In addition to the daily music below, you might like to visit an unusual Advent Calendar. Irish choir, Encore Voices Dublin, have selected some of their favourite Advent hymns, sung by different choirs - one for every day of December. We hope you enjoy them as much as New Pilgrim Path does! Click on the image above to access.
Daily Music for Advent
December 17th to December 23rd
The O Antiphons are seven responses, or antiphons, that are sung or recited to introduce the canticle of Mary (the Magnificat) at evening prayer from December 17 to December 23, the octave before Christmas. These antiphons are based on Isaiah’s prophecies and refer to the different ancient titles given to the Messiah.
We can bring these responses into our own prayers, as simple reminders throughout the day of the one whose coming we are joyfully expecting, as introductions to our own prayers of praise of Jesus, or as words of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness throughout the ages and our lives. Regardless of how you incorporate these ancient words into your Advent prayer life, let them speak to you.
Because our visitors span different time zones, we put up each Antiphon a day in advance.
We can bring these responses into our own prayers, as simple reminders throughout the day of the one whose coming we are joyfully expecting, as introductions to our own prayers of praise of Jesus, or as words of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness throughout the ages and our lives. Regardless of how you incorporate these ancient words into your Advent prayer life, let them speak to you.
Because our visitors span different time zones, we put up each Antiphon a day in advance.
23rd December
O Emmanuel: O God With Us
Sung here by the Bavarian choir, Cantarte Regensburg, conducted by Hubert Velten.
And so, we come to the seventh and last of the Great Advent Antiphons, O Emmanuel! O, God With Us!
The prophecy was fulfilled two millennia ago; it continues to be fulfilled in our daily lives; and it will be fulfilled again at the end of time.
The cry of longing reverberates through all time, on heaven on earth, “O Come, Lord Jesus!”
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, rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.
O Emmanuel: O God With Us
Sung here by the Bavarian choir, Cantarte Regensburg, conducted by Hubert Velten.
And so, we come to the seventh and last of the Great Advent Antiphons, O Emmanuel! O, God With Us!
The prophecy was fulfilled two millennia ago; it continues to be fulfilled in our daily lives; and it will be fulfilled again at the end of time.
The cry of longing reverberates through all time, on heaven on earth, “O Come, Lord Jesus!”
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, rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.
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, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum.
Veni, et salva hominem quem de limo formasti.
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, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum.
Veni, et salva hominem quem de limo formasti.
21st December
O Oriens - O Radiant Dawn
Sung here by The Sixteen in a setting by Sir James MacMillan
Today is the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year. We recall the words of Isaiah, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light". From today onwards the days begin to lengthen in the northern hemisphere as we head back towards summer!
O Radiant Dawn, Splendour of Eternal Light, Sun of Justice, come shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
O Radiant Dawn. Amen.
O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
O Oriens - O Radiant Dawn
Sung here by The Sixteen in a setting by Sir James MacMillan
Today is the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year. We recall the words of Isaiah, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light". From today onwards the days begin to lengthen in the northern hemisphere as we head back towards summer!
O Radiant Dawn, Splendour of Eternal Light, Sun of Justice, come shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
O Radiant Dawn. Amen.
O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
20th December
O Clavis David - O Key of David
Setting by Peter Witte. Sung here by Corona Vocalis.
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, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
O Clavis David - O Key of David
Setting by Peter Witte. Sung here by Corona Vocalis.
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, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
19th December
O Radix Jesse - O Root of Jesse
Sung here by Chamber Choir Ireland, conducted by Paul Hillier.
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, you stand as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will hold their tongues,and you the Gentiles will seek:
come to deliver us, and do not delay.
O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.
O Radix Jesse - O Root of Jesse
Sung here by Chamber Choir Ireland, conducted by Paul Hillier.
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, you stand as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will hold their tongues,and you the Gentiles will seek:
come to deliver us, and do not delay.
O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.
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. However, 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, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
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. However, 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, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
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, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
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, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
16th 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.
15th December
Roráte caéli desuper
The American Repertory Singers are directed by Leo Nestor in this recording.
" Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down." That prayer was answered when God, in the person of Jesus, took on our human condition in the Incarnation. We, as Advent people, await the second coming of Christ when he will return in majesty at the end of time. These ringing lines from Isaiah from today's 1st Reading have inspired our music choice for today - a setting of the Latin text Rorate Caeli de Super, the first of a set of four motets on plainsong themes by the American composer Leo Nestor, who died on September 22nd 2019.
Roráte caéli desuper
The American Repertory Singers are directed by Leo Nestor in this recording.
" Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down." That prayer was answered when God, in the person of Jesus, took on our human condition in the Incarnation. We, as Advent people, await the second coming of Christ when he will return in majesty at the end of time. These ringing lines from Isaiah from today's 1st Reading have inspired our music choice for today - a setting of the Latin text Rorate Caeli de Super, the first of a set of four motets on plainsong themes by the American composer Leo Nestor, who died on September 22nd 2019.
14th 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.
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13th 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! |
12th December: 3rd Sunday in Advent, Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday
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.
Today’s music is Henry Purcell's Rejoice In The Lord Alway sung by the choir of St. John's College Cambridge.
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.
Today’s music is Henry Purcell's Rejoice In The Lord Alway sung by the choir of St. John's College Cambridge.
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
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.
9th December
Creator of the Stars of Night
This recording is provided by The Orchard Enterprises
Isaiah directs our gaze to the heavens with the words: Lift your eyes and look. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. 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.
Creator of the Stars of Night
Creator of the stars of night,
Your people's everlasting light.
O Christ, Redeemer of us all
We pray you hear us when we call.
In sorrow that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
You came, O Saviour, to set free
Your own in glorious liberty.
To God Creator, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Praise, honour, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.
Creator of the Stars of Night
This recording is provided by The Orchard Enterprises
Isaiah directs our gaze to the heavens with the words: Lift your eyes and look. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. 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.
Creator of the Stars of Night
Creator of the stars of night,
Your people's everlasting light.
O Christ, Redeemer of us all
We pray you hear us when we call.
In sorrow that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
You came, O Saviour, to set free
Your own in glorious liberty.
To God Creator, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Praise, honour, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.
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
'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 may 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 may 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.
6th December
The Wilderness, Anthem by S S Wesley
Sung by the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Choir
We return to the wilderness theme. 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
We return to the wilderness theme. 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.
5th 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.
4th December
Of the Father's Heart Begotten
Ely Cathedral Choir
This ancient hymn is beautifully arranged by Sir David Willcocks and sung by Ely Cathedral Choir.
Of the Father's Heart Begotten
Ely Cathedral Choir
This ancient hymn is beautifully arranged by Sir David Willcocks and sung by Ely Cathedral Choir.
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
Hosanna!
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
Hosanna!
We follow there
Thy feast to share
And taste the joys beyond compare.
1st December
Yea, though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death
by Sir Arthur Sullivan, sung by the Choir of Keble College, Oxford.
Isaiah today speaks the Lord inviting us to the banquet of eternal life where God will wipe away all tears and destroy death forever.
Today’s music is an excerpt from an oratorio by Sir Arthur Sullivan – The Light of the World – and uses words from Psalm 23, which
also feature the psalm for today’s liturgy. 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death'.
Yea, though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death
by Sir Arthur Sullivan, sung by the Choir of Keble College, Oxford.
Isaiah today speaks the Lord inviting us to the banquet of eternal life where God will wipe away all tears and destroy death forever.
Today’s music is an excerpt from an oratorio by Sir Arthur Sullivan – The Light of the World – and uses words from Psalm 23, which
also feature the psalm for today’s liturgy. 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death'.
30th November: Feast of St Andrew the Apostle
“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 this recording.
Today, on the feast of St Andrew the Apostle, the scripture reading 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 this recording.
Today, on the feast of St Andrew the Apostle, the scripture reading 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.
29th November
In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of all the nations streaming to God’s House. This is a lively setting of Psalm 121, " I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to the Lord’s House.’" It is by the contemporary English composer Christopher Walker, directed here by Frank Brownstead.
TEXT
I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to the Lord’s House! O my friends, O my friends, let us go to the House of the
Lord.”I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to the House of the Lord.” And now we stand within your gates O Jerusalem.
Here the people of God rejoice; here they worship the name of the Lord. Here justice reigns within your gates O Jerusalem.
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. All who love you will never be lost. May peace be here within your walls O Jerusalem.
For all you who give praise to God, I will ask for the peace of the Lord. May love of God fill all your days in Jerusalem.
For the law of our God commands that we always give thanks to our God; that praise of God be on our lips in Jerusalem.
In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of all the nations streaming to God’s House. This is a lively setting of Psalm 121, " I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to the Lord’s House.’" It is by the contemporary English composer Christopher Walker, directed here by Frank Brownstead.
TEXT
I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to the Lord’s House! O my friends, O my friends, let us go to the House of the
Lord.”I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to the House of the Lord.” And now we stand within your gates O Jerusalem.
Here the people of God rejoice; here they worship the name of the Lord. Here justice reigns within your gates O Jerusalem.
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. All who love you will never be lost. May peace be here within your walls O Jerusalem.
For all you who give praise to God, I will ask for the peace of the Lord. May love of God fill all your days in Jerusalem.
For the law of our God commands that we always give thanks to our God; that praise of God be on our lips in Jerusalem.
28th November: First Sunday in Advent
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).