November 28, 2010

The Second Coming, San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th cent.

Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming [NRSV, Matthew 24:42].

Christ Church Cathedral Choir Notes

The First Sunday of Advent

Click to go immediately to:

1) The Music Programme Homepage

 2) The Music Calendar for Choral Eucharist and Evensong 

3) The Concert Calendar

Gentile Bellini, Procession in Piazza San Marco (detail), Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice, 1496

In place of evensong this coming Sunday, there will be a festive procession of lessons and carols. Click to access the complete programme.

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Conditor Alme Siderum (Creator of the Stars of Night) is the quintessential advent hymn. During advent it is always sung at Roman Catholic vespers. It will be sung in several forms this coming Sunday as well as providing the underlying theme of the Mass setting.

Sano di Pietro, God creating the stars

Click to read about Conditor alme siderum and to listen to a number of choral and organ arrangements. 

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The organ voluntaries for Choral Eucharist, November 28, are Sleepers Awake by Johann Sebastian Bach and Emma Lou Diemer. Click for a number of different interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 (Sleepers Awake).
1972 Vierdag organ, Bethlehemkerk, The Hague
 

Bach found inspiration for BWV 645 in his Cantata 140.  Click to go to performances by Koopman, Leusink and Thomas.
 

Peter von Cornelius, The Wise and Foolish Virgins,  Museum Kunst Palast, Düsseldorf, 1830

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Eric Gill: "O"

 

The "O" Antiphons are associated with the Magnificat during the week preceding Christmas. Click to read about them and to listen online to a number of different renditions.

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Claudio Monteverdi

On Tuesday, November 30, at 7:30 pm, Christopher Jackson will conduct the Schulich School Singers with the McGill Baroque Orchestra and the Cappella Antica (Julian Wachner, Hank Knox, Valerie Kinslow, directors) in Claudio Monteverdi, Vespro della Beata Vergine (1610).  Admission $10.

Click to go to online performances with Latin-English text:

Performance by Taverner Consort, Choir and Players; soloists: Emma Kirkby,

Rogers Covey-Crump, Nigel Rogers, David Thomas; Andrew Parrott conducting.

Performance by soprano: Margaret Marshall; mezzo-soprano: Felicity Palmer; tenors: Kurt Equiluz, Philip Langridge; baritone: Thomas Hampson; bass: Arthur Korn; Concentus Musicus Wien; Tölzer Knabenchor (director: Arnold Schönberg); Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting.

Performance in the Basilica di San Marco, Venice, by sopranos: Ann Monoyios, Marinella Pennicchi; countertenor: Michael Chance; tenors: Mark Tucker, Nigel Robson, Sandro Naglia; basses: Bryn Terfel, Alastair Miles; the Monterverdi Choir; the London Oratory Junior Choir; His Majesties Sagbutts and Cornetts; the English Baroque Soloists; Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducting.

Performance at the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London, September 10, 2010, by the Monteverdi Choir; the English Baroque Soloists; the London Oratory Junior Choir & the Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School; His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts; Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducting.

November 21, 2010

  The Good Shepherd, Museo Pio Cristiano, Vatican, 4th cent.

I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord [NRSV, Jeremiah 23:4].

Christ Church Cathedral Choir Notes

The Reign of Christ / Feast of the Dedication

Click to go immediately to:

1) The Music Programme Homepage

 2) The Music Calendar for Choral Eucharist and Evensong 

3) The Concert Calendar

Théodore Dubois

It seems everyone enjoys playing Théodore Dubois (1837-1924), Toccata, the postlude for Choral Eucharist this coming Sunday.  Listen to a number of online performances:

Marie-Claire Alain on the 1862 Cavaillé-Coll organ of St Sulpice, Paris [YouTube]

Francis Jackson on the Walker/Harrison/Coffin organ of York Minster [YouTube]

Gerard Brooks on the Cavaillé-Coll organ of St Ouen, Rouen [YouTube]

Diane Bish on the 1999 Kuhn organ of Bern Cathedral [YouTube]

