Random Thoughts on the Christmas Playlist

I truly love putting together the Christmas playlist every year, and even though several of the same recordings are long-cherished perrenials, I try to sneak in a few surprises now and then. Part of the fun of doing a "composed" playlist is that I can vary the mix, so to speak, and butt some pieces up against others for some interesting sequences. What about your favorite Christmas pieces? Please comment, that's what this blog is for!

Dupré: Variations on "Adeste Fideles" - Janette Fishell - Dupré: Works for Organ Vol 4
I was intimately involved with the selection and installation of this instrument (Casavant Op. 3606) back in the mid 1980s, and it is very close to my heart. This recording of the transcription of Dupré's organ roll by the excellent Janette Fishell just makes Christmas for me in so many ways...and don't you love the éclat of the full mixtures towards the end? Get this recording on Naxos and treasure it forever, not only for this but also for the 3 Preludes and Fugues (best recordings of these works anywhere!) and for the late Dupré work "Le Vitrail de St Ouen".

Traditional: Hymn "Adeste fideles" (O come all ye faithful); Organ Interlude; Traditional: Hymn "Winchester Old" (While shepherds watched their flocks by night) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
A massive, overwhelming "Adeste fideles" and the sine qua non of any recordings of this hymn, even 30+ years after its recording. The organist David Pizarro performs some amazing interludes in this sequence as well. BTW, we'd all best contribute to the restoration of this great Æolian Skinner instrument, which was damaged in the 2001 fire and I believe is still silenced.

from Pergolesi: Glory to God in the Highest - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
This was recorded by the Tab Choir back in the 60s, and was a childhood favorite...when I found the reissue on CD I danced for joy! Even though the remastering isn't that great for most of the pieces, the preservation of this lovely album was most welcome.

Howells: Three Carol-Anthems - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
You may have figured out by now how much I love to feature pieces by Howells, not only for the highly accomplished musical aspect but also for the deep spirituality that is embedded in his body of work. This suite of 3 pieces (Here is the little door, Sing lullaby, A spotless rose) is profoundly meaningful, especially "Here is the little door" which is my favorite.

Cutter: Little Lamb - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
What can I say, I love this modern setting of Blake's poem so very much...a favorite Christmas piece. The Advent Boston choir here is, as always, flawless technically and thoughtful in expression.

Victoria: O magnum mysterium - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
Rich, profound, so movingly performed...Chanticleer is such an excellent and intelligent ensemble of male singers, and this is one of their jewels.

Kocher: Hymn "Dix" (As of gladness men of old) - Choir of the Church of St Mary the Virgin New York City Christopher Babcock - O That We Were There: Music of Christmas Past
You know, I wish this CD had been better recorded and mastered than it was...from a technical standpoint it falls short, but as samples of actual service music it's quite satisfying in parts. Isn't the registration on the Æolian-Skinner here thrilling?

Lauridsen: O magnum mysterium - Choir of St George's Church Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
I sang with and precented for this choir in the 80s (and was a child chorister there in the 60s under Greg Colson and Sam Batt Owens), and even though I am not on this recording the sound is the same as Wilma Jensen perfected back then. (I'm still waiting for a St George's Nashville CD with the current choirmaster Murray Somerville, who came there from Harvard University's Memorial Church...Murray, I hope you read this and act appropriately!) This is a lovely Christmas CD, and I'm finding that this piece is being performed more regularly elsewhere nowadays - a great contemporary big-choir piece that maintains a glowing contemplative aura.

Campra: Messe de jour de Noël (Sanctus) - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
Bold and powerful stuff, expressive of the mysterium of this season and a great chance to hear Campra's service music performed in the latter day on this lovely Cliquot instrument.

Ninefold Alleluia and Announcement of the Holy Gospel - Organ Respond - Dean and Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
Now you know where my broadcast ID comes from! Thank you, Dean Morton, Choir and organist David Pizarro!

Büsser: Le sommeil de l'Enfant Jésus - Elizabeth Smith Anthony LaMarchina Licia Jaskunas - Christmas at St George's
Expressive of all the "hopes and fears" of the season, and a very sentimental favorite of mine. The perfect thing to go to bed to at home after Christmas Midnight Mass.

Yon arr. Brohn: Gesù Bambino - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
This is my dad's favorite Christmas piece, ever since he listened to broadcasts from St Patrick Cathedral NYC (where Pietro Yon was resident) on a crystal radio set in the 30s. I sang the baritone solo version often and quite badly for many years, so I am relieved that this much more palatable recording by Kathleen Battle exists.

Trad. English (West Country): Carol God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
Yee haw! this is rollicking and joyous. Parrott captures the spirit (and the West Country accent) of my common folk ancestors in this version...sounds like some had had a bit too much wassail, but that's part of the fun.

Gruber: Stille nacht ; Douce nuit ; Silent night - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
Exquisite, and a true tour de force in this presentation. I wish "Stille nacht" could be like this at every Christmas service.

Mulet: Carillon-Sortie - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
This piece, Bach's chorale prelude on "In dulce jubilo" and Vierne's "Carillon de Westminster" are classic Christmas recessionals, and all would be a stirring and fitting close to my humble Christmas playlist. May we all go out into the world this season with the same Christmas joy, warmth and com-fort!

Christmas 2007 Playlist

A very Happy Christmas to all! Here is the 2007 Christmas playlist, listed by composer. As every year, the Christmas playlist is a composed playlist and is indeed broadcast in this order:

1. Dupré: Variations on "Adeste Fideles" - Janette Fishell - Dupré: Works for Organ Vol 4
   
2. Traditional: Hymn "Adeste fideles" (O come all ye faithful) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
   
3. Organ Interlude; Traditional: Hymn "Winchester Old" (While shepherds watched their flocks by night) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
   
4. Belcher: While shepherds watched their flocks by night - Theatre of Voices Paul Hillier - Noel: Carols from the Old & New Worlds
   
5. Trad. French arr. Daveluy: Les anges dans nos campagnes - La Petite Bande de Montreal Martin Dagenais - En la Fête de Noël
   
6. Trad. French arr. Ledger: Angels, from the realms of glory - Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - A Festival of Lessons and Carols from King's
   
7. from Pergolesi: Glory to God in the Highest - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
   
8. Carol: A nywe werke is come on honde - Anonymous 4 - On Yoolis Night15th Cent.
9. English: Deo gracias Anglia - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly - Medieval Carols
   
10. Dandrieu: A minuit fut fait un Reveil - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
    
11. Trad. arr. Moore: Masters in this hall - New York City Gay Men's Chorus Faith Esham - Christmas Comes Anew
    
12. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Kyrie) - English Chamber Orchestra King's College Choir David Willcocks - Charpentier: Te Deum
    
13. Trad. Spanish: Riu riu chiu - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly - Medieval Carols
    
14. Scott: Nova! nova! - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City John Scott - Christmas on Fifth Avenue
    
15. arr. Joubert: Here we come a-wassailing - The Elizabethan Singers Louis Halsey - Nowell
    
16. Howells: Three Carol-Anthems (Sing lullaby) - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
    
17. Cutter: Little Lamb - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
    
18. Scheidt: O Jesulein süss - Netherlands Bach Society Jos van Veldhoven - Angels & Shepherds: A 17th Century Christmas
    
19. Plainchant: Gaude Maria; 14th Cent. German: Joseph, liber nefe min - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Medieval Christmas
    
20. Carol: Nowel, out of your slepe aryse - Anonymous 4 - On Yoolis Night
    
21. 14th Cent. German arr. Pearsall: In dulci jubilo - King's College Cambridge Choir Philip Ledger - Favourite Carols from King's
    
22. Henry VIII: Green grow'th the holly - Theatre of Voices Paul Hillier - Noel: Carols from the Old & New Worlds
    
23. Mendelssohn arr. Willcocks: Hymn "Mendelssohn" (Hark! the herald angels sing); Brass Respond - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City John Scott - Christmas on Fifth Avenue
    
