Sundays at 10:00 Music Archive
April 8
The 2nd Sunday of Easter
Prelude: Voluntary I … W. Boyce
Voluntary during Communion: Alleluia! O sons and daughters op. 100 II/7… F. Peeters
Postlude: Fugue in C (‘Gigue’) BuxWV 174 … D. Buxtehude
(The Choir has this Sunday off)
April 1, 2018
Easter Sunday
Prelude: Easter Chorale Preludes from the Orgelbüchlein: Today God’s only-gotten Son BWV 630, The Blessed Christ is Risen Today BWV 628 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Resurrection … W. Billings, arr. Sullivan
(With strings at 10:00—I will get the names)
Post-Communion Anthem: A Repeating Alleluia … C. Hampton
Postlude: Toccata (from Organ Symphony #5) … C.-M. Widor
March 25, 2018
Palm Sunday/ The Sunday of the Passion of our Lord
Offertory anthem: In monte Oliveti … F. Schubert
In monte Oliveti oravit ad patrem: Pater si fieri potest transeat a me calix iste. Spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma. Fiat voluntas tua.
On the Mount of Olives he prayed to his Father: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Let your will be done.”
Postlude: Herzliebster Jesu (Ah, holy Jesus) op. 122.2 … J. Brahms
March 18, 2018
The 5th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Turn Thy face from my sins … A. Sullivan
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
March 11, 2018
The 4th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Blessed are ye who live in faith unswerving op. 122.6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: For god so loved the world … Sullivan
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5.9 … J. Stanley
March 4, 2018
The 3rd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Prelude on Christe, Redemptor omnium … C. H. H. Parry
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Moger
Postlude: O God, thou faithful God op. 122.7 … J. Brahms
Feb. 25, 2018
The 2nd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Kyrie, Our Father in Heaven BWV 669 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: O Lord, increase my faith … H. Loosemoore
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 18, 2018
The 1st Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless op.67 … M. Reger
Offertory anthem: Agnus Dei (In memory of Bob Sperry) … Sullivan
Postlude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 14, 2018
Ash Wednesday
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103) … Ippalitov-Ivanov
Postlude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 11th, 2018
Last Sunday after the Epiphany/Transfiguration Sunday
Prelude: Visionem … G. Near
"Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” Matt. 16:9
Offertory anthem: O nata lux … M. Lauridsen
O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, dignare clemens supplicum laudes precesque semer. Qui carne quondam cortege dignatus es pro perditis, nos membra confer efface tui beati corporis.
O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.
Postlude: Te Deum laudamus BuxWV 218 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 4th, 2018
5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Laudate Dominum … G. Young
Postlude: Fugue in C Major BWV 547.2 … J. S. Bach
Jan. 28th, 2018
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Schmücke Dich, o liebe Seele op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory: O Savior of the World … G. Palestrina
O Saviour of the World, who by thy cross and precious blood hast redeemed us. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Amen.
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
Jan. 21, 2018
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Fugue in a minor … J. Pachelbel
Offertory anthem: Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake … R. Farrant
Postlude: Offertory on the Grands Jeux … F. Couperin
Jan 14th, 2018
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Psalm-Prelude II (from ‘Three Psalm Preludes for organ, Set Two’) … H. Howells
“Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to Thee are both alike.” Ps. 139:v. 11
Offertory anthem: Lord, thou hast searched me and dost know me (Psalm 139) … H. Willan
Postlude: Prelude on ‘Dundee’ … C. H. H. Parry
Jan. 7, 2018
1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Christ our Lord to the Jordan came BuxWV 180 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory: Of the Father’s heart begotten … arr. Wilcocks
Postlude: Ricercare in C … J. Pachelbel
Dec. 31st, 2017
First Sunday after Christmas
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star … BuxWV 223 … D. Bux
Offertory voluntary: Prelude on 'Gartan' op.101/5 … C. V. Stanford
Communion voluntary: Prelude on ‘Jesu Bambino’ … P. Yon
Postlude: Noel Suisse … C. Daquin
Dec. 25th, 2017
Christmas Morning
Prelude: Pastorale I,II BWV 590 … J. S. Bach
Offertory solo: Sussex carol … trad., arr. Willcocks
Communion voluntary: In Dulci Jubilo … M. Dupre
Postlude: All Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ BWV 604 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Prelude: Traditional carols for harp
Organ preludes: In Dulci Jubilo BuxWV 197 … D. Buxtehude; From heaven to earth at last I come … J. Pachelbel
Offertory Anthem: Dost thou in a manger lie … Medieval French carol, arr. M. Sullivan
Post-Communion Anthem: O Magnum Mysterium … Medieval Latin hymn, music by M. Sullivan
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10AM
4th Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Maria Zart … Arnolt Schlick (1460-1521)
Offertory anthem: Ave Maria …P. Stopford
Postlude: Magnificat fugue BWV 730 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 17, 2017
3rd Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Prelude L'Introit, Elevation for the 3rd Sunday of Advent… C. Tournemire
Offertory anthem: Jesu, joy of man's desiring … J. S. Bach
Postlude: Once He Came In Blessing BWV 600 … J. S. Bach
April 8
The 2nd Sunday of Easter
Prelude: Voluntary I … W. Boyce
Voluntary during Communion: Alleluia! O sons and daughters op. 100 II/7… F. Peeters
Postlude: Fugue in C (‘Gigue’) BuxWV 174 … D. Buxtehude
(The Choir has this Sunday off)
April 1, 2018
Easter Sunday
Prelude: Easter Chorale Preludes from the Orgelbüchlein: Today God’s only-gotten Son BWV 630, The Blessed Christ is Risen Today BWV 628 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Resurrection … W. Billings, arr. Sullivan
(With strings at 10:00—I will get the names)
Post-Communion Anthem: A Repeating Alleluia … C. Hampton
Postlude: Toccata (from Organ Symphony #5) … C.-M. Widor
March 25, 2018
Palm Sunday/ The Sunday of the Passion of our Lord
Offertory anthem: In monte Oliveti … F. Schubert
In monte Oliveti oravit ad patrem: Pater si fieri potest transeat a me calix iste. Spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma. Fiat voluntas tua.
On the Mount of Olives he prayed to his Father: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Let your will be done.”
Postlude: Herzliebster Jesu (Ah, holy Jesus) op. 122.2 … J. Brahms
March 18, 2018
The 5th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Turn Thy face from my sins … A. Sullivan
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
March 11, 2018
The 4th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Blessed are ye who live in faith unswerving op. 122.6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: For god so loved the world … Sullivan
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5.9 … J. Stanley
March 4, 2018
The 3rd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Prelude on Christe, Redemptor omnium … C. H. H. Parry
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Moger
Postlude: O God, thou faithful God op. 122.7 … J. Brahms
Feb. 25, 2018
The 2nd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Kyrie, Our Father in Heaven BWV 669 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: O Lord, increase my faith … H. Loosemoore
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 18, 2018
The 1st Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless op.67 … M. Reger
Offertory anthem: Agnus Dei (In memory of Bob Sperry) … Sullivan
Postlude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 14, 2018
Ash Wednesday
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103) … Ippalitov-Ivanov
Postlude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 11th, 2018
Last Sunday after the Epiphany/Transfiguration Sunday
Prelude: Visionem … G. Near
"Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” Matt. 16:9
Offertory anthem: O nata lux … M. Lauridsen
O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, dignare clemens supplicum laudes precesque semer. Qui carne quondam cortege dignatus es pro perditis, nos membra confer efface tui beati corporis.
O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.
Postlude: Te Deum laudamus BuxWV 218 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 4th, 2018
5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Laudate Dominum … G. Young
Postlude: Fugue in C Major BWV 547.2 … J. S. Bach
Jan. 28th, 2018
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Schmücke Dich, o liebe Seele op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory: O Savior of the World … G. Palestrina
O Saviour of the World, who by thy cross and precious blood hast redeemed us. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Amen.