Evencio Castellanos on the Cavaillé-Coll organ of Notre Dame, Paris [YouTube]

Klaas Jan Mulder on the Van Dam organ of the Oude Kerk, Ede [listen]

Piet van Egmond on the Kam organ of the Grote Kerk, Dordrecht [listen]

Helga Schauerte on the 1981 Eisenbarth organ of Dom St. Stephan, Passau, Germany [Click here, then click on "Listen to the Program," then hold button and slide to 8:42 (8 minutes and 42 seconds)]
 

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Happy Birthday Arvo Part (75 years) and John Rutter (65 years)!

Musica Orbium, directed by Patrick Wedd, celebrates the birthdays with a concert of their music on Sunday, November 21, at St. George's Anglican Church, corner of Peel and La Gauchetière (Montreal), at 7:30 pm.  Admission $25 - $15.

Listen online to other performances of the evening's programme:

Performances: To follow text while listening, right-click  on [listen] or [YouTube], then left-click on "Open in New Window," then arrange windows. 

The Beatitudes (1990)

     Theatre of Voices, Paul Hillier conducting [listen] 

     Vasari Singers, Jeremy Backhouse conducting  

     [listen]

         Choir of King's College, Cambridge; David Goode, organ; Stephen Cleobury conducting [listen]

     Elora Festival Singers, Noel Edison conducting 

     [YouTube]

3. Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted.
5. Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth.
6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled.
7. Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy.
8. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God.
10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Amen

Matthew 5:3-12

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Berliner Messe (1990)
 

     Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tonu Kaljuste  conducting [listen to entire work]

          Kyrie [listen]

          Gloria [listen]

          First Alleluia Verse [listen]

Alleluia. Alleluia.
Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur:
et renovabis faciem terrae. Alleluia.

Alleluia. Alleluia.
Send out your Spirit and they shall be created
and you shall renew the face of the earth. Alleluia.

          Second Alleluia Verse [listen]

Alleluia. Alleluia.
Veni Samcte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium:
et tui amoris in eis ignem accende. Alleluia.Alleluia. Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful:
and ignite the fire of your love within them. Alleluia.

          Veni Sante Spiritus [listen]

Veni Sancte Spiritus, et emitte
coelitus lucis tuae radium;
veni pater pauperum, veni dator munerum,
veni lumen cordium;
consolator optime, dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium;
in labore requies in aestu temperies,
in fletu solatium.
O lux beatissima, reple cordis intima
tuorum fidelium.
Sine tuo numine nihil est in homine,
nihil est innoxium.
Lava quod est sordidum, riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium.
Flecte quod est rigidum, fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.
Da tuis fidelibus, in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.
Da virtutis meritum, da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium. Amen.  Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, and give out
the heavenly radiance of your light;
come, father of the poor, come, giver of gifts,
come, light of all hearts;
best of comforters, sweet guest of the soul,
refreshingly sweet;
rest in labour, calm in the storm,
solace in weeping.
O most blessed light, fill the inmost heart
of thy faithful.
Without your power there is nothing in a man,
nothing is wholesome.
Wash what is soiled, water what is parched,
heal what is wounded.
Bend what is set firm, warm what is cold,
rule over what has gone astray.
Give to your faithful, who trust in you,
your sevenfold gifts.
Reward the virtuous release the rescued,
give joy for ever Amen.  Alleluia.
 

          Credo [listen] 

          Sanctus [listen]

          Agnus Dei [listen]

     Oregon Repertory Singers, Gil Seeley conducting 

     [listen to entire work]

          Kyrie [listen]

         Gloria [listen]

          First Alleluia Verse [listen]

Alleluia. Alleluia.
Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur:
et renovabis faciem terrae. Alleluia.

Alleluia. Alleluia.
Send out your Spirit and they shall be created
and you shall renew the face of the earth. Alleluia.

          Second Alleluia Verse [listen]

Alleluia. Alleluia.
Veni Samcte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium:
et tui amoris in eis ignem accende. Alleluia.Alleluia. Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful:
and ignite the fire of your love within them. Alleluia.