24. Adam: O Holy Night - New York City Gay Men's Chorus Faith Esham - Christmas Comes Anew
    
25. arr. Caldwell: Tell us, shepherd maids - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
    
26. Anon. 17th Cent. French: A Minuit fut fait un reveil - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Baroque Christmas
    
27. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Offertoire) - English Chamber Orchestra King's College Choir David Willcocks - Charpentier: Te Deum
    
28. Esquivel: Duo Seraphim - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
    
29. from Villancicos de diversos Autores 1556: Verbum caro, y la Virgen - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
    
30. Sullivan: Hymn "Noel" (It came upon a midnight clear) - King's College Cambridge Choir David Willcocks - Favourite Carols from King's
    
31. Reger arr. Sadin: Marië Wiegenleid - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
    
32. Plainchant usage parisien: Introit Parvulus natus est nobis - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
    
33. Trad. English arr. Ledger: Chester Carol - King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - A Festival of Lessons and Carols from King's
    
34. Victoria: O magnum mysterium - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
    
35. Howells: Three Carol-Anthems (Here is the little door) - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
    
36. Kocher: Hymn "Dix" (As of gladness men of old) - Choir of the Church of St Mary the Virgin New York City Christopher Babcock - O That We Were There: Music of Christmas Past
    
37. 15th Cent. English : Nova! nova! - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
    
38. Lauridsen: O magnum mysterium - Choir of St George's Church Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
    
39. arr. Hancock: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City John Scott - Christmas on Fifth Avenue
    
40. Niles arr. Moore: I wonder as I wander - New York City Gay Men's Chorus Faith Esham - Christmas Comes Anew
    
41. Plainchant usage parisien: Alleluia Verbum caro factus est - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
    
42. Rameau: La nuit - La Petite Bande de Montreal Martin Dagenais - En la Fête de Noël
    
43. Rutter: Nativity Carol - Choir of the Church of St Mary the Virgin New York City Christopher Babcock - O That We Were There: Music of Christmas Past
    
44. Rondellus: De supernis sedibus - Anonymous 4 - On Yoolis Night
    
45. Trad. American arr. Dawson: Mary had a baby - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
    
46. Traditional arr. Vaughn Williams: Hymn "Forest Green" (O Little Town of Bethlehem) - King's College Cambridge Choir David Willcocks - Favourite Carols from King's
    
47. Sweelinck: Ons is gheboren een kindekijn - Netherlands Bach Society Jos van Veldhoven - Angels & Shepherds: A 17th Century Christmas
    
48. Schein: Nun jauchzet mit hellen ton - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Baroque Christmas
    
49. Campra: Messe de jour de Noël (Sanctus) - Ensemble Organum Marcel Pérès - Plain-Chant Parisien xvii et xviii siècles: Messe de jour de Noël
    
50. Dandrieu: Michau qui causoit ce grand bruit - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
    
51. Ninefold Alleluia and Announcement of the Holy Gospel - Organ Respond - Dean and Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
    
52. Traditional: Gaudete, Christus est natus - Theatre of Voices Paul Hillier - Noel: Carols from the Old & New Worlds
    
53. Trad. Welsh arr. Guest: Suo gân - Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
    
54. Howells: Three Carol-Anthems (A spotless rose) - The Finzi Singers Paul Spicer - Howells Choral Works
    
55. Büsser: Le sommeil de l'Enfant Jésus - Elizabeth Smith Anthony LaMarchina Licia Jaskunas - Christmas at St George's
    
56. Traditional arr. Ledger: I saw three ships - King's College Cambridge Choir Philip Ledger - Favourite Carols from King's
    
57. arr. Williamson: Carol Good King Wenceslas - The Elizabethan Singers Louis Halsey - Nowell
    
58. Trad. French arr. Moineau: Noël nouvelet - La Petite Bande de Montreal Martin Dagenais - En la Fête de Noël
    
59. Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Sanctus) - English Chamber Orchestra King's College Choir David Willcocks - Charpentier: Te Deum
    
60. Traditional: Hymn "Nowell" (The first Nowell) - Choir of the Cathedral of St John the Divine Richard Westenburg - Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
    
61. Yon arr. Brohn: Gesù Bambino - Kathleen Battle Orchestra of St Luke's Leonard Slatkin - A Christmas Celebration
    
62. Traditional arr. Willcocks: On Christmas Night - King's College Cambridge Choir David Willcocks - Favourite Carols from King's
    
63. Trad. English (West Country): Carol God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Taverner Consort Andrew Parrott - The Carol Album
    
64. Holst: Christmas Day - Mormon Tabernacle Choir Richard Condie - The Spirit of Christmas
    
65. Gruber: Stille nacht ; Douce nuit ; Silent night - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
    
66. Plainchant: Ave Maris Stella; 13th Cent. Provençal: Hymn O Maria, Deu Maire - Boston Camerata Joel Cohen - A Medieval Christmas
    
67. Austrian Carol arr. Luboff: Still, still, still - Choir of St George's Church Nashville Wilma Jensen - Christmas at St George's
    
68. Buxtehude: In dulci jubilo BuxWV 52 - Netherlands Bach Society Jos van Veldhoven - Angels & Shepherds: A 17th Century Christmas
    
69. Praetorius: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen - Chanticleer - Sing We Christmas
    
70. Trad. English arr. Ledger: Sussex Carol - King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - A Festival of Lessons and Carols from King's
    
71. Scheidt: Duo Seraphim - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Duo Seraphim: Angel Songs for Christmas
    
72. arr. Ridout: Carol Greensleeves (The old year now away is fled) - The Elizabethan Singers Louis Halsey - Nowell
    
73. Mulet: Carillon-Sortie - Huw Williams - Christmas Organ Music from St Paul's Cathedral
    

Hallelujah Chorus with Flash Cards!

Another YouTube vid that I can't resist sharing with you. This is not offensive at all, just simply hilarious...a bunch of guys dressed as nuns are assisting us in listening to the Hallelujah Chorus from the Handel Messiah by using flash cards. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D09DCZryG2U

Random Thoughts on the Advent Playlist

Just a few thoughts on the current Advent playlist...and an open invitation to comment on the playlist yourselves, that's why I created the blog! Please do post remarks on your favorites.

18th Century, arr. Ledger: Hymn "Helmsley" (Lo! He comes with clouds descending') - Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
To me, the most glorious Advent hymn ever. Best experienced at Advent Boston, singing in the choir in procession for the Feast of Title & Dedication on Advent I with thurifer and crucifer in front and that blessed Æolian-Skinner organ supporting. Though the ECUSA Hymnal 1982 words at the last are different ("Thou shalt reign, and Thou alone") the sentiment is the same: Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord, come! In that respect I'm glad the CofE lyrics are presented here.

Bach: Nun komm', der Heiden Heiland BWV661 - Adrian Partington - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
I love Partington's registration in the pedals here. When he iterates the chorale tune it really does feel like Judgment Day! Profound and wonderous.

Carter: Organ Toccata on Veni Emmanuel - John Scott - Advent at St Paul's Cathedral
It's hard to find appropriate organ works for Advent, but ever since I found this CD and this piece I've gotten very positive feedback. A grand toccata-style organ work, helped by the acoustic and the scale of the instrument at St. Paul's, especially the Dome Division at the last!

Franck: Les Béatitudes (Prologue) - Choeurs de Radio France Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique Armin Jordan
Even though Mme. Colomb's libretto is admittedly pretty insipid, Franck at times turns this sow's ear into a silk purse. And this Prologue is the best example of what he does in Les Béatitudes. The climax here with the words "Béni sont celui qui fait renaître l'espoir dans les cœurs abbatus" (Blessed is He who makes hope to be reborn in beaten-up hearts) is essential Advent...it's all about hope, people! This piece runs through my head all during Advent..."Le vieux monde se mourait...Une voix s'éleva, douce comme le miel..."

from Sacred Melodies 1815 arr. Gardiner: Hymn "Gardiner" (Where cross the crowded ways of life) - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour
Not strictly speaking an Advent hymn, but to a Bostonian the juxtaposition with the Christmas hymn 'Forest Green' (O little town of Bethlehem) with lyrics from our own Bishop Brooks is irresistable. We wait for the Son of Man "where cross the crowded ways of life"...and then at Christmas, "How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given" in the streets of the city...