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
Jan. 21, 2018
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Fugue in a minor … J. Pachelbel
Offertory anthem: Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake … R. Farrant
Postlude: Offertory on the Grands Jeux … F. Couperin
Jan 14th, 2018
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Psalm-Prelude II (from ‘Three Psalm Preludes for organ, Set Two’) … H. Howells
“Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to Thee are both alike.” Ps. 139:v. 11
Offertory anthem: Lord, thou hast searched me and dost know me (Psalm 139) … H. Willan
Postlude: Prelude on ‘Dundee’ … C. H. H. Parry
Jan. 7, 2018
1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Christ our Lord to the Jordan came BuxWV 180 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory: Of the Father’s heart begotten … arr. Wilcocks
Postlude: Ricercare in C … J. Pachelbel
Dec. 31st, 2017
First Sunday after Christmas
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star … BuxWV 223 … D. Bux
Offertory voluntary: Prelude on 'Gartan' op.101/5 … C. V. Stanford
Communion voluntary: Prelude on ‘Jesu Bambino’ … P. Yon
Postlude: Noel Suisse … C. Daquin
Dec. 25th, 2017
Christmas Morning
Prelude: Pastorale I,II BWV 590 … J. S. Bach
Offertory solo: Sussex carol … trad., arr. Willcocks
Communion voluntary: In Dulci Jubilo … M. Dupre
Postlude: All Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ BWV 604 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Prelude: Traditional carols for harp
Organ preludes: In Dulci Jubilo BuxWV 197 … D. Buxtehude; From heaven to earth at last I come … J. Pachelbel
Offertory Anthem: Dost thou in a manger lie … Medieval French carol, arr. M. Sullivan
Post-Communion Anthem: O Magnum Mysterium … Medieval Latin hymn, music by M. Sullivan
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10AM
4th Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Maria Zart … Arnolt Schlick (1460-1521)
Offertory anthem: Ave Maria …P. Stopford
Postlude: Magnificat fugue BWV 730 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 17, 2017
3rd Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Prelude L'Introit, Elevation for the 3rd Sunday of Advent… C. Tournemire
Offertory anthem: Jesu, joy of man's desiring … J. S. Bach
Postlude: Once He Came In Blessing BWV 600 … J. S. Bach
Oct. 1, 2017
Prelude: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness BWV 654 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Non nobis, Domine … W. Byrd
Postlude: Canzona post il Communio (from Fiori Musicali) … G. Frescobaldi
Sept. 24, 2017
Prelude: Voluntary VIII … W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: The Apple Tree … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: Bryn Calfaria (from 'Three Preludes on Welsh hymn tunes') … R. Vaughan Williams
Sept. 17, 2017
Prelude: Rhosymedre (fromThree preludes on Welsh hymn tunes)…R. Vaughan Williams
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103)...Ipalitov-Ivanov
Postlude: Lobe den Herren op. 52 #24... M. Reger
Sept.10, 2017
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, at thy word BWV 731 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Stopford
Postlude: Fugue in D BWV 532/2 … J. S. Bach
April 9, 2017
Palm/Passion Sunday
Offertory anthem: Pange lingua ... A. Bruckner
Postlude: Pange lingua ... J. Titelouze
April 2, 2017
Prelude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: I am the resurrection… T. Tompkins
Postlude: Fantasia in g minor BWV 542/1 … J. S. Bach
March 26, 2017
Prelude: Pie Jesu (from Organbook II) ..N. Rorem
Offertory anthem: Loving Shepherd of thy sheep… P. Ledger
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159… D. Buxtehude
March 19, 2017
Prelude: Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless … J. Pachelbel
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul … Ippolitof-Ivanof
Postlude: Kyrie, God, Holy Spirit BWV 671 … J. S. Bach
March 12, 2017
Prelude: Blessed are thee that live in faith unswerving op. 122 #6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: God so loved the world … J. Goss
Postlude: O God, thou faithful God op. 122 #7 … J. Brahms
March 5, 2017
First Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless op.67 … M. Reger
Offertory anthem: Agnus Dei (In memory of Bob Sperry) … Sullivan
Postlude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
This morning’s prelude/postlude are settings of the Lenten chorale ‘Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless,’ which I will first play in it’s original ‘hymn’ form, in a harmonization by Bach. In the Reger setting, one verse of the chorale is presented, with the melody clearly heard in the upper solo part. In the Bach setting, three verses are presented: in the first, the hymn tune appears in an ornamented version in the upper voice after an opening section featuring counterpoint based on the opening rising fifth (do-sol) of the chorale tune; in the second, the chorale tune appears in the middle voice, and in the third, the pedals finally enter with the chorale tune.
This morning’s Offertory anthem was dedicated to Bob Sperry, a long (long!) time Christ Church member and choir member, whose dedication to the choir and service to the church and community serves as an example to all. You are missed, Bob!
Feb. 26, 2017
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Visionem (from A Gregorian Liturgical Year) … G. Near
Offertory anthem: Festival Te Deum … B. Britten
Postlude: Holy God, we praise your name …F. Peeters
Te Deum Laudamus is a canticle of praise which is found as Canticles 7 and 21 in the Book of Common Prayer; it was at one time thought to have been written by Saints Ambrose and Augustine, but it is now generally attributed to Niceta, a fourth century Bishop. It is often sung on important occasions; we are singing it on this last Sunday before Lent as a response to the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration in today’s Gospel.
The Benjamin Britten setting that we are singing this morning is in three sections. The first consists of a flowing unison melody over seemingly static yet changing chords in the organ. At the words ‘The Holy Church throughout all the worlds dost acknowledge Thee’ Britten indulges in a lovely bit of text painting: the parts all of a sudden scatter, each going in a different direction, but returning together for ‘the Father of an infinite majesty.’ The middle section, which starts at the words ’Thou art the King of Glory,' starts at a faster tempo, with choral exclamations alternating with dramatic organ outbursts; the choir then settles into a syncopated ‘groove,’ with the sopranos mysteriously echoing the lower three parts. The last section marks a return to the opening music, with the soprano soloist singing the opening melody, and finally joined by the choir at the words ‘Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without fear.’
This morning’s prelude by Gerald Near is a setting of the chant that was traditionally sung during Communion on the Feast of the Transfiguration (which is itself celebrated, somewhat confusingly, in August!) The text of the chant comes from the end of Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration: "Tell the vision you have seen to no man,
till the Son of man be risen from the dead.”
Feb. 19, 2017
7th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Benedictus … A. Rowley
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … T. Attwood
Postlude: Fuge in A BWV 536/2 … J. S. Bach
The text of this morning's offertory anthem is taken from this morning’s Psalm (Psalm 119 vs. 33). It is a popular text among composers, and we have sung several settings of this text already this year. The composer Thomas Attwood was a student of Mozart’s until shortly before his death; he returned home to England to establish himself as one of the leading English composers of his day.
English composers of the first half of the 20th century were fond of writing organ pieces that started and ended very quietly, but reached one or two very loud climaxes in the middle, showing off the whole range of the beautiful organs in English cathedrals and larger churches. This morning’s prelude is such a piece; however, I will not get quite as loud as the composer might have preferred! It’s composer, Alec Rowley, is not well known in this country but is respected in England, particularly for his organ and choir pieces. This lovely piece reminds me a little of the Elgar of the 2nd Symphony and Enigma variations—very noble and elegiac.
This morning’s postlude is the Fugue in E BWV 536/2 (we heard it’s accompanying prelude last week). This fugue has been called the ‘gentlest’ of Bach’s fugues. It is nearly all exposition, which is to say that the fugue subject (the opening ‘tune' on which the piece is based) is nearly always present, although sometimes it is ‘hidden in plain sight’ in the inner voices. How many times can you hear the fugue subject being played?
Feb. 12, 2017
The 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: If thou but suffer God to guide thee BWV 647 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Lord, for your tender mercies’ sake … R. Farrant
Lord, for Thy tender mercies’ sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive that is past, and give us grace to amend our sinful lives, to decline from sin, and incline towards virtue, that we may walk with a perfect heart before Thee now and evermore.
Postlude: Prelude and fugue in A BWV 536 … J. S. Bach
This morning’s prelude is based on the hymn tune we will be singing as our Sequence hymn this morning. It is actually an arrangement bach made of a movement of his cantata of the same name, BWV 93. In the original, the upper parts are sung as a vocal duet, with the chorale tune coming in on the strings; in the organ arrangement, the upper parts and the bass line are played on the manuals, while the chorale tune is played with the feet (or just ‘foot’, as is sometimes the case!).
Our postlude this morning is the Prelude in A from Bach’s Prelude and Fugue BWV 536—I will be playing the Fugue next Sunday. This is one of Bach’s most cheerful and sunny preludes, featuring cascades of bright organ sound and some fun skipping pedal motifs. Enjoy!
Feb. 5, 2017
The 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: There is a Spirit that Delights to do no Evil (from A Quaker Reader) … N. Rorem
Offertory anthem: Lead me, Lord … S. Wesley
Postlude: Now praise the Lord, my soul BuxWV 204 … D. Buxtehude
Jan 29, 2017
The 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, at thy word BWV 731 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Moger
Postlude: Ricarcare in C … J. Pachelbel
Jan. 22, 2017
The 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Chorale Prelude on ‘Rockingham’ (from Six Chorale Preludes, Set 1) … C. H. H. Parry
Offertory anthem: Ubi caritas … O. Gjeilo
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amebas Deum vivim. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Amen.
Where charity and love are, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Amen.
Postlude: Canzona after the Epistle (from Fiori Musicali, op. 12 #41) … G. Frescobaldi
Jan. 15, 2017
The Second Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude: Blessed Immanuel, Lord of the Faithful op.59 #2 …. M. Dupré
Offertory anthem: Behold the Lamb of God …J. P. Sweelinck
Postlude: Bryn Calafaria (from Three Preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes) … R. Vaughan Williams
Jan. 8. 2017
The 1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Christ our Lord to the Jordan came BuxWV 180 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory anthem: Of the Father’s heart begotten … Piae Cantiones, arr. D. Willcocks
Postlude: Fugue in C ('Gigue fugue’) BuxWV 174 … D. Buxtehude
Jan. 1, 2017
The Holy Name of Jesus
Prelude: The Christmas Carol, Varied as a Rondo, for the Piano Forte … S. Wesley
Communion voluntary: Pastorale Gesu Bambino … P. Yon
Postlude: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella … trad., arr. K. Chapman (Fred Imbimbo, organ)
Dec. 25, 2016 10:00 AM
The Nativity of Our Lord
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star BuxWV 223 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory voluntary: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star … J. Pachelbel
Communion voluntary: In Dulci Jubilo op. 28 … M. Dupre
Postlude: All Hail this Brightest Day of Days BWV 603 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24, 2016 10:00 PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Prelude: Traditional carols for harp
In Dulci Jubilo BuxWV 197 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory Anthem: In Ducli Jubilo BuxWV 52 … D. Buxtehude
Suky Bryan, Natalia Perez, violins; Gabby Perez, ‘cello
In dulci jubilo, Nun singet und seid froh! Unsers Herzens Wonne liegt
in praesepio, Und leuchtet als die Sonne Matris in gremio, Alpha es et O!
O Jesu parvule Nach dir ist mir so weh! Tröst' mir mein Gemüte O puer optime
Durch alle deine Güte O princeps gloriae. Trahe me post te!
Ubi sunt gaudia Nirgend mehr denn da! Da die Engel singen Nova cantica,
Und die Schellen klingen In regis curia. Eia, wären wir da!
In quiet joy now sing with hearts aglow! Our delight and pleasure lies in a manger; like sunshine is our treasure in the mother's lap! Thou art Alpha and Omega!
O tiny Jesus for thee I long alway; comfort my heart's blindness, O best of boys, with all Thy loving kindness, O Prince of glory,draw me unto thee.
Where are joys In any place but there? There are angels singing new songs, and there the bells are ringing in the king's court. O that we were there!
Post-Communion Anthem: O Magnum Mysterium … Medieval Latin hymn, music M. Sullivan
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 18, 2016
Advent IV
Prelude: Lo, how a rose ere blooming op. 122 #8 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: As Dewe in Aprille (from 'A Ceremony of Carols’) … B. Britten
I sing of a maiden that is makèles (matchless): King of all kings to her son she ches (chose).
