December 5, 2010

 

Jan Mostaert, Tree of Jesse, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 1485

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious [NRSV, Isaiah 11:10].

Christ Church Cathedral Choir Notes
The Second Sunday of Advent

Click to go immediately to:



Both organ voluntaries for Choral Eucharist this coming Sunday, December 5, (BWV 659 and 661) find their inspiration in Luther’s hymn,  Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, which in turn finds its source in Ambrose’s hymn, Intende qui regis Israel. Johann Sebastian Bach uses Luther’s text in his Cantatas 36, 61 and 62.  Scroll down for access to Cantata 61.  Cantatas 36 and 62 will be posted for online listening in the coming weeks.  Click to go to a thorough treatment in bach-cantatas.com.  Click to go to a number of versions for organ.
 
Graham Sutherland, Christ the King, Coventry Cathedral, 1952-62


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To be sung both at Choral Eucharist and evensong this coming Sunday, December 5:  "The Advent Prose is a series of texts adapted from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and said, or more usually sung, in churches during the season of Advent. In its Latin form, it is attributed to Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, who lived in the fourth century."  -- Everything. Rorate Caeli, (the Communion motet this Sunday) as distinguished from the Advent Prose, is, in its origin, the Introit, or opening chant, of the Roman Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent.  Click for the texts and to listen to versions of both. 

El Greco, Annunciation, Colección Santander Central hispano, Madrid,  1608-14
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The Annual Handel's Messiah Sing-Along will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, December 11, at 5 pm, with the Cathedral Singers and orchestra, Patrick Wedd directing. Scores are available. Free admission / voluntary contribution.

The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral will join with the McGill Chamber Orchestra and Suzie Leblanc, soprano; Daniel Taylor, counter-tenor; Rufus Müller, tenor; Alexander Dobson, bass; with Boris Brott conducting to perform George Frideric Handel, Messiah, at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, December 20, at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $45-$10.

Click to read about Messiah and access a choice of two video performance by the Trinity Church (Wall Street) choir with the Rebel Baroque Orchestra conducted by either Andrew Megill or Jane Glover.

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