Handel: Messiah (Recitative Thus saith the Lord of hosts - Boston Baroque Martin Pearlman - Handel: Messiah
I love this passage from the Book of the Prophet Haggai. The ultimate Coming of Our Lord is not supposed to be an insipid event: He will come with power and great glory, and indeed He will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land...we'd best get ready!

Manz: E'en so Lord Jesus, quickly come - Wellington Cathedral Choir Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession
This CD was a great find, such an outstanding choir is featured here. This Manz piece has been a favorite of mine for decades, and this recording is quite moving, well nigh perfection to me.

Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord alway ('The Bell Anthem') - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Capriccio Stravagante Skip Sempé
Sumptuous and quite lovely. And for someone who's sung the bass solo for this piece numerous times, I couldn't have done better! As close to a pre-Xmas bonbon as we get in this playlist.

Shaw: Hymn 'Little Cornard' (Hills of the north, rejoice) - Choir of Wellington Cathedral Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light
Wow. A great Advent hymn as is...but Cantrill's descant on the last verse is fiery and inspiring beyond belief. Every time I hear it I get goosebumps. One of the greatest descants I've ever heard...something else that runs through my head constantly during Advent. We don't know this hymn tune in ECUSA for Advent, and we should.

Willan: The Great O Antiphons of Advent - Vancouver Chamber Choir John Washburn - Healey Willan: An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
I only wish the broadcast rules would have allowed me to feature all of these in the Advent playlist...every single one of them is a quiet jewel. I guess I'm just a big ole' Willan fan!

Where the Listeners Were in November 2007

What an odd mix of music to hand off to my listeners in November: mostly an extension of All Saints/All Souls music coupled with a week-early start to this year's Advent playlist. A more punishing than usual work travel schedule was to blame. Nonetheless, there were listeners aplenty, for which I am grateful! Here are the top 10 US metro areas for listeners in November:

1. New York
2. Boston (Manchester)
3. Philadelphia
4. San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose
5. Albany - Schenectady - Troy
6. Albuquerque - Santa Fe
7. Tampa - Saint Petersburg (Sarasota)
8. Cincinnati
9. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
10. Denver

As for the top 10 countries for listeners in November, here they are (with a couple of surprises):

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Luxembourg
5. Sweden
6. Netherlands
7. Bahamas
8. Brazil
9. Spain
10. Afghanistan

Once again, some smaller countries are right up there (i.e. Luxembourg and Bahamas). And Afghanistan beat out Mexico and Japan for 10th spot---while I doubt a surge of interest in Anglican-leaning church music among the Muslim population, my guess is that there are folks in uniform listening intently from there. Regardless of anyone's position on policy, I want to thank all who serve in the military in dangerous places---many people are praying for you and for the safe completion of your mission.

In November there were listeners in 60 countries, with those in 42 countries listening for at least an half-hour. All continents were represented with the exception of Antarctica. Not bad for a month of 3/4 funeral music and 1/4 early Advent, you think? =)

Also in November, this station achieved a milestone of a sort in having more than 100 listeners chose it their Overall Favorite Station on Live365. Not a big thing for stations with broader appeal, but for this particular and rather special niche in the world of music, this was a very gratifying development. My thanks to you all!

Advent 2007 Playlist

This is the current playlist for Advent 2007, with works listed by composer. We are now back to "shuffle play", which means that the works listed below are not played in order:

1. 10th Century, arr. Wood: 'Twas in the year - King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - Procession With Carols on Advent Sunday
2. 18th Century, arr. Ledger: Hymn "Helmsley" (Lo! He comes with clouds descending') - Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
3. Anonymous: Rejoice in the Lord alway - Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Advent at St Paul's
4. arr. Musikalisches Hand-Buch 1690: Hymn 'On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry" - Salisbury Cathedral Choir Simon Lole - From Darkness To Light: The Salisbury Advent Service
5. Attwood: Psalm 50 - Choir Of King's College Cambridge Stephen Cleobury - Evensong from King's College Chapel
6. Bach: Gott, durch deine Güte BWV 600 - Simon Preston - Bach: Orgelbüchlein BWV 599-644
7. Bach: Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottessohn BWV 601 - Simon Preston - Bach: Orgelbüchlein BWV 599-644
8. Bach: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland BWV 599 - Simon Preston - Bach: Orgelbüchlein BWV 599-644
9. Bach: Nun komm', der Heiden Heiland BWV661 - Adrian Partington - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
10. Bach: Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36 - Aria (Auch mit gedämpften,schwachen Stimmen) - Collegium Vocale Philippe Herreweghe - Bach: Adventskantaten BWV 36, 61 & 62
11. Bach: Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36 - Choral (Nun komm', der Heiden Heiland) - Collegium Vocale Philippe Herreweghe - Bach: Adventskantaten BWV 36, 61 & 62
12. Bach: Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36 - Chorus (Schwingt freudig euch empor) - Collegium Vocale Philippe Herreweghe - Bach: Adventskantaten BWV 36, 61 & 62
13. Barnby: Psalm 24 - The Earth is the Lord's - Choir of King's College Cambridge David Willcocks - The Psalms of David Vol 1
14. Brahms: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her - Choir of St. John's College Cambridge Christopher Robinson - Advent Carols From St. John's
15. Bruckner: Virga Jesse floruit - Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Advent at St Paul's Cathedral
16. Brumann: Carmen in G - Matthias Ank - Das Gänsebuch: The Late Medieval Liturgy of St Lorenz Nuremburg
17. Byrd: Attolite portas a6 - The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - The Byrd Edition Vol 4
18. Cabezon: Beata viscera Mariæ virginis - Nicholas Jackson - Great European Organs No. 39 The Organ Of Segovia Cathedral
19. Cabezon: Himno a 3 - Nicholas Jackson - Great European Organs No. 39 The Organ Of Segovia Cathedral
20. Carter: Organ Toccata on Veni Emmanuel - John Scott - Advent at St Paul's Cathedral
21. Cavalli: Salve Regina - Choir Of King's College Cambridge Stephen Cleobury - Evensong from King's College Chapel
22. Elgar: Light of the world - Choir of Wells Cathedral Anthony Crossland - Sir Edward Elgar: Anthems and Motets
23. Elgar: Light out of darkness - Choir of Worcester Cathedral David Willcocks - Sir Edward Elgar: Anthems and Motets
24. Elgar: Seek Him that maketh the seven stars - Choir of Lincoln Cathedral Colin Walsh - Sir Edward Elgar: Anthems and Motets
25. Franck: Les Béatitudes (Prologue) - Choeurs de Radio France Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique Armin Jordan - Franck: Les Béatitudes
26. from Palestrina: Judah and Jerusalem, fear not - Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - An Advent Procession with Carols from King's
27. from Palestrina: Matin Responsory - Wellington Cathedral Choir Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession
28. from Sacred Melodies 1815 arr. Gardiner: Hymn "Gardiner" (Where cross the crowded ways of life) - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour
29. Gibbons: Almighty and everlasting God - Choir Of Magdalen College Fretwork Bill Ives - With A Merrie Noyse: Gibbons Second Service & Consort Anthems
30. Gibbons: Glorious and powerful God - Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Richard Marlow - Orlando Gibbons: Hosanna to the Son of David
31. Gibbons: Lift up your heads - Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Richard Marlow - Orlando Gibbons: Hosanna to the Son of David
32. Gibbons: This is the record of John - Choir Of Magdalen College Fretwork Bill Ives - With A Merrie Noyse: Gibbons Second Service & Consort Anthems
33. Guest: The Lord at first did Adam make - Choir of St. John's College Cambridge Christopher Robinson - Advent Carols From St. John's
34. Handel: Messiah (Chorus And He shall purify) - Boston Baroque Martin Pearlman - Handel: Messiah
35. Handel: Messiah (Chorus And the glory of the Lord) - Boston Baroque Martin Pearlman - Handel: Messiah
36. Handel: Messiah (Recitative Thus saith the Lord of hosts - Boston Baroque Martin Pearlman - Handel: Messiah
37. Heredia: Falsas de 6er tono - Nicholas Jackson - Great European Organs No. 39 The Organ Of Segovia Cathedral
38. Howells: Like as the hart - Magdalen College Choir, John Harper - The English Anthem Collection
39. Maconchy:There is no Rose - Choir of St. John's College Cambridge Christopher Robinson - Advent Carols From St. John's
40. Manz: E'en so Lord Jesus, quickly come - Wellington Cathedral Choir Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession
41. Mendelssohn: Hymne "Hör mein Bitten, Herr" - La Chapelle Royale de Paris, Collegium Vocale de Gand Philippe Herreweghe - Mendelssohn: Motets & Psaumes
42. Mendelssohn: Sechs Sprüche, Op. 79, 5. Im Advent - La Chapelle Royale de Paris, Collegium Vocale de Gand Philippe Herreweghe - Mendelssohn: Motets & Psaumes
43. Monk: Hymn "Merton" (Hark! A Herald voice is calling) - Choir Of King's College Cambridge Stephen Cleobury - Evensong from King's College Chapel
44. Noble: Evening Service in b (Magnificat) - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour
45. Paumann: Kyrie Angelicum - Matthias Ank - Das Gänsebuch: The Late Medieval Liturgy of St Lorenz Nuremburg
46. Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord alway ('The Bell Anthem') - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Capriccio Stravagante Skip Sempé - Evening Prayer: Henry Purcell Anthems and Sacred Songs 47. Purcell: Remember not, Lord, our offences - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings - Evening Prayer: Henry Purcell Anthems and Sacred Songs
48. Scheidt: Paraphrase du Choral 'Credo in unum Deum' (recorded 1935) - Marcel Dupré - L'Art de Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)
49. Schlick: Maria zart, von edler art - Matthias Ank - Das Gänsebuch: The Late Medieval Liturgy of St Lorenz Nuremburg
50. Shaw: Hymn 'Little Cornard' (Hills of the north, rejoice) - Choir of Wellington Cathedral Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light
51. Stanford: Evening Service in C Op 115 (Magnificat) - Winchester Cathedral Choir David Hill - Stanford: Sacred Choral Music Vol 3
52. Stanford: Lighten our darkness - Winchester Cathedral Choir David Hill - Stanford: Sacred Choral Music Vol 3
53. Stanford: Psalm 147 - O praise the Lord - Choir of King's College Cambridge David Willcocks - The Psalms of David Vol 1
54. Sung Advent Collect and Blessing - Salisbury Cathedral Choir Simon Lole - From Darkness To Light: The Salisbury Advent Service
55. trad. 15th Cent French: Hymn 'O come, O come Emmanuel' - Salisbury Cathedral Choir Simon Lole - From Darkness To Light: The Salisbury Advent Service
56. Trad. Basque arr. Pettman: The Angel Gabriel - Choir of Wellington Cathedral Andrew Cantrill - From Darkness to Light: Advent Procession
57. Turle: Psalm 42 & 43 - Like as the hart & Give sentence with me - Choir of King's College Cambridge David Willcocks - The Psalms of David Vol 1
58. Weelkes: Hosanna to the Son of David - Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Advent at St Paul's Cathedral
59. Willan: The Great O Antiphons of Advent - O Clavis David - Vancouver Chamber Choir John Washburn - Healey Willan: An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
60. Willan: The Great O Antiphons of Advent - O Emmanuel - Vancouver Chamber Choir John Washburn - Healey Willan: An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
61. Willan: The Great O Antiphons of Advent - O Rex Gentium - Vancouver Chamber Choir John Washburn - Healey Willan: An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
62. Wood: Hail, gladdening light - Magdalen College Choir, John Harper - The English Anthem Collection
63. Wood: O Thou, the central orb - Magdalen College Choir, John Harper - The English Anthem Collection