He came al so stille there his moder (mother)was, As dew in Aprille that falleth on the grass.
He came al so stille to his moder bour (bower), As dew in Aprille that falleth on the flour (flower).
He came al so stille there his moder lay, As dew in Aprille that falleth on the spray.
Moder and mayden was never none but she; Well may such a lady Goddes moder be.
Postlude: Come, Holy Spirit, Lord God BWV 651… J. S. Bach
Dec. 11, 2016
Advent III
Prelude: Two pieces for the 3rd Sunday of Advent from ‘L’Orgue Mystique: Introit, Offertoire … C. Tournemire
Offertory Anthem: The Song of Mary (Magnificat) … Anglican Chant/H. Lawes
Postlude: Fugue on the Magnificat BWV 733 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 4, 2016
Advent II
Prelude: Savior of the Nations, Come … BWV 659 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Make us your candle … D. Angerman
Postlude: Savior of the Nations, Come … BWV 661 … J. S. Bach
This morning’s ‘ludes (organ slang for preludes and postludes) are chorale preludes based on the Advent hymn ‘Savior of the nations, come,’ our communion hymn this morning, which is itself a translation of Luther’s German paraphrase of the ancient Latin hymn ‘Veni, redemptor gentium’ written by St. Ambrose on the 4th century. These two settings are considered among Bach’s masterpieces in the genre. In the first, the chorale tune appears highly ornamented in the soprano, over an inexorably marching bass line in the pedals; in the second, the tune appears simply and powerfully in the pedals, where phrase by phrase thunders out under what appears at first to be a dramatic fugue in the manuals.
Nov. 27, 2016
Advent I
Prelude: Sleepers, Awake BWV 645 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come … P. Manz
Postlude: Once He Came in Blessing BWV 600… J. S. Bach
Nov 20, 2016
Christ the King
Prelude: In heaven above, at God’s high throne … F. Peeters
Offertory anthem: King of Glory, King of Peace … G. Near
Postlude: Hyfrydol (from Three Preludes on Welsh Hymns) … R. Vaughan Williams
Nov. 13, 2016
Prelude: VoluntaryVIII … W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: Cantate Domino (Psalm 98) … J. Crüger
Postlude: Fugue in C BWV 547/2 … J. S. Bach
Nov. 6, 2016
All Saints' Sunday
Prelude: O Quanta Qualia … P. Cranmer
Offertory anthem: I saw a new heaven (Revelations 21, 1-4:)… E. Bainton
And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.
Communion anthem: ‘Litanei’ op. posth. …F. Schubert (sung in German), Dennis Burke, baritone
Rest in peace, all souls who have had done with anxious torment,who have had done with sweet dreams; who, sated with life and hardly born, have departed from this world: all souls rest in peace!
And those who never smiled at the sun, keeping watch on the thorns beneath the moon, to see God in the pure heavenly light and look him just once in the face: all who have parted from here, all souls rest in peace!
Voluntary: Blessed Jesus, at thy word BWV 731 … J. S. Bach
Postlude: Auferstehn, ja auferstehn ('Arise, arise') op. 79b #7 … M. Reger
'O Quanta Qualia' is a medieval hymn by Peter Abelard, which we know in an English paraphrase as Hymn 623 ‘O why their joy and their glory must be, those endless Sabbaths the blessed ones see.’ In this morning’s prelude, the hymn tune (played by the feet) floats over a gently undulating accompaniment.
‘Auferstehn, ja augerstehn’ (Arise, arise!) are the first words of the hymn ‘Die Auferstehung’ (‘The Resurrection’) which Mahler took as the text for the finale of his 2nd Symphony, commonly known as ‘The Resurrection’ symphony. In this morning’s postlude the hymn tune originally associated with the text (not used by Mahler) is presented by the pedals under a dense, chromatic accompaniment.
October 30, 2016
Prelude: A mighty fortress is our God BuxWV 184 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory anthem: The Apple Tree … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: A mighty fortress is our God … J. Pachelbel
The image of Zaccheus up in the tree from this morning's Gospel brought to mind this morning’s lovely anthem, which is always a Fall favorite! The anonymous text is from a collection of early American folk hymns published by Joshua Smith, a Baptist minister from New Hampshire who was active in the period just following the American Revolution:
The tree of life my soul has seen, laden with fruit and always green: the trees of nature fruitless be, compared with Christ, the apple tree.
His beauty does all things excel: by faith I know, but ne’er can tell The glory which I now can see in Jesus Christ, the apples tree.
For happiness I long have sought, and pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but know I see ’Tis found in Christ, the apple tree.
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, it keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ, the apple tree.
October 23, 2016
Prelude: From God shall naught divide me BWV 658 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Here my prayer, O God … J. Arcadelt
Postlude: Te Deum Laudamus BuxWV 218 ... D. Buxtehude
Oct. 16, 2016
Prelude: Voluntary I … W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: Teach, me, O Lord … P. Stopford
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5 #9 … J. Stanley
Oct. 9, 2016
Prelude: At This Most Holy Feast op. 77 #2… F. Peeters
Offertory anthem: Barechu … S. Rossi
Barechu et Adonay hame vorach. Baruch Adonay hame vorach leolam vaed.
Praise Adonai to whom praise is due forever. Praised be Adonai to whom praise is due, now and forever.
Postlude: Fugue in g minor ('Little') BWV 578 … J. S. Bach
Oct. 2, 2016
Prelude: Pastorale I, II BWV 590 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: O lord, increase my faith … O. Gibbons
Postlude: Canzona after Communion (from Fiori Musicali) … G. Frescobaldi
Sept. 25, 2016
Prelude: deck thyself, my soul, with gladness op. 122 #5 …. J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Praise to the Lord … A. N. Whitehead
Postlude: In thee alone, O Christ our Lord … J. Pachelbel
September 18, 2016
Prelude: Kyrie, Our Father in Heaven BWV 669 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Non nobis, Domine … W. Byrd
Non nobis Domine, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.
(Not unto us, lord, but to Thy name be the glory.)
Postlude: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty op. 52 #24 … M. Reger
September 11, 2016
Prelude: These are the holy 10 commandments BWV 678 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: The Lord is My Shepherd … H. Goodall
Postlude: Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne in C BuxWV 137 … D. Buxtehude
June 5,
Prelude: Bless the Lord, O My Soul BWV 654 … J. S. Bach
Offertory music: Amazing Grace... arr. D. Hart
Postlude: Be Thou My Vision (SLANE)...arr. Soon Hee Newbold
This morning's Offertory and Postlude music will be provided by a youth string ensemble:
Violin: Kayla Bryan, Mariam Kish, Abby Moore, Finn Moore, Natalia Perez, Elle Provolo, Lauren Walczak
Viola: Emily Crossley, Keelyn Ervin
Cello: Natalie Bryan, Gabby Perez
May 29, 2016
Prelude: Voluntary in C, op. 10 #8 ... W. Boyce
Offertory Anthem: Cantate Domino ... J. Kroger
Postlude: Trumpet Tune ... W. Boyce
This morning’s anthem is a Latin setting of this morning’s well known Psalm. Cantate Domino canticum novum (Sing to the Lord a new song) has been a favorite text for composers throughout the millennia. This setting is by Johann Cruger, a 17th century German composer who wrote a number of concert works and liturgical pieces but is remembered primarily as a composer of Lutheran hymns and the publisher of the most-used 17th century Lutheran hymnal. Kruger was among the first generation of German composers who did not travel outside their native country to seek a music education; earlier German composers such as Schutz had brought the new Italian style of Gabrielli and Monteverdi with then back from England and made it their own. Cruder’s Cantate Domino is a perfect example of this new Italian style, with a German accent.
May 15, 2016
Pentecost
Prelude: Two settings of 'Now we Pray to the Holy Ghost' BuxWV 207, 208 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory anthem: Come, Holy Ghost … T. Attwood
Postlude: Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God BWV 651 … J. S. Bach
This Sunday’s music revolves around traditional Pentecost hymns. The oldest of these is the 9th century Latin hymn Veni Creator Spiritus: our anthem this morning is an English paraphrase which was included in the 1662 edition of the Book of common Prayer, and is sung at British coronations:
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire and lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art, who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
Enable with perpetual light the dullness of our blinded sight. Anoint and cheer our soiled face. With the abundance of thy grace, keep far our foes, give peace at home, where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son, and Thee of both, to be but one; that through the ages all along, this may be our endless song.
Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, son, and Holy Spirit.
Our prelude music this morning consists of two Buxtehude settings of the Lutheran chorale ‘Now we pray to the Holy Ghost’, and our postlude is the famous Bach setting from the collection known as the Leipzig chorales of the other Lutheran Pentecost hymn 'Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.' In Bach’s setting, the musical lines run up and down the page, resembling tongues of fire as they rise and fall, while underneath the chorale tune sounds in the bass.
May 8, 2016
This morning’s prelude and postlude played by Frederick Imbimbo
Prelude: Prelude in f minor (from Prelude and Fugue BWV 538) … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: And I Saw a New Heaven … E. Bainton
Postlude: Fugue in f minor (from Prelude and Fugue BWV 538) … J. S. Bach
We are once again fortunate to have Fred Imbimbo play the prelude and postlude this morning! Fred has offered some thoughts regarding this piece:
The Prelude and Fugue in f minor BWV 538 is one of the most profound in the solo organ works of JS Bach. In my experience, when I was first drawn to it, the fugue subject and its development expresses an inward understanding and experience of majesty. What was Johan Sebastian thinking of? Could it be, given Bach's intense love and commitment to Martin Luther's theology in the German catechism and doctrine of the Trinity, that Bach had in mind the majesty of Christ returning to the Father in the firmament of heaven? The fugue subject is solidly simple and very basic in its design yet is developed with intense chromaticism. The Prelude, played before our processional hymn this morning, is perfectly balanced with the Fugue, played after the recessional hymn. The prelude simply prepares you to enjoy what is about to enfold, the Majesty of Christ's glorious Ascension. It takes away all sadness as the Holy Spirit is being sent into the world as Jesus promised the disciples. As Jesus said, " I will not leave you comfortless." For me, the key of F minor does not necessarily evoke sadness, but rather, endurance, and in this particular work, the reward is our own transformation in the Resurrection as members of the mystical body of Christ. This is our New Creation.
