The Special Sounds of Advent
  • Joseph Michael
    Posts: 258
    I confess: My favorite season of the Liturgical Year is Advent. The traditional musical sounds of Advent reflect, perfectly, the cold, gray days (at least in the Midwest). To me, here is the music that makes this season so special:

    Theodore Marier's Gospel Acclamation (#85 in HPSC) This haunting tune "says" ADVENT.

    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
    Hark! A Herald Voice is Calling MERTON (Sung very slowly..ending with the Willcocks choral setting)
    There's A Voice in the Wilderness Calling ASCENSION
    Gregorian chant: Ave Maria (#117 in HPSC)
    Kyrie from Mass XVII "in Dominicis Adventus"
  • benedictgal
    Posts: 798
    I would add:

    Creator of the Stars of Night
    On Jordan's Bank
    Lift Up Ye Heads, O Mighty Gates
    Rorate Caeli
    Hills of the North Rejoice
  • Mark P.
    Posts: 248
    I would add:

    O Come Divine Messiah
    Palestrina: Alma Redemptoris Mater
    Charles Wood: O Thou the Central Orb
  • francis
    Posts: 10,825
    We are doing a Christmas Novena, and it utilizes the O Antiphons. They are especially beautiful.

    download
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,510
    As it happens, an article on Advent hymns appeared in today's USA Today. (Full disclosure: I was quoted in it as a hymn writer.)
  • francis
    Posts: 10,825
    Congrats Kathy!
  • MarkThompson
    Posts: 768
    Thanks for the heads-up, Kathy. Here's the article: When's the right time for Christmas carols?
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,611
    Sorry, but even when it's really Christmas, I can't stomach biigerbfish, fried or otherwise. (you've got to read the article and the comments)
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    Love Advent! Love the above pieces.
    I would also add, 'Wake, awake, for night is flying'.
  • tdunbar
    Posts: 120
    That USAToday article is a very pleasant surprise!
  • Kathy
    Posts: 5,510
    I tried to work the Dominus Dixit into my talking points, but no go.
  • M. Jackson Osborn
    Posts: 8,415
    Hark!A Thrilling Voice is Calling, to MERTON, is my undoubted favourite hymn for Advent
    Then: The O Antiphons
    Victoria's Ecce Concipiet
    Bach's Fugue on the Magnificat
    Bach's organ preludes on Nun komm der Heiden Heiland
  • francis
    Posts: 10,825
    mjo

    can you point me to the bach fugue?
  • M. Jackson Osborn
    Posts: 8,415
    Francis - It is BWV 733, goes by the title, Fuga sopra il magnificat, and may be found at p. 70 of the Widor-Schweitzer-Schirmer vol. VI.
    It is a magnificent piece, perfect for any Lady day.
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