An Early Start to Advent

I've uploaded the Advent playlist today and have given it an early start, for two reasons: today is the Thanksgiving holiday and I had time, and I will be out of the country (and away from the Internet for the most part) for the actual start to the Advent season. Better early than late, and our annual "Xmas-Free Zone" has been increasingly popular year by year, so why not an extra dose? I hope all of you enjoy!

Notes on All Saints/All Souls Music

Just a few random musings on some of the selections in the current playlist...

Croft, Purcell: The Sentences
This is the way that every Anglican would want to start his/her going out. Normally these are spoken by the celebrant, but the occasion of Diana's funeral at Westminster Abbey gives us a rare example of how the Funeral Sentences are sung. Few choirs can tackle this chore well, and that is why I feature this recording year after year.

Victoria: Missa pro defunctis cum sex vocibus (1605)
A deeply personal selection. But it also helps that this recording in the 80s was somewhat of a milestone in recorded early music.

Willan: How they so softly rest
Such an exquisite piece, again pointing to the fact that Willan is such a magnificent and yet underappreciated composer.

Howells: Take him, earth, for cherishing
Composed by this 20th century giant of English composers in response to the assassination of US President John Kennedy in November 1963.

Kellam: Agnus Dei
Composed in remembrance of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City.

Duruflé: Requiem Op.9
This recording was actually conducted by Duruflé himself in the 1950s.

Tavener: Alleluia. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest - Silence - Bells
Another selection from the Diana funeral, but quite possibly one of the most moving funeral recessionals ever imagined. A big reason why I feature this recording year after year...and I feel the silence afterwards and then the bells are very important.

Where the Listeners Were in October 2007

Another display of "geo stats" from Live365 of listeners in October, and some of the stats are surprising (to me at least). Here are the top 10 Metro areas in the US for listeners in October, with quite a mixture of larger and smaller markets:

1. New York
2. Boston (Manchester)
3. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
4. Charleston-Huntington
5. Philadelphia
6. San Antonio
7. Rochester, NY
8. Albuquerque - Santa Fe
9. Los Angeles
10. Cincinnati

And for the top 10 countries in listenership in October, more surprises:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Turkey
5. Netherlands
6. Brazil
7. Japan
8. Spain
9. Australia
10. Korea, Republic of

Closely behind the ROK were the Dominican Republic and the Philippines. And I am surprised that Turkey was just behind the UK, unusual for a station with an admittedly Anglican bent! There were listeners from 50 countries in October, with those in 38 countries listening for at least 30 minutes. Thanks to all of you for listening to this station, wherever you are!

All Saints/All Souls 2007 Playlist

Here is the playlist for All Saints and All Souls for 2007, presented in order of play. Unlike most playlists on CCM, this is a composed list (i.e. not in shuffle play) and is played on the station in this order:

1. Darke: Elegy in E flat (1949) - The Organ Works of Harold Darke - Jonathan Rennert
   Croft, Purcell: The Sentences - Diana Princess of Wales 1961-1997 - Choir of Westminster Abbey London Martin Neary
2. Victoria: Missa pro defunctis cum sex vocibus (1605): Introit - Victoria: Requiem - Improperia - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho
   
3. Victoria: Missa pro defunctis cum sex vocibus (1605): Kyrie - Victoria: Requiem - Improperia - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho
   
4. Handl: Ecce quomodo moritur iustus - Remembrance - Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral London John Scott
   
5. Willan: How they so softly rest - Willan: Missae Breves, Motets - Choirs of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Toronto Robert Hunter Bell
   
6. Vierne: Triptyque Op 58 (Matines) - Louis Vierne: 24 Pièces en Style Libre etc. Vol 3 - Ben van Oosten
   
7. Vierne: Triptyque Op 58 (Communion) - Louis Vierne: 24 Pièces en Style Libre etc. Vol 3 - Ben van Oosten
   
8. Lobo: Versa est in luctum - Victoria: Requiem / Lobo: Versa est in luctum - Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips
   
