November 30, 2014




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

And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake [NRSV, Mark  13:37].

Christ Church Cathedral Choir Notes
The First Sunday of Advent





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. The postludes at both choral Eucharists this Sunday are organ versions of the hymn by Jehan Titelouze.

Jehan Titelouze, Conditor alme siderum, performed by Yves-G. Préfontaine  on the 1699 Tribout organ of the Church of St. Martin, Seurre, France with Les Chantres du Roy [BNQ] [BM] (info

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

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"O" by Eric Gill

"O" Antiphons are an important element in Advent liturgy since the ninth century. A number of them will be sung during this year's Procession of Carols and Lessons for Advent.

Click to read about "O" Antiphons and listen to them in plainchant sung by the Dominican students of Blackfriars, Oxford, as well as versions by Healey Willan, Arvo Pärt and others.  
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  George Frideric Handel, Messiah

The Annual Handel's Messiah Sing-along will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, December 13, 4:30 pm, with the Cathedral Singers and orchestra, Patrick Wedd directing.  Scores will be available. Free admission / voluntary contribution.

Video performance by the Trinity Church (Wall Street) Choir with the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, Julian Wachner, conductor.  [listen]  
Click to read about Messiah with access to a number of free online performances.


McGill University Noon-Hour Organ Recital Series
The Wolff organ of Redpath Hall - Admission Free

Fridays until December 5, 2014.





Master of San Baudelio de Berlanga, Entry into Jerusalem
Indianapolis Museum of Art, c. 1125

Bach Cantatas for the First Sunday of Advent:

Click to go to Johann Sebastian Bach, Schwingt freudig euch empor / Soar in your joy, Cantata 36, with performances by Gardiner, Harnoncourt, Kuijken, Leusink and Rilling.

Click to go to Johann Sebastian Bach, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland / Now come, Saviour of the Gentile, Cantata 61, with performances by Gardiner, Harnoncourt, Leusink, Richter and Thomas.

Click to go to Johann Sebastian Bach, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland / Now come, saviour of the gentiles, Cantata 62, with performances by Gardiner, Harnoncourt, Kamp and Leusink.