The text to our anthem is drawn from the passage in Revalation that we have been reading over the last several weeks:
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and first earth had passed away, and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying: ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people; and God himself shall be with them and be their God; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.’
May 1, 2016
Prelude: Duetto II BWV 803… J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: The Tree of Life … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God … J. Pachelbel
April 24, 2016
Prelude: O Quanta Qualia (O what their joy and their glory must be) … P. Cranmer
Offertory anthem: Laudate Dominum …G. Young
Postlude: Now Bless The Lord, My Soul BuxWV 214 … D. Buxtehude
April 17, 2016
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word BWV 633 a,b … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need … text: Isaac Watts; trad. folk hymn, arr. V. Thomson
Postlude: Rejoice Greatly, O My Soul op. 59 #1 …. M. Dupré
This morning’s well-loved anthem is a setting by the American composer Virgil Thomson of the Isaac Watts metrical setting of the 23 Psalm, to the American folk hymn tube ‘Resignation’:
My Shepherd, will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; in pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream. He brings my wand'ring spirit back when I forsake your ways; He leads me, for his mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.When through the shades of death I walk, thy presence is my stay; one word of thy supporting breath drives all my fears away. Thy hand in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; my cup with Blessings overflows, thine oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may thy house be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come; no more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.
April 10, 2016
Prelude: Jesus Christ, Our Savior, Who Overthrew Death BWV 666 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Lo, A Voice From Heaven Sounding … Bortiansky
Postlude: The Strife is O’er, the Battle Won … F. Peeters
April 3, 2016
Prelude: O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing … F. Peeters
Offertory voluntary: Duetto III BWV 804 (from ‘Organ Mass’) … J. S. Bach
Communion voluntary: Fantasia in C BWV 570… J. S. Bach
Postlude: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! … H. Willan
Easter Sunday
March 27, 2016
Prelude: Chorale preludes for Easter from the Orgelbuchlein
This day in Triumph God the Son BWV 630, The Holy Christ Is Risen BWV 628 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Christ is Arisen … H. Schutz
Post Communion Anthem: A Repeating Alleluia … C. Hampton
Postlude: Fantasia in G (“Piece d’orgue”) BWV 572 … J. S. Bach
Palm Sunday
March 20, 2016
Offertory anthem: Now, my tongue, the mystery telling … hymn att. Thomas Aquinas; plainsong Mode 3 (Pange Lingua)
Postlude: Fantasia in g minor BWV 542/1… J. S. Bach
This morning’s anthem is a Latin hymn from the 13th century, sung in English to the chant melody traditionally associated with it. It was written for the feast of Corpus Christi but is traditionally sung during Holy Week. It appears in our The Hymnal 1982 as hymn 329.
Bach’s Fantasia in g minor is among the most dramatic and harmonically dense of all his works. Some of the dissonances and modulations as unexpected as anything in Wagner or later composers. If Bach played this piece at church (there are little in the way of records of exactly what he played each Sunday) I am certain he would have played it during this period in the church calendar; in it’s intensity it seems to somehow mirror the drama and pathos of the Passion.
March 13, 2016
Prelude: O Man, Bewail Thy Cruel Fate BWV 622 ... J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O My Soul ... M. M. Ippolito-Ivanof
Postlude: Voluntary VIII in d minor … J. Stanley
March 6, 2016
Prelude: From God shall naught divide me BWV 658 … J. S. Bach
Offertory: Teach Me, O Lord ... P. W. J. Stopford
Postlude: Prelude on "Cwm Rhondda" (Guide me, O thou great Jehovah) ... Paul Manz
Fred Imbimbo, organ
Feb. 28, 2016
Prelude: If thou but suffer God to guide thee... BWV 647 … J. S. Bach
Offertory: Go Down, Moses ... trad. spiritual
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159… D. Buxtehude
Feb. 21, 2016
Prelude: Blessed are Ye who Live in Faith Unswerving… op. 122 #6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Let the Words of My Mouth … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: O God, Thou faithful God op.122 #8 … J. Brahms
This morning's lovely anthem was rescheduled from Jan. 24, when snow prevented much of the choir from attending. Its text was taken from the Psalm for that morning and from Colossians 3:16,17:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with hearts full of thanks to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him.
Feb. 14, 2016
Prelude: Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless BWV 618 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercies' Sake ... R. Farrant
Postlude: Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
Richard Farrant was one of a remarkable group of composers creating a new type of church music following the reforms instituted by Queen Elizabeth; another was John Merebecke, who provided the service music settings we will sing during Lent. The reforms stressed that the words to be sung (now in English!) be set simply, so that they may be easily understood. Our anthem this morning is a perfect example of this new style:
Lord, for Thy tender mercies' sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive all that is past, and give us grace to amend our sinful lives, to decline from sin, and incline to virtue, that we may walk with a perfect heart, before Thee now and evermore.
This morning's organ music consists of two settings of the Lenten chorale "Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless". The first is from the "Little Organ Book," originally intended as a collection of chorale settings for the entire church year; our postlude this morning is from the collection known as the "Leipzig Chorales", which also carries the nickname "the Great Eighteen" and includes some of Bach's grandest chorale settings. In the first, the tune appears in the pedals. In the second, the tune starts in the highest voice, moves to the "alto' for the second verse, and ends up in the pedals for the big concluding verse.
Feb. 7, 2016
Prelude: Visionem: Mode, I Communion for Transfiguration (from A Gregorian Liturgical Year) ... G. Near
Offertory Anthem: Te Deum Laudamus ... S. Merchant
Postlude: Te Deum Laudamus BuxWV 218... D. Buxtehude
This morning's anthem is a setting of the "Te Deum Laudamus," a song of praise which has been adopted by the Episcopal Church as Canticle 7 (S205) in our hymnal. The text dates from the 4th century; it was traditionally attributed to Saints Ambrose and Augustine, but is now thought to be the work of one Nicetas, bishop of Remesiana (and is therefore one of the few non-Biblical canticle texts).
Our lovely prelude this morning (yes, it is rather 'modern' sounding!), by contemporary American organist and composer Gerald Near, is a setting of the traditional plainchant for Communion on Transfiguration Sunday. The text of the chant comes from the Gospel of Matthew's account of the Transfiguration in 17: 9— "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." The chant tune can be heard on the organ's lovely 4' flutes (which sound an octave higher than written) starting in the pedals, but then also popping up on the manuals, as it weaves around the accompaniment played on the organ's 'string' sounds.
The postlude consists of the 'Praeludium' and first 'verse' of Buxtehude's setting of the Te Deum, based on the original chant melody. (Someday I'll play the whole thing, but it goes on for another 10 minutes or so. So maybe I won't!) The first verse is set as a 'bicinium,' an ancient form with roots in the medieval period: it is a spare, two-part setting with the chant tune, in longer notes, presented against a faster moving counterpoint.
Jan. 31, 2016
Prelude: Voluntary in G ... W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: In Thee, O Lord ... G. F. Handel
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5 #9 ... J. Stanley
This morning's composers were contemporaries, and admirers of each other's music. Each held an important position in the London of the mid-18th century, and each was influenced by the others. Stanley was organist at the Temple Church, where Handel regularly went to hear him. Boyce was 'Master of the King's Musick' and organist of the Chapel Royal, while Handel was appointed Composer for the Chapel Royale (with, unusually, no official performing duties, making him perhaps the first professional composer!).
You will remember that a 'voluntary' is an 'free' organ (or keyboard) piece, i. e. a piece that was not based on an existing hymn or chant tune (which forms were known as 'strict'). Voluntaries come in many forms, but by the mid-18th century a general pattern became established: a slow introduction, often in the 'French' style, was followed by a fast, contrapuntal section (as in, for instance, the overture to Handel's 'Messiah').
Jan. 24, 2016
Prelude: Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now BWV 634 ... J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Let the Words of My Mouth … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: Fugue in D BWV 532b ... J. S. Bach
The text for this morning's lovely anthem is taken from this morning's Psalm and from Colossians 3:16,17:
Let the words of my mouthing the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with hearts full of thanks to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him.
This morning's postlude is the second half of the great Prelude and Fugue BWV 532. The beginning of the fugue subject (first heard by itself at the beginning) sounds like a musical joke, but the second half of the subject lets us know that while Bach is clearly in a good mood, he isn't fooling around! Remember that in a mature Bach fugue, sooner or later the pedals have to play whatever music has appeared in the upper parts—and in this fugue, the subject appears in the pedals not one or twice, but six times: first in the dominant (A Major), them back in D, then in b minor, f sharp minor, and c sharp minor, and then finally, after a long toccata-like passage on the dominant, one last time back in D major! (Actually, I just wrote that from memory. Listen and see if I was right!)
Jan. 17, 2016
Prelude: The Star Proclaims the King is Here … F. Peeters
Offertory Anthem: King Jesus Has A Garden … trad. Dutch, arr. Wood
Postlude: All Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ … J. Pachelbel
Jan. 10, 2016
Prelude: Christ Our Lord To The Jordan Came BuxWV 180… D. Buxtehude
Offertory Anthem: When Jesus went to Jordan’s stream … words by Luther, para. F. B. Tucker; music from “The Little Hymnal”, Walther, 1524
Postlude: All Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ … J. Pachelbel
April 8
The 2nd Sunday of Easter
Prelude: Voluntary I … W. Boyce
Voluntary during Communion: Alleluia! O sons and daughters op. 100 II/7… F. Peeters
Postlude: Fugue in C (‘Gigue’) BuxWV 174 … D. Buxtehude
(The Choir has this Sunday off)
April 1, 2018
Easter Sunday
Prelude: Easter Chorale Preludes from the Orgelbüchlein: Today God’s only-gotten Son BWV 630, The Blessed Christ is Risen Today BWV 628 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Resurrection … W. Billings, arr. Sullivan
(With strings at 10:00—I will get the names)
Post-Communion Anthem: A Repeating Alleluia … C. Hampton
Postlude: Toccata (from Organ Symphony #5) … C.-M. Widor
March 25, 2018
Palm Sunday/ The Sunday of the Passion of our Lord
Offertory anthem: In monte Oliveti … F. Schubert
In monte Oliveti oravit ad patrem: Pater si fieri potest transeat a me calix iste. Spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma. Fiat voluntas tua.
