliver us, and tarry not.
O Radix Jesse - O Root of Jesse
This setting is by Sir John Stainer and is sung by the Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
On December 17 the Gospel was the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Joseph, the husband of Mary, is of the House of David. Thus this list of the generations firmly roots Jesus both as a human being and of the royal house.
O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the Gentiles shall say: Come and deliver us, and tarry not.
18th December
O Adonai - O Lord
Sung here by Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral Choir.
Today we hear the title O Adonai. For our Jewish brothers and sisters, the name of God is so sacred that it is never pronounced, but replaced by an alternative name. Adonai is one such alternative.
The setting we hear today is by the Anglo-Canadian composer James Healey Willan (1880-1968). He composed over 800 works throughout his life, including operas, symphonies and chamber music, pieces for band, organ and piano. Hoewver, he is best known for his religious music.
O Lord Eternal and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power. Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
O Adonai - O Lord
Sung here by Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral Choir.
Today we hear the title O Adonai. For our Jewish brothers and sisters, the name of God is so sacred that it is never pronounced, but replaced by an alternative name. Adonai is one such alternative.
The setting we hear today is by the Anglo-Canadian composer James Healey Willan (1880-1968). He composed over 800 works throughout his life, including operas, symphonies and chamber music, pieces for band, organ and piano. Hoewver, he is best known for his religious music.
O Lord Eternal and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power. Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
17th December
O Sapientia - O Wisdom
This setting is by the English composer Sir John Stainer, performed by the The Choir of the Abbey School Tewkesbury.
Today, we begin the great 'O' antiphons. These short chants address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, one for each of the final days of Advent, based on the Old Testament prophecies. The first of these is O Sapientia - O Wisdom.
TEXT
O Wisdom, Which camest forth out of the mouth of the Most High, and reachest from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things; Come and show us the way of understanding.
O Sapientia - O Wisdom
This setting is by the English composer Sir John Stainer, performed by the The Choir of the Abbey School Tewkesbury.
Today, we begin the great 'O' antiphons. These short chants address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, one for each of the final days of Advent, based on the Old Testament prophecies. The first of these is O Sapientia - O Wisdom.
TEXT
O Wisdom, Which camest forth out of the mouth of the Most High, and reachest from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things; Come and show us the way of understanding.
16th December
People Look East, words by Eleanor Farjeon
Sung here by the Canto Dei Choirs.
Another great Advent hymn today, People Look East. A lively tune capturing the anticipation and expectation of the approaching feast. The Lord is on his way!
People Look East, words by Eleanor Farjeon
Sung here by the Canto Dei Choirs.
Another great Advent hymn today, People Look East. A lively tune capturing the anticipation and expectation of the approaching feast. The Lord is on his way!
15th December
My Soul in Stillness Waits by Marty Haugen
Sung here by the composer.
Today our musical meditation is based on the ancient titles of God used in the antiphons for the Evening Prayer Magnificat and Gospel Acclamation for each day from December 17, known as the great O Antiphons. These are familiar to us from the hymn O Come Emmanuel.But we are jumping ahead somewhat and we will get to those Antiphons from 17 onwards. This gentle hymn, “For You, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits” will help us prepare for those great days as we, like the people of old, wait for the Lord’s coming.
For you O Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly, my hope is in you.
1 O Lord of Light, our only hope of glory. Your radiance shines in all who look to you.
Come light the hearts of all in dark and shadow.
2 O Spring of Joy, rain down upon our spirits. Our thirsty hearts are yearning for your Word.
Come, make us whole; be comfort to our hearts.
3 O Root of Life, implant your seed within us, and in your advent draw us all to you.
Our hope reborn, in dying and in rising.
4 O Key of Knowledge, guide us in our pilgrimage. We ever seek, yet unfulfilled remain.
Open to us the pathway of your peace.
5 Come, let us bow before the God who made us. Let every heart be opened to the Lord,
for we are all the people of His hand.
6 Here we shall meet the maker of the heavens, creator of the mountains and the seas.
Lord of the stars, and present to us now.
For you O Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly, my hope is in you.
My Soul in Stillness Waits by Marty Haugen
Sung here by the composer.
Today our musical meditation is based on the ancient titles of God used in the antiphons for the Evening Prayer Magnificat and Gospel Acclamation for each day from December 17, known as the great O Antiphons. These are familiar to us from the hymn O Come Emmanuel.But we are jumping ahead somewhat and we will get to those Antiphons from 17 onwards. This gentle hymn, “For You, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits” will help us prepare for those great days as we, like the people of old, wait for the Lord’s coming.