9. Howells: Take him, earth, for cherishing - Herbert Howells: Music for Choir and Organ - Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott
   
10. Kellam: Agnus Dei - Remembrance - Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral London John Scott
    
11. Vierne: Triptyque Op 58 (Stèle pour un enfant défunt) - Louis Vierne: 24 Pièces en Style Libre etc. Vol 3 - Ben van Oosten
    
12. Schütz: Musicalische Exequien: Concert in Form einer teutschen Begräbnis-Missa - Schütz: German Requiem / The Seven Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross - Alsfelder Vokalensemble, Himlische Cantorey, I Febiarmonici Wolfgang Helbich
    
13. Schütz: Canticum B.Simeonis (Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener - Schütz: German Requiem / The Seven Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross - Alsfelder Vokalensemble, Himlische Cantorey, I Febiarmonici Wolfgang Helbich
    
14. Purcell: Music on the Death of Queen Mary (In the midst of life we are in death, Z 17A17A) - Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music, Music on the Death of Queen Mary - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly
    
15. Walmisley: Psalm 49: O hear ye this, all ye people - The Psalms of David Vol 3 - King's College Choir Philip Ledger
    
16. Purcell: Music on the Death of Queen Mary (Canzona, Z 860B) - Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music, Music on the Death of Queen Mary - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly
    
17. Purcell: Music on the Death of Queen Mary (Thou knowest Lord the secrets of our hearts, Z 58B) - Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music, Music on the Death of Queen Mary - Oxford Camerata Jeremy Summerly
    
18. Howells: Master Tallis's Testament - Herbert Howells: Music for Choir and Organ - Huw Williams
    
19. Fauré: Messe de Requiem Op 48 (Offertorium) - Fauré: Requiem, Fauré-Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs - La Chapelle Royale Philippe Herreweghe
    
20. Fauré: Messe de Requiem Op 48 (Sanctus) - Fauré: Requiem, Fauré-Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs - La Chapelle Royale Philippe Herreweghe
    
21. Willan: O King, to whom all things do live - Willan: Missae Breves, Motets - Choirs of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Toronto Robert Hunter Bell
    
22. Fauré: Messe de Requiem Op 48 (Agnus Dei) - Fauré: Requiem, Fauré-Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs - La Chapelle Royale Philippe Herreweghe
    
23. Goss: Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd - The Psalms of David Vol 1 - Choir of King's College Cambridge David Willcocks
    
24. Trad. Scottish arr. Irvine: Hymn "The Lord's my Shepherd" - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns - Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield
    
25. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (Selig sind die Toten, die in dem Herren sterben) - Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op 45 - La Chapelle Royale Collegium Vocale Philippe Herreweghe
    
26. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen, Herr Zebaoth) - Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op 45 - La Chapelle Royale Collegium Vocale Philippe Herreweghe
    
27. Darke: In Green Pastures in F (1956) - The Organ Works of Harold Darke - Jonathan Rennert
    
28. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (Selig sind, die da Leid tragen) - Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op 45 - La Chapelle Royale Collegium Vocale Philippe Herreweghe
    
29. Monk: Hymn "Eventide" (Abide with me) - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns - Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield
    
30. Victoria: Missa pro defunctis cum sex vocibus (1605): Libera Me - Victoria: Requiem - Improperia - Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho
    
31. Duruflé: Requiem Op.9 (Agnus Dei) (recorded 1959) - Duruflé: Requiem, Messe cum Jubilo etc - L'Orchestre de l'Association des Concerts Lamoureux Maurice Duruflé
    
32. Duruflé: Requiem Op.9 (Lux aeterna) (recorded 1959) - Duruflé: Requiem, Messe cum Jubilo etc - L'Orchestre de l'Association des Concerts Lamoureux Maurice Duruflé
    
33. Schütz: Die mit Tränen säen - Schütz: German Requiem / The Seven Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross - Alsfelder Vokalensemble, Himlische Cantorey, I Febiarmonici Wolfgang Helbich
    
34. Duruflé: Requiem Op.9 (In Paradisum) (recorded 1959) - Duruflé: Requiem, Messe cum Jubilo etc - L'Orchestre de l'Association des Concerts Lamoureux Maurice Duruflé
    
35. Parry: Songs of Farewell (My soul, there is a country) - Parry: Songs of Farewell, Stanford: Three Motets, Eternal Father, Magnificat - Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Richard Marlow
    
36. Parry: Songs of Farewell (Never weather-beaten sail) - Parry: Songs of Farewell, Stanford: Three Motets, Eternal Father, Magnificat - Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Richard Marlow
    
37. Byrd: Justorum animæ - Masters of English Church Music - The Cambridge Singers John Rutter
    
38. Parry: Songs of Farewell (There is an old belief) - Parry: Songs of Farewell, Stanford: Three Motets, Eternal Father, Magnificat - Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Richard Marlow
    
39. Stanford: Requiem (Kyrie: Allegro tranquillo ed expressivo - Sir Charles Villiers Stanford: Requiem - RTE Philharmonic Choir RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland Adrian Leaper
    
40. Stanford: Requiem (Gradual: Larghetto) - Sir Charles Villiers Stanford: Requiem - RTE Philharmonic Choir RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland Adrian Leaper
    
41. Walford Davies: Psalm 121 - I will lift up mine eyes - The Psalms of David Vol 1 - Choir of King's College Cambridge David Willcocks
    
42. Stanford: Requiem (Agnus Dei et Lux æternam: Tempo di marcia funèbre) - Stanford: Requiem - RTE Philharmonic Choir and National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland Adrian Leaper
    
43. Prichard: Hymn "Hyfrydol" (Alleluia, sing to Jesus) - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns - Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield
    
44. Willan: Rise up, my love, my fair one - Willan: Missae Breves, Motets - Choirs of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Toronto Robert Hunter Bell
    
45. Tavener: Alleluia. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest - Silence - Bells - Diana Princess of Wales 1961-1997 - Choir of Westminster Abbey London Martin Neary
    

Where the Listeners Were in August 2007

Possibly no one but myself finds mention of listener stats interesting, so even if only to amuse myself I will post this anyway. One observation I have is that in summer, with lower listenership overall, those in smaller markets tend to predominate, and such is the case with the top 10 US metro areas:

1. Albuquerque - Santa Fe
2. Rochester, NY
3. Boston (Manchester)
4. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
5. Los Angeles
6. Raleigh - Durham (Fayetteville)
7. Miami - Fort Lauderdale
8. Phoenix
9. Cincinnati
10. Dallas - Fort Worth

The list of the top 10 countries is more conventional, with one surprise:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. Netherlands
4. United Kingdom
5. Japan
6. Bahamas (this is the surprise, for this comparatively smaller country to rank)
7. France
8. Korea, Republic of
9. Italy
10. Norway

Poland and Brazil were minutes behind Norway. Overall, 53 countries harbored listeners to this station in August, and of those 28 countries contained those who listened at least an half-hour. That this was in a vacation month with a tired playlist blows me away! Thanks to all!