On the Mount of Olives he prayed to his Father: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Let your will be done.”
Postlude: Herzliebster Jesu (Ah, holy Jesus) op. 122.2 … J. Brahms
March 18, 2018
The 5th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Turn Thy face from my sins … A. Sullivan
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
March 11, 2018
The 4th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Blessed are ye who live in faith unswerving op. 122.6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: For god so loved the world … Sullivan
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5.9 … J. Stanley
March 4, 2018
The 3rd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Prelude on Christe, Redemptor omnium … C. H. H. Parry
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Moger
Postlude: O God, thou faithful God op. 122.7 … J. Brahms
Feb. 25, 2018
The 2nd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Kyrie, Our Father in Heaven BWV 669 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: O Lord, increase my faith … H. Loosemoore
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 18, 2018
The 1st Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless op.67 … M. Reger
Offertory anthem: Agnus Dei (In memory of Bob Sperry) … Sullivan
Postlude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 14, 2018
Ash Wednesday
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103) … Ippalitov-Ivanov
Postlude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 11th, 2018
Last Sunday after the Epiphany/Transfiguration Sunday
Prelude: Visionem … G. Near
"Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” Matt. 16:9
Offertory anthem: O nata lux … M. Lauridsen
O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, dignare clemens supplicum laudes precesque semer. Qui carne quondam cortege dignatus es pro perditis, nos membra confer efface tui beati corporis.
O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.
Postlude: Te Deum laudamus BuxWV 218 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 4th, 2018
5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Laudate Dominum … G. Young
Postlude: Fugue in C Major BWV 547.2 … J. S. Bach
Jan. 28th, 2018
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Schmücke Dich, o liebe Seele op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory: O Savior of the World … G. Palestrina
O Saviour of the World, who by thy cross and precious blood hast redeemed us. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Amen.
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
Jan. 21, 2018
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Fugue in a minor … J. Pachelbel
Offertory anthem: Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake … R. Farrant
Postlude: Offertory on the Grands Jeux … F. Couperin
Jan 14th, 2018
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Psalm-Prelude II (from ‘Three Psalm Preludes for organ, Set Two’) … H. Howells
“Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to Thee are both alike.” Ps. 139:v. 11
Offertory anthem: Lord, thou hast searched me and dost know me (Psalm 139) … H. Willan
Postlude: Prelude on ‘Dundee’ … C. H. H. Parry
Jan. 7, 2018
1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Christ our Lord to the Jordan came BuxWV 180 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory: Of the Father’s heart begotten … arr. Wilcocks
Postlude: Ricercare in C … J. Pachelbel
Dec. 31st, 2017
First Sunday after Christmas
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star … BuxWV 223 … D. Bux
Offertory voluntary: Prelude on 'Gartan' op.101/5 … C. V. Stanford
Communion voluntary: Prelude on ‘Jesu Bambino’ … P. Yon
Postlude: Noel Suisse … C. Daquin
Dec. 25th, 2017
Christmas Morning
Prelude: Pastorale I,II BWV 590 … J. S. Bach
Offertory solo: Sussex carol … trad., arr. Willcocks
Communion voluntary: In Dulci Jubilo … M. Dupre
Postlude: All Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ BWV 604 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Prelude: Traditional carols for harp
Organ preludes: In Dulci Jubilo BuxWV 197 … D. Buxtehude; From heaven to earth at last I come … J. Pachelbel
Offertory Anthem: Dost thou in a manger lie … Medieval French carol, arr. M. Sullivan
Post-Communion Anthem: O Magnum Mysterium … Medieval Latin hymn, music by M. Sullivan
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10AM
4th Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Maria Zart … Arnolt Schlick (1460-1521)
Offertory anthem: Ave Maria …P. Stopford
Postlude: Magnificat fugue BWV 730 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 17, 2017
3rd Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Prelude L'Introit, Elevation for the 3rd Sunday of Advent… C. Tournemire
Offertory anthem: Jesu, joy of man's desiring … J. S. Bach
Postlude: Once He Came In Blessing BWV 600 … J. S. Bach
April 8
The 2nd Sunday of Easter
Prelude: Voluntary I … W. Boyce
Voluntary during Communion: Alleluia! O sons and daughters op. 100 II/7… F. Peeters
Postlude: Fugue in C (‘Gigue’) BuxWV 174 … D. Buxtehude
(The Choir has this Sunday off)
April 1, 2018
Easter Sunday
Prelude: Easter Chorale Preludes from the Orgelbüchlein: Today God’s only-gotten Son BWV 630, The Blessed Christ is Risen Today BWV 628 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Resurrection … W. Billings, arr. Sullivan
(With strings at 10:00—I will get the names)
Post-Communion Anthem: A Repeating Alleluia … C. Hampton
Postlude: Toccata (from Organ Symphony #5) … C.-M. Widor
March 25, 2018
Palm Sunday/ The Sunday of the Passion of our Lord
Offertory anthem: In monte Oliveti … F. Schubert
In monte Oliveti oravit ad patrem: Pater si fieri potest transeat a me calix iste. Spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma. Fiat voluntas tua.
On the Mount of Olives he prayed to his Father: "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Let your will be done.”
Postlude: Herzliebster Jesu (Ah, holy Jesus) op. 122.2 … J. Brahms
March 18, 2018
The 5th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Turn Thy face from my sins … A. Sullivan
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
March 11, 2018
The 4th Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Blessed are ye who live in faith unswerving op. 122.6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: For god so loved the world … Sullivan
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5.9 … J. Stanley
March 4, 2018
The 3rd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Prelude on Christe, Redemptor omnium … C. H. H. Parry
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Moger
Postlude: O God, thou faithful God op. 122.7 … J. Brahms
Feb. 25, 2018
The 2nd Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Kyrie, Our Father in Heaven BWV 669 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: O Lord, increase my faith … H. Loosemoore
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 18, 2018
The 1st Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless op.67 … M. Reger
Offertory anthem: Agnus Dei (In memory of Bob Sperry) … Sullivan
Postlude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 14, 2018
Ash Wednesday
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103) … Ippalitov-Ivanov
Postlude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Feb. 11th, 2018
Last Sunday after the Epiphany/Transfiguration Sunday
Prelude: Visionem … G. Near
"Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” Matt. 16:9
Offertory anthem: O nata lux … M. Lauridsen
O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, dignare clemens supplicum laudes precesque semer. Qui carne quondam cortege dignatus es pro perditis, nos membra confer efface tui beati corporis.
O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.
Postlude: Te Deum laudamus BuxWV 218 … D. Buxtehude
Feb. 4th, 2018
5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Laudate Dominum … G. Young
Postlude: Fugue in C Major BWV 547.2 … J. S. Bach
Jan. 28th, 2018
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Schmücke Dich, o liebe Seele op. 122.5 … J. Brahms
Offertory: O Savior of the World … G. Palestrina
O Saviour of the World, who by thy cross and precious blood hast redeemed us. Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Amen.
Postlude: We all believe in one true God … F. Peeters
Jan. 21, 2018
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Fugue in a minor … J. Pachelbel
Offertory anthem: Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake … R. Farrant
Postlude: Offertory on the Grands Jeux … F. Couperin
Jan 14th, 2018
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Psalm-Prelude II (from ‘Three Psalm Preludes for organ, Set Two’) … H. Howells
“Yea, the darkness is no darkness with Thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to Thee are both alike.” Ps. 139:v. 11
Offertory anthem: Lord, thou hast searched me and dost know me (Psalm 139) … H. Willan
Postlude: Prelude on ‘Dundee’ … C. H. H. Parry
Jan. 7, 2018
1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Christ our Lord to the Jordan came BuxWV 180 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory: Of the Father’s heart begotten … arr. Wilcocks
Postlude: Ricercare in C … J. Pachelbel
Dec. 31st, 2017
First Sunday after Christmas
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star … BuxWV 223 … D. Bux
Offertory voluntary: Prelude on 'Gartan' op.101/5 … C. V. Stanford
Communion voluntary: Prelude on ‘Jesu Bambino’ … P. Yon
Postlude: Noel Suisse … C. Daquin
Dec. 25th, 2017
Christmas Morning
Prelude: Pastorale I,II BWV 590 … J. S. Bach
Offertory solo: Sussex carol … trad., arr. Willcocks
Communion voluntary: In Dulci Jubilo … M. Dupre
Postlude: All Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ BWV 604 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Prelude: Traditional carols for harp
Organ preludes: In Dulci Jubilo BuxWV 197 … D. Buxtehude; From heaven to earth at last I come … J. Pachelbel
Offertory Anthem: Dost thou in a manger lie … Medieval French carol, arr. M. Sullivan
Post-Communion Anthem: O Magnum Mysterium … Medieval Latin hymn, music by M. Sullivan
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24th, 2017 10AM
4th Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Maria Zart … Arnolt Schlick (1460-1521)
Offertory anthem: Ave Maria …P. Stopford
Postlude: Magnificat fugue BWV 730 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 17, 2017
3rd Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Prelude L'Introit, Elevation for the 3rd Sunday of Advent… C. Tournemire
Offertory anthem: Jesu, joy of man's desiring … J. S. Bach
Postlude: Once He Came In Blessing BWV 600 … J. S. Bach
Oct. 1, 2017
Prelude: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness BWV 654 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Non nobis, Domine … W. Byrd
Postlude: Canzona post il Communio (from Fiori Musicali) … G. Frescobaldi
Sept. 24, 2017
Prelude: Voluntary VIII … W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: The Apple Tree … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: Bryn Calfaria (from 'Three Preludes on Welsh hymn tunes') … R. Vaughan Williams
Sept. 17, 2017
Prelude: Rhosymedre (fromThree preludes on Welsh hymn tunes)…R. Vaughan Williams
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul (Psalm 103)...Ipalitov-Ivanov
Postlude: Lobe den Herren op. 52 #24... M. Reger
Sept.10, 2017
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, at thy word BWV 731 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Stopford
Postlude: Fugue in D BWV 532/2 … J. S. Bach
April 9, 2017
Palm/Passion Sunday
Offertory anthem: Pange lingua ... A. Bruckner
Postlude: Pange lingua ... J. Titelouze
April 2, 2017
Prelude: O man, bewail thy cruel fate BWV 622 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: I am the resurrection… T. Tompkins
Postlude: Fantasia in g minor BWV 542/1 … J. S. Bach
March 26, 2017
Prelude: Pie Jesu (from Organbook II) ..N. Rorem
Offertory anthem: Loving Shepherd of thy sheep… P. Ledger
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159… D. Buxtehude
March 19, 2017
Prelude: Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless … J. Pachelbel
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O my soul … Ippolitof-Ivanof
Postlude: Kyrie, God, Holy Spirit BWV 671 … J. S. Bach
March 12, 2017
Prelude: Blessed are thee that live in faith unswerving op. 122 #6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: God so loved the world … J. Goss
Postlude: O God, thou faithful God op. 122 #7 … J. Brahms
March 5, 2017
First Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless op.67 … M. Reger
Offertory anthem: Agnus Dei (In memory of Bob Sperry) … Sullivan
Postlude: Lamb of God, pure, spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
This morning’s prelude/postlude are settings of the Lenten chorale ‘Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless,’ which I will first play in it’s original ‘hymn’ form, in a harmonization by Bach. In the Reger setting, one verse of the chorale is presented, with the melody clearly heard in the upper solo part. In the Bach setting, three verses are presented: in the first, the hymn tune appears in an ornamented version in the upper voice after an opening section featuring counterpoint based on the opening rising fifth (do-sol) of the chorale tune; in the second, the chorale tune appears in the middle voice, and in the third, the pedals finally enter with the chorale tune.