          Veni Sante Spiritus [listen]

Veni Sancte Spiritus, et emitte
coelitus lucis tuae radium;
veni pater pauperum, veni dator munerum,
veni lumen cordium;
consolator optime, dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium;
in labore requies in aestu temperies,
in fletu solatium.
O lux beatissima, reple cordis intima
tuorum fidelium.
Sine tuo numine nihil est in homine,
nihil est innoxium.
Lava quod est sordidum, riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium.
Flecte quod est rigidum, fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.
Da tuis fidelibus, in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.
Da virtutis meritum, da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium. Amen.  Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, and give out
the heavenly radiance of your light;
come, father of the poor, come, giver of gifts,
come, light of all hearts;
best of comforters, sweet guest of the soul,
refreshingly sweet;
rest in labour, calm in the storm,
solace in weeping.
O most blessed light, fill the inmost heart
of thy faithful.
Without your power there is nothing in a man,
nothing is wholesome.
Wash what is soiled, water what is parched,
heal what is wounded.
Bend what is set firm, warm what is cold,
rule over what has gone astray.
Give to your faithful, who trust in you,
your sevenfold gifts.
Reward the virtuous release the rescued,
give joy for ever Amen.  Alleluia.

          Credo [listen] 

          Sanctus [listen]

         Agnus Dei [listen]

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. . . which was the Son of . . . (2000)

     Vokalensemble Lux Aeterna, Andreas Cessak conducting [YouTube]

1. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
2. Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
3. Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
4. Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
5. Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
6. Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
7. Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
8. Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
9. Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
10. Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
11. Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
12. Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
13. Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
14. Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
15. Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
16. Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

Luke 3:23-38

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John Rutter: Requiem

St. Matthew's Choir of Ealing, Phiroz Dala conducting [listen]

Choir of King's College, Sinfonia of London, Stephen Cleobury conducting. [listen]

Monteverdi-Chor Hamburg, Gothart Stier conducting [YouTube]

Soli Brass, Cantica Sacra, Frans-Aert Burghgraef conducting [YouTube]

Requiem aeternam

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine: 

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord:

et lux perpetua luceat eis. 

and may light perpetual shine upon them.

Te decet hymnus, Deus in Sion: 

Thou, O God, art praised in Sion:

et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem. 

and unto thee shall the vow be performed in Jerusalem.

Exaudi orationem meam, 

Thou that hearest the prayer,

ad te omnis caro veniet. 

unto thee shall all flesh come.

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. 

Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.

Kyrie eleison. 

Lord have mercy.

Psalm 130: Out of the deep

Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice.

O let thine ears consider well: the voice of my complaint.

If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss: O Lord, who may abide it?

For there is mercy with thee: therefore shalt thou be feared.

I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him: and in his word is my trust.

My soul fleeth unto the Lord: before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.

O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy: and with him is plenteous redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel: from all his sins.

Pie Jesu

Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem. 

Blessed Lord Jesus, grant them rest.

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine. 

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord.

Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis sempiternam requiem. 

Blessed Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest.

Sanctus – Benedictus

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, 

Holy, holy, holy,

Dominus Deus Sabaoth. 

Lord God of hosts.

Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Hosanna in excelsis. 

Hosanna in the highest.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. 

Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in excelsis. 

Hosanna in the highest.

Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

dona eis requiem. 

grant them rest.

Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut

down like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

dona eis requiem. 

grant them rest.

In the midst of life, we are in death: of whom may we seek for succour?

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

dona eis requiem. 

grant them rest.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing.

He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

Thou shalt prepare a table for me against them that trouble me: thou hast anointed my head with oil, and

my cup shall be full.

But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house

of the Lord for ever.

Lux aeterna

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours: even so saith the Spirit.

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine: 

Eternal light shine upon them, O Lord:

cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es. 

with all thy saints for evermore, for thy mercy’s sake.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine: 

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord:

et lux perpetua luceat eis. 

and may light perpetual shine upon them.