September 2007 Playlist

Here is the new playlist for September listed by composer. The standard disclaimer applies that pieces are not played in this order since the station is currently on "shufle" play:


1. Alain: Trois danses (Joies, Deuils, Luttes) - Marie-Claire Alain - Marie-Claire Alain joue Jehan Alain

2. Alain: Variations sur un thème de Janequin - Marie-Claire Alain - Marie-Claire Alain joue Jehan Alain

3. Atkins: Psalm 107: O give thanks - King's College Choir Philip Ledger - The Psalms of David Vol.3

4. Bach: Fugue in d "Dorian" BWV 538 - E. Power Biggs - Bach - The Four Great Toccatas & Fugues E Power Biggs

5. Bach: Jesu, meine Freude BWV 753 - E. Power Biggs - Bach - The Four Great Toccatas & Fugues E Power Biggs

6. Bach: Toccata in d "Dorian" BWV 538 - E. Power Biggs - Bach - The Four Great Toccatas & Fugues E Power Biggs

7. Berkeley: The Lord is my Shepherd - Choir of St John's Elora Noel Edison Michael Bloss - Psalms for the Soul

8. Clerambault: Suite du deuxième ton (Caprice sur les grands jeux) - Pierre Bardon - Les Organistes du Roy Soleil

9. Clerambault: Suite du deuxième ton (Réceit de nasard) - Pierre Bardon - Les Organistes du Roy Soleil

10. Croft: Hymn "Hanover" (O praise ye the Lord) - Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Praise to the Lord: Favourite Hymns from St Paul's Cathedral

11. Denson: Peace and Joy - Word of Mouth Chorus - Rivers of Delight: American Folk Hymns from the Sacred Harp Tradition

12. Dufay: Missa "Se la face ay pale": Gloria - The Choir of The Church of the Advent, Edith Ho, Dir. - Music by Guillaume Dufay (c. 1400-1474)

13. Dufay: Missa "Se la face ay pale": Kyrie - The Choir of The Church of the Advent, Edith Ho, Dir. - Music by Guillaume Dufay (c. 1400-1474)

14. Dufay: Missa "Se la face ay pale": Sanctus & Benedictus - The Choir of The Church of the Advent, Edith Ho, Dir. - Music by Guillaume Dufay (c. 1400-1474)

15. Elgar: As torrents in summer - Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Music At St. George's Nashville

16. Fauré- Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs de Villerville (Gloria) - La Chapelle Royale Philippe Herreweghe - Fauré: Requiem, Fauré-Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs

17. Fauré- Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs de Villerville (Kyrie) - La Chapelle Royale Philippe Herreweghe - Fauré: Requiem, Fauré-Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs

18. Fauré- Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs de Villerville (O Salutaris) - La Chapelle Royale Philippe Herreweghe - Fauré: Requiem, Fauré-Messager: Messe des Pêcheurs

19. Fauré: Cantique de Jean Racine - St. John's College Choir Cambridge Christopher Robinson - 19 Favourites

20. Goss/Day: Psalm 37: Fret not thyself - King's College Choir Philip Ledger - The Psalms of David Vol.3

21. Guerrero: O Sacrum Convivium a 5 - Capella Reial de Catalunya Hesperion XX Jordi Savall - Guerrero: Sacrae Cantiones

22. Guerrero: Pater Noster a 8 - Capella Reial de Catalunya Hesperion XX Jordi Savall - Guerrero: Sacrae Cantiones

23. Hindemith: Sonate II (Fuge Mäßig bewegt, heiter) - Kevin Bowyer - Hindemith, Schœnberg, Pepping: Works for Organ

24. Hindemith: Sonate II (Lebhaft) - Kevin Bowyer - Hindemith, Schœnberg, Pepping: Works for Organ

25. Hindemith: Sonate II (Ruhig bewegt) - Kevin Bowyer - Hindemith, Schœnberg, Pepping: Works for Organ

26. Holden: Cowper - Word of Mouth Chorus - Rivers of Delight: American Folk Hymns from the Sacred Harp Tradition

27. Howells: Westminster Service (Magnigicat) - Choir of Westminster Abbey James O'Donnell - Trinity Sunday at Westminster Abbey

28. Howells: Westminster Service (Nunc dimittus) - Choir of Westminster Abbey James O'Donnell - Trinity Sunday at Westminster Abbey

29. Karg-Elert: Fuge, Kanzone und Epilog - Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Music at St. George's Nashville

30. Marchand: Grand jeu en ut majeur - Pierre Bardon - Les Organistes du Roy Soleil
31. Messiæn: Les Corps glorieux (Force et Agilité des Corps glorieux) - Olivier Messiæn - Messiæn par lui-même (recorded 1956)

32. Messiæn: Les Corps glorieux (Joie et clarté des Corps glorieux) - Olivier Messiæn - Messiæn par lui-même (recorded 1956)

33. Monteverdi: Beatus vir (primo) a 6 - Taverner Consort Choir & Players Andrew Parrott - Monteverdi: Selva Morale e Spirituale

34. Monteverdi: Dixit Dominus (secondo) a 8 - Taverner Consort Choir & Players Andrew Parrott - Monteverdi: Selva Morale e Spirituale

35. Monteverdi: Magnificat a 8 - Taverner Consort Choir & Players Andrew Parrott - Monteverdi: Selva Morale e Spirituale

36. Oliver: Morning - Word of Mouth Chorus - Rivers of Delight: American Folk Hymns from the Sacred Harp Tradition

37. Palestrina: Alma Redemptoris Mater - The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - The Tallis Scholars Live in Rome

38. Palestrina: Stabat Mater a 8 - The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - The Tallis Scholars Live in Rome

39. Palestrina: Surge, illuminare - The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - The Tallis Scholars Live in Rome

40. Poole: Wymondham Chants (Ave, Rex angelorum) - The King's Singers - Sermons and Devotions

41. Purcell: I was glad - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Capriccio Stravagante Skip Sempé - Evening Prayer: Henry Purcell Anthems and Sacred Songs

42. Purcell: Now that the sun hath veiled his light ('An Evening Hymn') - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Capriccio Stravagante Skip Sempé - Evening Prayer: Henry Purcell Anthems and Sacred Songs

43. Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord alway ('The Bell Anthem') - Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Capriccio Stravagante Skip Sempé - Evening Prayer: Henry Purcell Anthems and Sacred Songs

44. Rachmaninov: Hymn of the Cherubim - St. John's College Choir Cambridge Christopher Robinson - 19 Favourites

45. Rheinberger: Sonata No 20 in F Op 196 (Finale) - Timothy Farrell - Rheinberger: The Complete Organ Sonatas Vol 1

46. Rheinberger: Sonata No 20 in F Op 196 (Intermezzo) - Timothy Farrell - Rheinberger: The Complete Organ Sonatas Vol 1

47. Rheinberger: Sonata No 20 in F Op 196 (Praeludium) - Timothy Farrell - Rheinberger: The Complete Organ Sonatas Vol 1

48. Rossini: O Salutaris Hostia - St. John's College Choir Cambridge Christopher Robinson - 19 Favourites

49. Stanford: Psalm CL - Choir of St John's Elora Noel Edison Michael Bloss - Psalms for the Soul

50. Stravinsky: Ave Maria - The King's Singers - Sermons and Devotions

51. Tomkins, Farmer: The Responses - Choir of Westminster Abbey James O'Donnell - Trinity Sunday at Westminster Abbey

52. Tormis: Piispa ja pakana - The King's Singers - Sermons and Devotions

53. Vierne: 24 Pieces de fantaisie, 3me Suite (Carillon de Westminster) - Olivier Latry - Vierne: 24 Pieces de fantaisie

54. Vierne: 24 Pieces de fantaisie, 3me Suite (Impromptu) - Olivier Latry - Vierne: 24 Pieces de fantaisie

55. Vierne: 24 Pieces de fantaisie, 3me Suite (Sur le Rhin) - Olivier Latry - Vierne: 24 Pieces de fantaisie

56. Welsh tr. Roberts: Hymn "St Denio" (Immortal, invisible God only wise") - Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Praise to the Lord: Favourite Hymns from St Paul's Cathedral

57. West: Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings - Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Music at St. George's Nashville

58. Woodward: Psalm CXXII - Choir of St John's Elora Noel Edison Michael Bloss - Psalms for the Soul

New Late Summer Update

Now, several weekends after I had originally intended to update the playlist, I finally have done so. As usual, demands of the day job (and subsequently the need to rest and recharge on the weekends) are responsible for the delay.

But nonetheless I hope you enjoy the selections, a mix of favorites and more challenging works, some of which don't get much of a hearing except outside the church seasons. I welcome your comments and critiques, especially for non-seasonal works that I can feature in ordinary time. Another monthly update, a special playlist for the Octave of All Saints/All Souls, then one last period of non-seasonal music...and then Advent, and the Church Year begins anew. Tempus fugit!