This morning’s Offertory anthem was dedicated to Bob Sperry, a long (long!) time Christ Church member and choir member, whose dedication to the choir and service to the church and community serves as an example to all. You are missed, Bob!
Feb. 26, 2017
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Visionem (from A Gregorian Liturgical Year) … G. Near
Offertory anthem: Festival Te Deum … B. Britten
Postlude: Holy God, we praise your name …F. Peeters
Te Deum Laudamus is a canticle of praise which is found as Canticles 7 and 21 in the Book of Common Prayer; it was at one time thought to have been written by Saints Ambrose and Augustine, but it is now generally attributed to Niceta, a fourth century Bishop. It is often sung on important occasions; we are singing it on this last Sunday before Lent as a response to the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration in today’s Gospel.
The Benjamin Britten setting that we are singing this morning is in three sections. The first consists of a flowing unison melody over seemingly static yet changing chords in the organ. At the words ‘The Holy Church throughout all the worlds dost acknowledge Thee’ Britten indulges in a lovely bit of text painting: the parts all of a sudden scatter, each going in a different direction, but returning together for ‘the Father of an infinite majesty.’ The middle section, which starts at the words ’Thou art the King of Glory,' starts at a faster tempo, with choral exclamations alternating with dramatic organ outbursts; the choir then settles into a syncopated ‘groove,’ with the sopranos mysteriously echoing the lower three parts. The last section marks a return to the opening music, with the soprano soloist singing the opening melody, and finally joined by the choir at the words ‘Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without fear.’
This morning’s prelude by Gerald Near is a setting of the chant that was traditionally sung during Communion on the Feast of the Transfiguration (which is itself celebrated, somewhat confusingly, in August!) The text of the chant comes from the end of Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration: "Tell the vision you have seen to no man,
till the Son of man be risen from the dead.”
Feb. 19, 2017
7th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Benedictus … A. Rowley
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … T. Attwood
Postlude: Fuge in A BWV 536/2 … J. S. Bach
The text of this morning's offertory anthem is taken from this morning’s Psalm (Psalm 119 vs. 33). It is a popular text among composers, and we have sung several settings of this text already this year. The composer Thomas Attwood was a student of Mozart’s until shortly before his death; he returned home to England to establish himself as one of the leading English composers of his day.
English composers of the first half of the 20th century were fond of writing organ pieces that started and ended very quietly, but reached one or two very loud climaxes in the middle, showing off the whole range of the beautiful organs in English cathedrals and larger churches. This morning’s prelude is such a piece; however, I will not get quite as loud as the composer might have preferred! It’s composer, Alec Rowley, is not well known in this country but is respected in England, particularly for his organ and choir pieces. This lovely piece reminds me a little of the Elgar of the 2nd Symphony and Enigma variations—very noble and elegiac.
This morning’s postlude is the Fugue in E BWV 536/2 (we heard it’s accompanying prelude last week). This fugue has been called the ‘gentlest’ of Bach’s fugues. It is nearly all exposition, which is to say that the fugue subject (the opening ‘tune' on which the piece is based) is nearly always present, although sometimes it is ‘hidden in plain sight’ in the inner voices. How many times can you hear the fugue subject being played?
Feb. 12, 2017
The 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: If thou but suffer God to guide thee BWV 647 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Lord, for your tender mercies’ sake … R. Farrant
Lord, for Thy tender mercies’ sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive that is past, and give us grace to amend our sinful lives, to decline from sin, and incline towards virtue, that we may walk with a perfect heart before Thee now and evermore.
Postlude: Prelude and fugue in A BWV 536 … J. S. Bach
This morning’s prelude is based on the hymn tune we will be singing as our Sequence hymn this morning. It is actually an arrangement bach made of a movement of his cantata of the same name, BWV 93. In the original, the upper parts are sung as a vocal duet, with the chorale tune coming in on the strings; in the organ arrangement, the upper parts and the bass line are played on the manuals, while the chorale tune is played with the feet (or just ‘foot’, as is sometimes the case!).
Our postlude this morning is the Prelude in A from Bach’s Prelude and Fugue BWV 536—I will be playing the Fugue next Sunday. This is one of Bach’s most cheerful and sunny preludes, featuring cascades of bright organ sound and some fun skipping pedal motifs. Enjoy!
Feb. 5, 2017
The 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: There is a Spirit that Delights to do no Evil (from A Quaker Reader) … N. Rorem
Offertory anthem: Lead me, Lord … S. Wesley
Postlude: Now praise the Lord, my soul BuxWV 204 … D. Buxtehude
Jan 29, 2017
The 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, at thy word BWV 731 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes … P. Moger
Postlude: Ricarcare in C … J. Pachelbel
Jan. 22, 2017
The 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Chorale Prelude on ‘Rockingham’ (from Six Chorale Preludes, Set 1) … C. H. H. Parry
Offertory anthem: Ubi caritas … O. Gjeilo
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amebas Deum vivim. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Amen.
Where charity and love are, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Amen.
Postlude: Canzona after the Epistle (from Fiori Musicali, op. 12 #41) … G. Frescobaldi
Jan. 15, 2017
The Second Sunday after Epiphany
Prelude: Blessed Immanuel, Lord of the Faithful op.59 #2 …. M. Dupré
Offertory anthem: Behold the Lamb of God …J. P. Sweelinck
Postlude: Bryn Calafaria (from Three Preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes) … R. Vaughan Williams
Jan. 8. 2017
The 1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude: Christ our Lord to the Jordan came BuxWV 180 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory anthem: Of the Father’s heart begotten … Piae Cantiones, arr. D. Willcocks
Postlude: Fugue in C ('Gigue fugue’) BuxWV 174 … D. Buxtehude
Jan. 1, 2017
The Holy Name of Jesus
Prelude: The Christmas Carol, Varied as a Rondo, for the Piano Forte … S. Wesley
Communion voluntary: Pastorale Gesu Bambino … P. Yon
Postlude: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella … trad., arr. K. Chapman (Fred Imbimbo, organ)
Dec. 25, 2016 10:00 AM
The Nativity of Our Lord
Prelude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star BuxWV 223 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory voluntary: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star … J. Pachelbel
Communion voluntary: In Dulci Jubilo op. 28 … M. Dupre
Postlude: All Hail this Brightest Day of Days BWV 603 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 24, 2016 10:00 PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Prelude: Traditional carols for harp
In Dulci Jubilo BuxWV 197 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory Anthem: In Ducli Jubilo BuxWV 52 … D. Buxtehude
Suky Bryan, Natalia Perez, violins; Gabby Perez, ‘cello
In dulci jubilo, Nun singet und seid froh! Unsers Herzens Wonne liegt
in praesepio, Und leuchtet als die Sonne Matris in gremio, Alpha es et O!
O Jesu parvule Nach dir ist mir so weh! Tröst' mir mein Gemüte O puer optime
Durch alle deine Güte O princeps gloriae. Trahe me post te!
Ubi sunt gaudia Nirgend mehr denn da! Da die Engel singen Nova cantica,
Und die Schellen klingen In regis curia. Eia, wären wir da!
In quiet joy now sing with hearts aglow! Our delight and pleasure lies in a manger; like sunshine is our treasure in the mother's lap! Thou art Alpha and Omega!
O tiny Jesus for thee I long alway; comfort my heart's blindness, O best of boys, with all Thy loving kindness, O Prince of glory,draw me unto thee.
Where are joys In any place but there? There are angels singing new songs, and there the bells are ringing in the king's court. O that we were there!
Post-Communion Anthem: O Magnum Mysterium … Medieval Latin hymn, music M. Sullivan
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 18, 2016
Advent IV
Prelude: Lo, how a rose ere blooming op. 122 #8 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: As Dewe in Aprille (from 'A Ceremony of Carols’) … B. Britten
I sing of a maiden that is makèles (matchless): King of all kings to her son she ches (chose).
