"O" Antiphons in English (LOTH)

Richard R.

Dec. 17, O Sapientia.

Richard R.

Dec. 18, O Adonai.

Richard R.

Dec. 19, O Radix Jesse.

SrEleanor

These are beautiful. I'm wondering if the last syllable of "creation" on that long neume (Dec 17th) might be a bit unhappy? "shu-u-u-u-un"... I'm coming at this with an Irish accent, so perhaps that's my problem!

M. Jackson Osborn

...'shu-u-u-u-un'...

This would best be executed as something half way betwixt 'ahh' and 'uh'. The object is to fix your vowel quality and keep it pure and well supported by breath throughout its duration. Singing forward with a low tongue and forward facial mask, and steady breath support will aid in making a beautiful vowel out of 'shu-u-u-u-un'.

Contrary to common belief English DOES have beautiful vowels just like Latin and Italian do. They just happen to be different ones, and you have to discover how to produce them elegantly. 'Uh' is a good case in point. If you really work at it it will sound quite nice with the right facial posture and steady breath support.

Richard R.

Dec. 20, O clavis David.

Richard R.

Dec. 21, O Oriens.

Richard R.

Dec. 22, O Rex gentium.

Richard R.

Dec. 23, O Emmanuel.

Richard R.

Extra: Ant. 2, Lauds of the Nativity [English from Jan. 1]

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