For you O Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly, my hope is in you.
1 O Lord of Light, our only hope of glory. Your radiance shines in all who look to you.
Come light the hearts of all in dark and shadow.
2 O Spring of Joy, rain down upon our spirits. Our thirsty hearts are yearning for your Word.
Come, make us whole; be comfort to our hearts.
3 O Root of Life, implant your seed within us, and in your advent draw us all to you.
Our hope reborn, in dying and in rising.
4 O Key of Knowledge, guide us in our pilgrimage. We ever seek, yet unfulfilled remain.
Open to us the pathway of your peace.
5 Come, let us bow before the God who made us. Let every heart be opened to the Lord,
for we are all the people of His hand.
6 Here we shall meet the maker of the heavens, creator of the mountains and the seas.
Lord of the stars, and present to us now.
For you O Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly, my hope is in you.
14th December
"There shall a star from Jacob come forth" from Mendelssohn's Christus
The reading today is from the Book of Numbers and tells of the vision of Balaam, the ‘man with far-seeing eyes’ as he describes himself. The reading finishes by speaking of a Star coming forth from Jacob and a sceptre from Israel. This prophecy is why this text is read each year in these days as we await the day of the Lord’s coming. One of the last works composed by Felix Mendelssohn is an unfinished oratorio Christus, which begins around the birth of the Christ Child and this text is clothed in glorious music by Mendelssohn.
There shall a star from Jacob come forth,
and a sceptre from Israel rise up,
and dash in pieces princes and nations.
As bright the star of morning gleams,
so Jesus sheddeth glorious beams
of light and consolation!
Thy Word, O Lord, radiance darting,
truth imparting, gives salvation;
Thine be praise and adoration!
"There shall a star from Jacob come forth" from Mendelssohn's Christus
The reading today is from the Book of Numbers and tells of the vision of Balaam, the ‘man with far-seeing eyes’ as he describes himself. The reading finishes by speaking of a Star coming forth from Jacob and a sceptre from Israel. This prophecy is why this text is read each year in these days as we await the day of the Lord’s coming. One of the last works composed by Felix Mendelssohn is an unfinished oratorio Christus, which begins around the birth of the Christ Child and this text is clothed in glorious music by Mendelssohn.
There shall a star from Jacob come forth,
and a sceptre from Israel rise up,
and dash in pieces princes and nations.
As bright the star of morning gleams,
so Jesus sheddeth glorious beams
of light and consolation!
Thy Word, O Lord, radiance darting,
truth imparting, gives salvation;
Thine be praise and adoration!
13th December: 3rd Sunday in Advent, Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday
"The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me" from Elgar's The Apostles
Sung here by the Manchester Cathedral Choir directed by Christopher Stokes, with Jeffrey Makinson on organ
The opening prayer of today's liturgy says, Rejoice in the Lord, indeed the Lord is near (Phil. 4.4). The sombre purple of Advent gives way today to the brighter rose colour in the lighting of the third candle on the Advent Wreath and in the use of rose coloured vestments. Our salvation draws ever nearer and we anticipate that event. The reading today is from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” - the same words Jesus proclaims in the synagogue at Nazareth when he returns to his hometown. They are heard here in the prelude to Edward Elgar’s oratorio, The Apostles.
TEXT
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor: He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind – to preach the acceptable year of the Lord; to give unto them that mourn a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.
"The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me" from Elgar's The Apostles
Sung here by the Manchester Cathedral Choir directed by Christopher Stokes, with Jeffrey Makinson on organ
The opening prayer of today's liturgy says, Rejoice in the Lord, indeed the Lord is near (Phil. 4.4). The sombre purple of Advent gives way today to the brighter rose colour in the lighting of the third candle on the Advent Wreath and in the use of rose coloured vestments. Our salvation draws ever nearer and we anticipate that event. The reading today is from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” - the same words Jesus proclaims in the synagogue at Nazareth when he returns to his hometown. They are heard here in the prelude to Edward Elgar’s oratorio, The Apostles.
TEXT
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor: He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind – to preach the acceptable year of the Lord; to give unto them that mourn a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.