He came al so stille there his moder (mother)was, As dew in Aprille that falleth on the grass.
He came al so stille to his moder bour (bower), As dew in Aprille that falleth on the flour (flower).
He came al so stille there his moder lay, As dew in Aprille that falleth on the spray.
Moder and mayden was never none but she; Well may such a lady Goddes moder be.
Postlude: Come, Holy Spirit, Lord God BWV 651… J. S. Bach
Dec. 11, 2016
Advent III
Prelude: Two pieces for the 3rd Sunday of Advent from ‘L’Orgue Mystique: Introit, Offertoire … C. Tournemire
Offertory Anthem: The Song of Mary (Magnificat) … Anglican Chant/H. Lawes
Postlude: Fugue on the Magnificat BWV 733 … J. S. Bach
Dec. 4, 2016
Advent II
Prelude: Savior of the Nations, Come … BWV 659 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Make us your candle … D. Angerman
Postlude: Savior of the Nations, Come … BWV 661 … J. S. Bach
This morning’s ‘ludes (organ slang for preludes and postludes) are chorale preludes based on the Advent hymn ‘Savior of the nations, come,’ our communion hymn this morning, which is itself a translation of Luther’s German paraphrase of the ancient Latin hymn ‘Veni, redemptor gentium’ written by St. Ambrose on the 4th century. These two settings are considered among Bach’s masterpieces in the genre. In the first, the chorale tune appears highly ornamented in the soprano, over an inexorably marching bass line in the pedals; in the second, the tune appears simply and powerfully in the pedals, where phrase by phrase thunders out under what appears at first to be a dramatic fugue in the manuals.
Nov. 27, 2016
Advent I
Prelude: Sleepers, Awake BWV 645 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come … P. Manz
Postlude: Once He Came in Blessing BWV 600… J. S. Bach
Nov 20, 2016
Christ the King
Prelude: In heaven above, at God’s high throne … F. Peeters
Offertory anthem: King of Glory, King of Peace … G. Near
Postlude: Hyfrydol (from Three Preludes on Welsh Hymns) … R. Vaughan Williams
Nov. 13, 2016
Prelude: VoluntaryVIII … W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: Cantate Domino (Psalm 98) … J. Crüger
Postlude: Fugue in C BWV 547/2 … J. S. Bach
Nov. 6, 2016
All Saints' Sunday
Prelude: O Quanta Qualia … P. Cranmer
Offertory anthem: I saw a new heaven (Revelations 21, 1-4:)… E. Bainton
And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.
Communion anthem: ‘Litanei’ op. posth. …F. Schubert (sung in German), Dennis Burke, baritone
Rest in peace, all souls who have had done with anxious torment,who have had done with sweet dreams; who, sated with life and hardly born, have departed from this world: all souls rest in peace!
And those who never smiled at the sun, keeping watch on the thorns beneath the moon, to see God in the pure heavenly light and look him just once in the face: all who have parted from here, all souls rest in peace!
Voluntary: Blessed Jesus, at thy word BWV 731 … J. S. Bach
Postlude: Auferstehn, ja auferstehn ('Arise, arise') op. 79b #7 … M. Reger
'O Quanta Qualia' is a medieval hymn by Peter Abelard, which we know in an English paraphrase as Hymn 623 ‘O why their joy and their glory must be, those endless Sabbaths the blessed ones see.’ In this morning’s prelude, the hymn tune (played by the feet) floats over a gently undulating accompaniment.
‘Auferstehn, ja augerstehn’ (Arise, arise!) are the first words of the hymn ‘Die Auferstehung’ (‘The Resurrection’) which Mahler took as the text for the finale of his 2nd Symphony, commonly known as ‘The Resurrection’ symphony. In this morning’s postlude the hymn tune originally associated with the text (not used by Mahler) is presented by the pedals under a dense, chromatic accompaniment.
October 30, 2016
Prelude: A mighty fortress is our God BuxWV 184 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory anthem: The Apple Tree … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: A mighty fortress is our God … J. Pachelbel
The image of Zaccheus up in the tree from this morning's Gospel brought to mind this morning’s lovely anthem, which is always a Fall favorite! The anonymous text is from a collection of early American folk hymns published by Joshua Smith, a Baptist minister from New Hampshire who was active in the period just following the American Revolution:
The tree of life my soul has seen, laden with fruit and always green: the trees of nature fruitless be, compared with Christ, the apple tree.
His beauty does all things excel: by faith I know, but ne’er can tell The glory which I now can see in Jesus Christ, the apples tree.
For happiness I long have sought, and pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but know I see ’Tis found in Christ, the apple tree.
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, it keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ, the apple tree.
October 23, 2016
Prelude: From God shall naught divide me BWV 658 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Here my prayer, O God … J. Arcadelt
Postlude: Te Deum Laudamus BuxWV 218 ... D. Buxtehude
Oct. 16, 2016
Prelude: Voluntary I … W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: Teach, me, O Lord … P. Stopford
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5 #9 … J. Stanley
Oct. 9, 2016
Prelude: At This Most Holy Feast op. 77 #2… F. Peeters
Offertory anthem: Barechu … S. Rossi
Barechu et Adonay hame vorach. Baruch Adonay hame vorach leolam vaed.
Praise Adonai to whom praise is due forever. Praised be Adonai to whom praise is due, now and forever.
Postlude: Fugue in g minor ('Little') BWV 578 … J. S. Bach
Oct. 2, 2016
Prelude: Pastorale I, II BWV 590 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: O lord, increase my faith … O. Gibbons
Postlude: Canzona after Communion (from Fiori Musicali) … G. Frescobaldi
Sept. 25, 2016
Prelude: deck thyself, my soul, with gladness op. 122 #5 …. J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Praise to the Lord … A. N. Whitehead
Postlude: In thee alone, O Christ our Lord … J. Pachelbel
September 18, 2016
Prelude: Kyrie, Our Father in Heaven BWV 669 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Non nobis, Domine … W. Byrd
Non nobis Domine, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.
(Not unto us, lord, but to Thy name be the glory.)
Postlude: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty op. 52 #24 … M. Reger
September 11, 2016
Prelude: These are the holy 10 commandments BWV 678 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: The Lord is My Shepherd … H. Goodall
Postlude: Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne in C BuxWV 137 … D. Buxtehude
June 5,
Prelude: Bless the Lord, O My Soul BWV 654 … J. S. Bach
Offertory music: Amazing Grace... arr. D. Hart
Postlude: Be Thou My Vision (SLANE)...arr. Soon Hee Newbold
This morning's Offertory and Postlude music will be provided by a youth string ensemble:
Violin: Kayla Bryan, Mariam Kish, Abby Moore, Finn Moore, Natalia Perez, Elle Provolo, Lauren Walczak
Viola: Emily Crossley, Keelyn Ervin
Cello: Natalie Bryan, Gabby Perez
May 29, 2016
Prelude: Voluntary in C, op. 10 #8 ... W. Boyce
Offertory Anthem: Cantate Domino ... J. Kroger
Postlude: Trumpet Tune ... W. Boyce
This morning’s anthem is a Latin setting of this morning’s well known Psalm. Cantate Domino canticum novum (Sing to the Lord a new song) has been a favorite text for composers throughout the millennia. This setting is by Johann Cruger, a 17th century German composer who wrote a number of concert works and liturgical pieces but is remembered primarily as a composer of Lutheran hymns and the publisher of the most-used 17th century Lutheran hymnal. Kruger was among the first generation of German composers who did not travel outside their native country to seek a music education; earlier German composers such as Schutz had brought the new Italian style of Gabrielli and Monteverdi with then back from England and made it their own. Cruder’s Cantate Domino is a perfect example of this new Italian style, with a German accent.
May 15, 2016
Pentecost
Prelude: Two settings of 'Now we Pray to the Holy Ghost' BuxWV 207, 208 … D. Buxtehude
Offertory anthem: Come, Holy Ghost … T. Attwood
Postlude: Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God BWV 651 … J. S. Bach
This Sunday’s music revolves around traditional Pentecost hymns. The oldest of these is the 9th century Latin hymn Veni Creator Spiritus: our anthem this morning is an English paraphrase which was included in the 1662 edition of the Book of common Prayer, and is sung at British coronations:
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire and lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art, who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
Enable with perpetual light the dullness of our blinded sight. Anoint and cheer our soiled face. With the abundance of thy grace, keep far our foes, give peace at home, where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son, and Thee of both, to be but one; that through the ages all along, this may be our endless song.
Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, son, and Holy Spirit.
Our prelude music this morning consists of two Buxtehude settings of the Lutheran chorale ‘Now we pray to the Holy Ghost’, and our postlude is the famous Bach setting from the collection known as the Leipzig chorales of the other Lutheran Pentecost hymn 'Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.' In Bach’s setting, the musical lines run up and down the page, resembling tongues of fire as they rise and fall, while underneath the chorale tune sounds in the bass.
May 8, 2016
This morning’s prelude and postlude played by Frederick Imbimbo
Prelude: Prelude in f minor (from Prelude and Fugue BWV 538) … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: And I Saw a New Heaven … E. Bainton
Postlude: Fugue in f minor (from Prelude and Fugue BWV 538) … J. S. Bach
We are once again fortunate to have Fred Imbimbo play the prelude and postlude this morning! Fred has offered some thoughts regarding this piece:
The Prelude and Fugue in f minor BWV 538 is one of the most profound in the solo organ works of JS Bach. In my experience, when I was first drawn to it, the fugue subject and its development expresses an inward understanding and experience of majesty. What was Johan Sebastian thinking of? Could it be, given Bach's intense love and commitment to Martin Luther's theology in the German catechism and doctrine of the Trinity, that Bach had in mind the majesty of Christ returning to the Father in the firmament of heaven? The fugue subject is solidly simple and very basic in its design yet is developed with intense chromaticism. The Prelude, played before our processional hymn this morning, is perfectly balanced with the Fugue, played after the recessional hymn. The prelude simply prepares you to enjoy what is about to enfold, the Majesty of Christ's glorious Ascension. It takes away all sadness as the Holy Spirit is being sent into the world as Jesus promised the disciples. As Jesus said, " I will not leave you comfortless." For me, the key of F minor does not necessarily evoke sadness, but rather, endurance, and in this particular work, the reward is our own transformation in the Resurrection as members of the mystical body of Christ. This is our New Creation.