Where the Listeners Were in June 2007

Oh dear, leaving the Easter playlist on way past its time to go...missing Ascension, Pentecost and Corpus Christi in the process...such a sorry state led to a decline in listenership in June. Then again listenership does drop off anyway after the first week of Easter or so, so no worries: the next surge in listeners isn't expected until All Saints/All Souls. So if you listen during the summer, you will be one of an even more select and blessed band of sustainers!

Obviously full of lovers of Easter repertoire, these were the top US cities for listeners in June:

1. New York City
2. Boston (Manchester)
3. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
4. Columbus, OH
5. Hattiesburg - Laurel, MS (interesting for a smaller market to place so highly!)
6. Denver
7. Hartford & New Haven
8. San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose
9. Miami - Fort Lauderdale
10. Syracuse

And these were the countries with the most listeners in June:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Brazil
5. Netherlands
6. Japan
7. Hong Kong
8. Italy
9. Greece
10. Mexico

BTW Norway just missed the International Top 10 by 2 minutes! Again, I am surprised and humbled to know that folk from all around the world listen to this station.

Playlist for July 2007

Here is the playlist, listed now by composer, for most of July 2007. I hope to update the playlist later in July subject to my schedule...with the caveat that the period from Independence Day to Columbus Day is my busy time at work and I may be working nights/weekends and on the road at unexpected times. As usual (but not as always) the station is in "shuffle mode" and selections are not played in this order.



1. Alain: Deux danses à Agni Yavishta JA 77-78 - Marie-Claire Alain - Jehan Alain: Complete Works for Organ Vol I

2. Alain: Litanies JA 119 - Marie-Claire Alain - Jehan Alain: Complete Works for Organ Vol I

3. Alain: Variation sur Lucis Creator JA 27 - Marie-Claire Alain - Jehan Alain: Complete Works for Organ Vol I

4. Bairstow: Psalm 72 Give the King thy judgements, O God - The Choir of York Minster Philip Moore - The Psalms Of David - Vol 10

5. Berkeley: Three Latin Motets Op 83 No 1 (Eripe me, Domine) - Choir Of St John's College Cambridge Christopher Robinson - Berkeley: Sacred Choral Music

6. Berkeley: Three Latin Motets Op 83 No 1 (Regina coeli) - Choir Of St John's College Cambridge Christopher Robinson - Berkeley: Sacred Choral Music

7. Berkeley: Three Latin Motets Op 83 No 1 (Veni sponsa Christi) - Choir Of St John's College Cambridge Christopher Robinson - Berkeley: Sacred Choral Music

8. Bonazzi: Pastorale a due organi - Luigi Celeghin, Bianka Pezic - Dialogue for Two Organs

9. Byrd: Ad Dominum cum tribularer a 8 - The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - The Byrd Edition 2

10. Byrd: Deus in adjutorium a 6 - The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - The Byrd Edition 2

11. Darke: Bridal Procession in C (1965) - Jonathan Rennert - The Organ Works of Harold Darke

12. Darke: Chorale-Fantasia on Darwall's 148th - Jonathan Rennert - The Organ Works of Harold Darke

13. Darke: On a theme by Tallis "Lord teach us how to pray aright" - Jonathan Rennert - The Organ Works of Harold Darke

14. de Séverac: Tantum ergo - Choir of All Saints Margaret Street London Harry Bramma - Adoremus: Anthems in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament

15. Dirksen: Hymn "Innisfree Farm" (Christ, mighty Savior) - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour

16. Duruflé: Quatre Motets Op 10 (Ubi Caritas) - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City Gerre Hancock Judith Hancock - Most Sacred Banquet

17. Elgar: Ave maris stella Op. 2 No. 3 - Choir Of St John's College, Cambridge - Robinson / Elgar - Sacred Choral Music

18. Elgar: Te Deum laudamus Op 34 No 1 - Choir Of St John's College, Cambridge - Robinson / Elgar - Sacred Choral Music

19. Franck: O Salutaris - Choir of All Saints Margaret Street London Harry Bramma - Adoremus: Anthems in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament

20. Franck: Tantum Ergo - Choir of All Saints Margaret Street London Harry Bramma - Adoremus: Anthems in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament

21. Friedell: Draw us in the Spirit's tether - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour

22. Galuppi: Sonata a due organi - Luigi Celeghin, Bianka Pezic - Dialogue for Two Organs

23. Gerre Hancock: Organ Improvisation - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City Gerre Hancock Judith Hancock - Most Sacred Banquet

24. Goss: Hymn "Lauda anima" (Praise my soul the King of Heaven) - Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns

25. Howells - Magnificat (St. Paul's Service) - The Choir of York Minster Philip Moore - Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Vol 9

26. Howells - Nunc Dimittis (St. Paul's Service) - The Choir of York Minster Philip Moore - Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Vol 9

27. Joubert: O Lord, the Maker of al thing - Magdalen College Choir Oxford John Harper - The English Anthem Collection

28. Mendelssohn: Sonata No 3 in A Op 65 No 3: I. Con moto maestoso - John Scott - Mendelssohn: Music for Organ

29. Mendelssohn: Sonata No 3 in A Op 65 No 3: II. Andante tranquillo - John Scott - Mendelssohn: Music for Organ

30. Mendelssohn: Sonata No. 5 in D Op. 65 No. 5: Allegro maestoso - John Scott - Mendelssohn: Music for Organ (Disc 2)

31. Mendelssohn: Sonata No. 5 in D Op. 65 No. 5: Andante - John Scott - Mendelssohn: Music for Organ (Disc 2)

32. Mendelssohn: Sonata No. 5 in D Op. 65 No. 5: Andante con moto - John Scott - Mendelssohn: Music for Organ (Disc 2)

33. Mozart: Dixit et Magnificat KV 193 (Dixit) - Collegium classicum Köln, Kölner Kammerchor Peter Neumann - Mozart: Salzburger Kirchenmusik 1774

34. Mozart: Dixit et Magnificat KV 193 (Magnificat) - Collegium classicum Köln, Kölner Kammerchor Peter Neumann - Mozart: Salzburger Kirchenmusik 1774

35. Mozart: Sonata in A K225 - I Musici de Montreal Yuli Turovsky - Mozart: Complete Church Sonatas

36. Mozart: Sonata in D K245 - I Musici de Montreal Yuli Turovsky - Mozart: Complete Church Sonatas

37. Mozart: Sonata in F K244 - I Musici de Montreal Yuli Turovsky - Mozart: Complete Church Sonatas

38. Parry: Hymn "Jerusalem" (And did those feet in ancient time) - Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns

39. Prætorius: Præambulum in F - William Porter - Music Sweet & Serious: Organ Works of Heinrich Schiedemann & Jacob Prætorius

40. Rose: Praise ye the Lord - Magdalen College Choir Oxford John Harper - The English Anthem Collection

41. Scheidemann: Jesu, wollst uns weisen WV 78 - William Porter - Music Sweet & Serious: Organ Works of Heinrich Schiedemann & Jacob Prætorius

42. Scheidemann: Toccata in G WV 43 - William Porter - Music Sweet & Serious: Organ Works of Heinrich Schiedemann & Jacob Prætorius

43. Soler: Concerto # 4 in F (Afectuoso - Andante non Largo) - Tini Mathot, Ton Koopman - Soler: Six Concertos for Two Organs

44. Soler: Concerto # 4 in F (Minuet) - Tini Mathot, Ton Koopman - Soler: Six Concertos for Two Organs

45. Soler: Concerto # 5 in A (Cantabile) - Tini Mathot, Ton Koopman - Soler: Six Concertos for Two Organs

46. Stanford: Psalm 145 I will magnify Thee, O God my King - The Choir of York Minster Philip Moore - The Psalms Of David - Vol 10