12th December
On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry
Sung here in an arrangement by Malcolm Archer at Bethany Lutheran Church, Colorado
Today's music is the great Advent hymn, On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry. The prophet Elijah is invoked in both the reading from Ecclesiasticus and in the Gospel today. He is another fore-runner of the Messiah and many expected him to reappear when the Messiah would come. Indeed, Elijah gets mentioned several times throughout the Gospels. He appears with Moses when Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor. When Jesus asks his disciples who the people say he is, they answer Some say Elijah, others John the Baptist and others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. John the Baptist is sometimes described as the new Elijah.
On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry
Sung here in an arrangement by Malcolm Archer at Bethany Lutheran Church, Colorado
Today's music is the great Advent hymn, On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry. The prophet Elijah is invoked in both the reading from Ecclesiasticus and in the Gospel today. He is another fore-runner of the Messiah and many expected him to reappear when the Messiah would come. Indeed, Elijah gets mentioned several times throughout the Gospels. He appears with Moses when Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor. When Jesus asks his disciples who the people say he is, they answer Some say Elijah, others John the Baptist and others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. John the Baptist is sometimes described as the new Elijah.
11th December
An Advent Gathering Song, by James Chepponis
Sung by Schola Cantorum
The longing of humanity for God is captured in this very simple mantra-like hymn, An Advent Gathering Song by American composer James Chepponis. In the style of Taizé, the congregation sing a gentle ostinato refrain, Come, come Emanuel, Come Emmanuel, while a cantor intones verses above which overlap with the beginning of the refrain each time.
For the Lord of creation will come…
Oh the Son of Mary will come…
See God’s marvellous deeds and come…
For God chose us, and so we will come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
Christ, have mercy upon us and come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
An Advent Gathering Song, by James Chepponis
Sung by Schola Cantorum
The longing of humanity for God is captured in this very simple mantra-like hymn, An Advent Gathering Song by American composer James Chepponis. In the style of Taizé, the congregation sing a gentle ostinato refrain, Come, come Emanuel, Come Emmanuel, while a cantor intones verses above which overlap with the beginning of the refrain each time.
For the Lord of creation will come…
Oh the Son of Mary will come…
See God’s marvellous deeds and come…
For God chose us, and so we will come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
Christ, have mercy upon us and come…
Lord, have mercy upon us and come…
10th December
A Voice Cries Out in the Wilderness
Composed and performed by Michael Joncas
Jesus offers high praise for John the Baptist in today’s Gospel passage: I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen… John is that hinge between the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament prophets preparing the people for the expected Messiah and the first of the New Testament prophets to point him out when he comes. It is John who identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and John gave his own life as a final witness to the Lord. Today’s piece of music is a setting of the text A Voice Cries Out in the Wilderness by contemporary American composer, Michael Joncas.
A Voice Cries Out in the Wilderness
Composed and performed by Michael Joncas
Jesus offers high praise for John the Baptist in today’s Gospel passage: I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen… John is that hinge between the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament prophets preparing the people for the expected Messiah and the first of the New Testament prophets to point him out when he comes. It is John who identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and John gave his own life as a final witness to the Lord. Today’s piece of music is a setting of the text A Voice Cries Out in the Wilderness by contemporary American composer, Michael Joncas.
8th December: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Alma Redemptóris Mater by Palestrina
Sung here by The King's Singers
Today we celebrate Mary, who, from the first moment of her existence in the womb of her mother was by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved free from all stain of original sin.
Today’s musical extract is a beautiful setting by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina of the text Alma Redemptoris Mater, ('Loving Mother of our Saviour'), one of four seasonal Marian liturgical antiphons sung at the end of the Office of Compline. It is usually sung from the first Sunday in Advent until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) on 2 February.
Alma Redemptóris Mater by Palestrina
Sung here by The King's Singers
Today we celebrate Mary, who, from the first moment of her existence in the womb of her mother was by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved free from all stain of original sin.
Today’s musical extract is a beautiful setting by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina of the text Alma Redemptoris Mater, ('Loving Mother of our Saviour'), one of four seasonal Marian liturgical antiphons sung at the end of the Office of Compline. It is usually sung from the first Sunday in Advent until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) on 2 February.