The text to our anthem is drawn from the passage in Revalation that we have been reading over the last several weeks:
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and first earth had passed away, and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying: ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people; and God himself shall be with them and be their God; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.’
May 1, 2016
Prelude: Duetto II BWV 803… J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: The Tree of Life … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God … J. Pachelbel
April 24, 2016
Prelude: O Quanta Qualia (O what their joy and their glory must be) … P. Cranmer
Offertory anthem: Laudate Dominum …G. Young
Postlude: Now Bless The Lord, My Soul BuxWV 214 … D. Buxtehude
April 17, 2016
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word BWV 633 a,b … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need … text: Isaac Watts; trad. folk hymn, arr. V. Thomson
Postlude: Rejoice Greatly, O My Soul op. 59 #1 …. M. Dupré
This morning’s well-loved anthem is a setting by the American composer Virgil Thomson of the Isaac Watts metrical setting of the 23 Psalm, to the American folk hymn tube ‘Resignation’:
My Shepherd, will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; in pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream. He brings my wand'ring spirit back when I forsake your ways; He leads me, for his mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.When through the shades of death I walk, thy presence is my stay; one word of thy supporting breath drives all my fears away. Thy hand in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; my cup with Blessings overflows, thine oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may thy house be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come; no more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.
April 10, 2016
Prelude: Jesus Christ, Our Savior, Who Overthrew Death BWV 666 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Lo, A Voice From Heaven Sounding … Bortiansky
Postlude: The Strife is O’er, the Battle Won … F. Peeters
April 3, 2016
Prelude: O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing … F. Peeters
Offertory voluntary: Duetto III BWV 804 (from ‘Organ Mass’) … J. S. Bach
Communion voluntary: Fantasia in C BWV 570… J. S. Bach
Postlude: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! … H. Willan
Easter Sunday
March 27, 2016
Prelude: Chorale preludes for Easter from the Orgelbuchlein
This day in Triumph God the Son BWV 630, The Holy Christ Is Risen BWV 628 … J. S. Bach
Offertory Anthem: Christ is Arisen … H. Schutz
Post Communion Anthem: A Repeating Alleluia … C. Hampton
Postlude: Fantasia in G (“Piece d’orgue”) BWV 572 … J. S. Bach
Palm Sunday
March 20, 2016
Offertory anthem: Now, my tongue, the mystery telling … hymn att. Thomas Aquinas; plainsong Mode 3 (Pange Lingua)
Postlude: Fantasia in g minor BWV 542/1… J. S. Bach
This morning’s anthem is a Latin hymn from the 13th century, sung in English to the chant melody traditionally associated with it. It was written for the feast of Corpus Christi but is traditionally sung during Holy Week. It appears in our The Hymnal 1982 as hymn 329.
Bach’s Fantasia in g minor is among the most dramatic and harmonically dense of all his works. Some of the dissonances and modulations as unexpected as anything in Wagner or later composers. If Bach played this piece at church (there are little in the way of records of exactly what he played each Sunday) I am certain he would have played it during this period in the church calendar; in it’s intensity it seems to somehow mirror the drama and pathos of the Passion.
March 13, 2016
Prelude: O Man, Bewail Thy Cruel Fate BWV 622 ... J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Bless the Lord, O My Soul ... M. M. Ippolito-Ivanof
Postlude: Voluntary VIII in d minor … J. Stanley
March 6, 2016
Prelude: From God shall naught divide me BWV 658 … J. S. Bach
Offertory: Teach Me, O Lord ... P. W. J. Stopford
Postlude: Prelude on "Cwm Rhondda" (Guide me, O thou great Jehovah) ... Paul Manz
Fred Imbimbo, organ
Feb. 28, 2016
Prelude: If thou but suffer God to guide thee... BWV 647 … J. S. Bach
Offertory: Go Down, Moses ... trad. spiritual
Postlude: Chaconne in c minor BuxWV 159… D. Buxtehude
Feb. 21, 2016
Prelude: Blessed are Ye who Live in Faith Unswerving… op. 122 #6 … J. Brahms
Offertory anthem: Let the Words of My Mouth … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: O God, Thou faithful God op.122 #8 … J. Brahms
This morning's lovely anthem was rescheduled from Jan. 24, when snow prevented much of the choir from attending. Its text was taken from the Psalm for that morning and from Colossians 3:16,17:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with hearts full of thanks to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him.
Feb. 14, 2016
Prelude: Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless BWV 618 … J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercies' Sake ... R. Farrant
Postlude: Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless BWV 656 … J. S. Bach
Richard Farrant was one of a remarkable group of composers creating a new type of church music following the reforms instituted by Queen Elizabeth; another was John Merebecke, who provided the service music settings we will sing during Lent. The reforms stressed that the words to be sung (now in English!) be set simply, so that they may be easily understood. Our anthem this morning is a perfect example of this new style:
Lord, for Thy tender mercies' sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive all that is past, and give us grace to amend our sinful lives, to decline from sin, and incline to virtue, that we may walk with a perfect heart, before Thee now and evermore.
This morning's organ music consists of two settings of the Lenten chorale "Lamb of God, Pure, Spotless". The first is from the "Little Organ Book," originally intended as a collection of chorale settings for the entire church year; our postlude this morning is from the collection known as the "Leipzig Chorales", which also carries the nickname "the Great Eighteen" and includes some of Bach's grandest chorale settings. In the first, the tune appears in the pedals. In the second, the tune starts in the highest voice, moves to the "alto' for the second verse, and ends up in the pedals for the big concluding verse.
Feb. 7, 2016
Prelude: Visionem: Mode, I Communion for Transfiguration (from A Gregorian Liturgical Year) ... G. Near
Offertory Anthem: Te Deum Laudamus ... S. Merchant
Postlude: Te Deum Laudamus BuxWV 218... D. Buxtehude
This morning's anthem is a setting of the "Te Deum Laudamus," a song of praise which has been adopted by the Episcopal Church as Canticle 7 (S205) in our hymnal. The text dates from the 4th century; it was traditionally attributed to Saints Ambrose and Augustine, but is now thought to be the work of one Nicetas, bishop of Remesiana (and is therefore one of the few non-Biblical canticle texts).
Our lovely prelude this morning (yes, it is rather 'modern' sounding!), by contemporary American organist and composer Gerald Near, is a setting of the traditional plainchant for Communion on Transfiguration Sunday. The text of the chant comes from the Gospel of Matthew's account of the Transfiguration in 17: 9— "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." The chant tune can be heard on the organ's lovely 4' flutes (which sound an octave higher than written) starting in the pedals, but then also popping up on the manuals, as it weaves around the accompaniment played on the organ's 'string' sounds.
The postlude consists of the 'Praeludium' and first 'verse' of Buxtehude's setting of the Te Deum, based on the original chant melody. (Someday I'll play the whole thing, but it goes on for another 10 minutes or so. So maybe I won't!) The first verse is set as a 'bicinium,' an ancient form with roots in the medieval period: it is a spare, two-part setting with the chant tune, in longer notes, presented against a faster moving counterpoint.
Jan. 31, 2016
Prelude: Voluntary in G ... W. Boyce
Offertory anthem: In Thee, O Lord ... G. F. Handel
Postlude: Voluntary in g minor op. 5 #9 ... J. Stanley
This morning's composers were contemporaries, and admirers of each other's music. Each held an important position in the London of the mid-18th century, and each was influenced by the others. Stanley was organist at the Temple Church, where Handel regularly went to hear him. Boyce was 'Master of the King's Musick' and organist of the Chapel Royal, while Handel was appointed Composer for the Chapel Royale (with, unusually, no official performing duties, making him perhaps the first professional composer!).
You will remember that a 'voluntary' is an 'free' organ (or keyboard) piece, i. e. a piece that was not based on an existing hymn or chant tune (which forms were known as 'strict'). Voluntaries come in many forms, but by the mid-18th century a general pattern became established: a slow introduction, often in the 'French' style, was followed by a fast, contrapuntal section (as in, for instance, the overture to Handel's 'Messiah').
Jan. 24, 2016
Prelude: Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now BWV 634 ... J. S. Bach
Offertory anthem: Let the Words of My Mouth … K. Lee Scott
Postlude: Fugue in D BWV 532b ... J. S. Bach
The text for this morning's lovely anthem is taken from this morning's Psalm and from Colossians 3:16,17:
Let the words of my mouthing the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with hearts full of thanks to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him.
This morning's postlude is the second half of the great Prelude and Fugue BWV 532. The beginning of the fugue subject (first heard by itself at the beginning) sounds like a musical joke, but the second half of the subject lets us know that while Bach is clearly in a good mood, he isn't fooling around! Remember that in a mature Bach fugue, sooner or later the pedals have to play whatever music has appeared in the upper parts—and in this fugue, the subject appears in the pedals not one or twice, but six times: first in the dominant (A Major), them back in D, then in b minor, f sharp minor, and c sharp minor, and then finally, after a long toccata-like passage on the dominant, one last time back in D major! (Actually, I just wrote that from memory. Listen and see if I was right!)
Jan. 17, 2016
Prelude: The Star Proclaims the King is Here … F. Peeters
Offertory Anthem: King Jesus Has A Garden … trad. Dutch, arr. Wood
Postlude: All Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ … J. Pachelbel
Jan. 10, 2016
Prelude: Christ Our Lord To The Jordan Came BuxWV 180… D. Buxtehude
Offertory Anthem: When Jesus went to Jordan’s stream … words by Luther, para. F. B. Tucker; music from “The Little Hymnal”, Walther, 1524
Postlude: All Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ … J. Pachelbel