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Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli
Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti, Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti, Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére. |
Loving Mother of the Redeemer,
Open door to heaven and Star of the Sea, Come quickly to the aid of your people, Fallen indeed but striving to stand again; To nature’s astonishment, you became the mother Of our holy Creator, without ceasing to be a virgin, And heard from Gabriel that greeting, “Hail!” Have pity on us sinners. |
7th December
The Wilderness, Anthem by S S Wesley
Sung by the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Choir
A longer musical piece today which sets the text from Isaiah, the allotted reading for this day. It speaks of a time when the wilderness will blossom, when many signs and wonders will be seen and sorrow and sadness shall flee away. The great English composer Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) composed this glorious piece in 1832.
TEXT
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them,
and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
Say to them of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not:
Behold, your God, even God, he will come and save you.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb sing:
for in the wilderness shall waters break out,
and streams in the desert.
And a highway shall be there:
it shall be called the way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion
with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The Wilderness, Anthem by S S Wesley
Sung by the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Choir
A longer musical piece today which sets the text from Isaiah, the allotted reading for this day. It speaks of a time when the wilderness will blossom, when many signs and wonders will be seen and sorrow and sadness shall flee away. The great English composer Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) composed this glorious piece in 1832.
TEXT
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them,
and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
Say to them of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not:
Behold, your God, even God, he will come and save you.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb sing:
for in the wilderness shall waters break out,
and streams in the desert.
And a highway shall be there:
it shall be called the way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion
with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads:
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
6th December: 2nd Sunday in Advent.
'Comfort ye, my people – every valley shall be exalted', from Handel's Messiah
Sung here by Nicholas Sharratt, tenor soloist recorded live at the Cadogan Hall, London on Sunday, 16th September 2012.
Isaiah again gives a message of consolation and calls the people to prepare the way for our God that all may see the glory of the Lord. It is with this text that Handel begins his Messiah, a musical staple for this time of year. For many, attending a performance of this great work is part of their Advent preparation. That will not be possible this year but we can still listen to it and rejoice in its message.
TEXT
Comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.
'Comfort ye, my people – every valley shall be exalted', from Handel's Messiah
Sung here by Nicholas Sharratt, tenor soloist recorded live at the Cadogan Hall, London on Sunday, 16th September 2012.
Isaiah again gives a message of consolation and calls the people to prepare the way for our God that all may see the glory of the Lord. It is with this text that Handel begins his Messiah, a musical staple for this time of year. For many, attending a performance of this great work is part of their Advent preparation. That will not be possible this year but we can still listen to it and rejoice in its message.
TEXT
Comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.
5th December
When is he coming, the Redeemer?
Performed by the choir of Saint Mary's, Boston
A simple hymn from childhood that miraculously popped up on YouTube recently! It’s infectious and likely to remain with you as what is called an ear-worm! The words and music are by David Palmer. It asks the age-old question – When is the Redeemer coming? He is addressed by the great Advent name. Emmanuel, God with us.
When is he coming, the Redeemer?
Performed by the choir of Saint Mary's, Boston
A simple hymn from childhood that miraculously popped up on YouTube recently! It’s infectious and likely to remain with you as what is called an ear-worm! The words and music are by David Palmer. It asks the age-old question – When is the Redeemer coming? He is addressed by the great Advent name. Emmanuel, God with us.
3rd December
Sleepers, awake!
Presented by The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir with Ton Kopmann, conducting.
In the Gospel for today Jesus says: “It is not those who say to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, who will enter the kingdom of heaven…” We return to Bach’s great Cantata 140 to hear the opening chorus of Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme ( we heard the chorale yesterday). In this opening movement Bach sets the tune as a choral fantasia. The tune (cantus firmus) is sung by the soprano voices. TThe orchestra plays independent material mainly based on two motifs: a dotted rhythm and an ascending scale. " The lower voices add in unusually free musical images such as the frequent calls "wach auf!" (wake up!) and "wo, wo?" (where, where?).
Sleepers, awake!
Presented by The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir with Ton Kopmann, conducting.
In the Gospel for today Jesus says: “It is not those who say to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, who will enter the kingdom of heaven…” We return to Bach’s great Cantata 140 to hear the opening chorus of Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme ( we heard the chorale yesterday). In this opening movement Bach sets the tune as a choral fantasia. The tune (cantus firmus) is sung by the soprano voices. TThe orchestra plays independent material mainly based on two motifs: a dotted rhythm and an ascending scale. " The lower voices add in unusually free musical images such as the frequent calls "wach auf!" (wake up!) and "wo, wo?" (where, where?).
2nd December
Sleepers, awake!
Presented here by the Süddeutscher Madrigalchor, Consortium Musicum directed by Wolfgang Gonnenwein.
One of the great musical themes of the Advent season is Johann Sebastian Bach’s setting of a tune by Philipp Nicolai from 1599, Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme, usually translated as Sleepers awake, a voice is calling or Zion hears the watchmen’s voices from his Cantata 140. It is one of his most popular and frequently heard pieces in various arrangements, usually as an organ piece, or in an orchestral arrangement or, as originally intended, as a movement from the Cantata where it is heard on three occasions: as the opening chorus, as the chorale and as the closing movement. Here we listen to the simple chorale version.
Zion hears the watchmen’s voices
With gladness all her heart rejoices,
She eager wakes to greet the day.
See, her Lord from Heav’n descending
With grace and truth and power unending,
Her day star dawns with brightest ray.
O come, thou blessed One;
Lord Jesus, God’s own Son
Hosianna!
We follow there
Thy feast to share
And taste the joys beyond compare.
Sleepers, awake!
Presented here by the Süddeutscher Madrigalchor, Consortium Musicum directed by Wolfgang Gonnenwein.
One of the great musical themes of the Advent season is Johann Sebastian Bach’s setting of a tune by Philipp Nicolai from 1599, Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme, usually translated as Sleepers awake, a voice is calling or Zion hears the watchmen’s voices from his Cantata 140. It is one of his most popular and frequently heard pieces in various arrangements, usually as an organ piece, or in an orchestral arrangement or, as originally intended, as a movement from the Cantata where it is heard on three occasions: as the opening chorus, as the chorale and as the closing movement. Here we listen to the simple chorale version.
Zion hears the watchmen’s voices
With gladness all her heart rejoices,
She eager wakes to greet the day.
See, her Lord from Heav’n descending
With grace and truth and power unending,
Her day star dawns with brightest ray.
O come, thou blessed One;
Lord Jesus, God’s own Son
Hosianna!
We follow there
Thy feast to share
And taste the joys beyond compare.
1st December
Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen
Performed by the British vocal ensemble, VOCES8.
The Prophet Isaiah is one of our guides on our pilgrimage through the first days of Advent. The scripture reading today speaks in familiar terms of the stock or root of Jesse, and how a shoot shall spring from that stock. Jesse was the father of King David, so the royal lineage of the Messiah is established. The beautiful German Advent carol Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, often translated as See how the Rose of Judah, is most familiar in this harmonisation by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621).
Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen
Performed by the British vocal ensemble, VOCES8.
The Prophet Isaiah is one of our guides on our pilgrimage through the first days of Advent. The scripture reading today speaks in familiar terms of the stock or root of Jesse, and how a shoot shall spring from that stock. Jesse was the father of King David, so the royal lineage of the Messiah is established. The beautiful German Advent carol Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, often translated as See how the Rose of Judah, is most familiar in this harmonisation by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621).
30th November
“Their voice has gone out into all the lands" from Handel's Messiah
The Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists are conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner in ths recording.
Andrew, together with his brother Simon Peter, and their fishing companions James and John, are the first to follow Jesus. Andrew’s name is always prominent in the lists of the Apostles and it is he who brings the young boy with the five loaves and two small fish to Jesus when there is need to feed a multitude. Like Andrew, we too must bring people to Jesus by the way we live. When Saint Francis of Assisi sent his brothers out on mission he said: “Preach the Gospel. Use words if you have to.”
The scripture reading for today is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (10:9-18;). The passage finishes with the text: “Their voice has gone out through all the earth, and their message to the ends of the world.” Our music today is Handel’s setting of that text from The Messiah.
“Their voice has gone out into all the lands" from Handel's Messiah
The Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists are conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner in ths recording.
Andrew, together with his brother Simon Peter, and their fishing companions James and John, are the first to follow Jesus. Andrew’s name is always prominent in the lists of the Apostles and it is he who brings the young boy with the five loaves and two small fish to Jesus when there is need to feed a multitude. Like Andrew, we too must bring people to Jesus by the way we live. When Saint Francis of Assisi sent his brothers out on mission he said: “Preach the Gospel. Use words if you have to.”
The scripture reading for today is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (10:9-18;). The passage finishes with the text: “Their voice has gone out through all the earth, and their message to the ends of the world.” Our music today is Handel’s setting of that text from The Messiah.