47. Stewart: King of glory, King of peace - Magdalen College Choir Oxford John Harper - The English Anthem Collection

48. Tallis: O Lord, give Thy Holy Spirit - The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems

49. Tallis: Tunes for Archbishop Parker's Psalter - The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems

50. Tallis: Verily, verily I say - The Tallis Scholars - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems

51. Tournemire: Cinq Improvisations (Petite rapsodie improvisée) - Choir of St Thomas Church New York City Gerre Hancock Judith Hancock - Most Sacred Banquet

52. Vaughn Williams: Hymn "Down Ampney" (Come down, O Love divine) - Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns

53. Victoria: Estote fortes in bello - The Cardinal's Musick - Victoria: Missa Gaudeamus etc.

54. Victoria: Tu es petrus - The Cardinal's Musick - Victoria: Missa Gaudeamus etc.

55. Victoria: Veni sponsa Christi - The Cardinal's Musick - Victoria: Missa Gaudeamus etc.

56. Vivaldi: Claræ stellæ, scintillate RV 625 Alleluia (Allegro) - Andreas Scholl Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Paul Dyer - Andreas Scholl-Vivaldi

57. Vivaldi: Claræ stellæ, scintillate RV 625 Claræ stellæ, scintillate (Allegro) - Andreas Scholl Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Paul Dyer - Andreas Scholl-Vivaldi

58. Vivaldi: Claræ stellæ, scintillate RV 625 Nunc Iubilare (Allegro) - Andreas Scholl Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Paul Dyer - Andreas Scholl-Vivaldi

59. Walmisley: Not unto us, O Lord - Memphis Boychoir & Memphis Chamber Choir John Ayer - Great Cathedral Music - A Memphis Choral Tour

60. Walmisley: Psalm 9 I will give thanks unto Thee O Lord - The Choir of York Minster Philip Moore - The Psalms Of David - Vol 10

Playlist Updated for Late June/July

Sorry the previous playlist stayed a bit too long, but work and travel prevented me from updating it in a timely manner. I remedied that tonight, and you now have a fresh playlist for the last of June and most of July, all in glorious 64k mpPro and featuring summery pieces suitable for this part of ordinary time. I apologize for the delay! Please do keep listening.

The Danger of Poor Enunciation (Humor)

I had to share this YouTube vid with you, but with a warning that the content is irreverent and may be offensive to some. A post in a listserv I monitor alerted me to this clip from the BBC program "Songs of Praise" which features church music from around the UK. This choir sings the hymn "Westminster Abbey" to the actual words below, but the enunciation is, er, not the most precise. As such, some wag has created subtitles based on how the choir and congregation actually sound...rather risqué (though nonsensical) subtitles at that! Let this vid be a lesson to lazy choristers everywhere: Enunciate poorly and you will be misunderstood!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ZnPE3G_YY

And here are the actual words being sung...contrast and compare, please:

Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
vision dear of peace and love,
who of living stones art builded
in the height of heaven above,
and, with angel hosts encircled,
as a bride dost earthward move;

from celestial realms descending,
bridal glory round thee shed,
meet for him whose love espoused thee,
to thy Lord shalt thou be led;
all thy streets and all thy bulwarks
of pure gold are fashioned.

Danger for Classic Church Music

Dear friends, certain changes in US copyright royalty administration will cause my fees to operate this Internet radio station to become prohibitive. For now, Live365 is trying to absorb the huge increase in royalty fees, but this short-term palliative is untenable and cannot last long. I am not rich, and cannot afford fees exceeding $500/year for royalties, indeed I cannot afford half as much.
I urge you to go to http://www.live365.com/choice/ to get more information about this abominable change in royalties due from amateurs such as I, whose only remuneration from this hard chore is the pleasure of advancing the cause of this great genre. If this robbery via increased royalty payment stands, I shall be forced in the near future to still my voice and close this station.
If you care, please see the link http://www.live365.com/choice/ and please respond appropriately.

Playlist for Easter 2007

Sorry for the interruption in the broadcast this evening around 7PM EDT, I had to make room on the Live365 server for all this music! This is the playlist for Easter 2007, listed alphabetically by artist. Please note that the station is currently in "shuffle" mode and does not play these works in the same order.

1. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses Robert Shaw Dawn Upshaw David Gordon William Stone - Schubert: Mass in G D167 (Benedictus) - Franz Schubert: Mass No. 2, Mass No. 6
2. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses Robert Shaw Dawn Upshaw David Gordon William Stone - Schubert: Mass in G D167 (Gloria) - Franz Schubert: Mass No. 2, Mass No. 6
3. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses Robert Shaw Dawn Upshaw David Gordon William Stone - Schubert: Mass in G D167 (Sanctus) - Franz Schubert: Mass No. 2, Mass No. 6
4. Choir of All Saints Margaret Street London Harry Bramma - Fauré: O Salutaris - Adoremus: Anthems in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament
5. Choir of All Saints Margaret Street London Harry Bramma - Fauré: Tantum ergo - Adoremus: Anthems in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament
6. Choir Of Clare College Cambridge Timothy Brown - Finzi: God Is Gone Up - Rejoice! (20th Century British Church Music)
7. Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - Dutch carol arr Wood: This Joyful Eastertide - Music for Holy Week
8. Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield - Newton: Hymn "Abbot's Leigh" (Glorious things of Thee are spoken) - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns
9. Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield - Prichard: Hymn tune "Hyfrydol" (Alleluia, sing to Jesus) - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns
10. Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor Tim Byram-Wigfield - Trad. Scottish arr. Irvine: Hymn "The Lord's my Shepherd" - "Abide with Me" and Other Favourite Hymns
11. Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Guerrero: Missa de la Batalla escoutez (Benedictus) - Sacred Music of Francisco Guerrero
12. Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Guerrero: Missa de la Batalla escoutez (Gloria) - Sacred Music of Francisco Guerrero
13. Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Guerrero: Missa de la Batalla escoutez (Sanctus) - Sacred Music of Francisco Guerrero
14. Choir of Trinity Church Wall St New York City Larry King James Simms - Sowerby: And they drew nigh - Choral Music of Leo Sowerby
15. Choir of Trinity Church Wall St New York City Larry King James Simms - Sowerby: I was glad - Choral Music of Leo Sowerby
16. Choirs of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Toronto Robert Hunter Bell - Willan: Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour - Willan: Missae Breves, Motets
17. Choirs of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Toronto Robert Hunter Bell - Willan: Rise up, my love, my fair one - Willan: Missae Breves, Motets
18. Choirs of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Toronto Robert Hunter Bell - Willan: Very Bread, Good Shepherd, tend us - Willan: Missae Breves, Motets
19. Choirs of Washington National Cathedral & Grace Cathedral San Francisco Douglas Major John Fenstermaker - Parker: Light's Glittering Morn - Light's Glittering Morn
20. Choirs of Washington National Cathedral & Grace Cathedral San Francisco Douglas Major John Fenstermaker - Vaughn Williams: The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune - Light's Glittering Morn
21. Empire Brass Michael Murray - Dupré: Poème Héroïque, Op. 33 - Music for Organ, Brass, & Percussion at the Church of the Advent Boston
22. Empire Brass Michael Murray - Gigout: Grand Choeur Dialogué - Music for Organ, Brass, & Percussion at the Church of the Advent Boston
23. Empire Brass Michael Murray - Strauss: Feierlicher Einzug - Music for Organ, Brass, & Percussion at the Church of the Advent Boston
24. King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - from Lyrica Davidica, descant Ledger: Jesus Christ is Risen Today - Music for Holy Week
25. King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - Leighton: Let all the world in every corner sing - Music for Holy Week
26. Michael Murray - Dunstable: Agincourt Hymn - Michael Murray at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
27. Michael Murray - Soler arr. Biggs: The Emperor's Fanfare - Michael Murray at the Cathedral of St John the Divine
28. Naji Hakim - Langlais: Incantation pour un jour saint - Jean Langlais Organworks
29. Naji Hakim - Langlais: Te Deum - Jean Langlais Organworks
30. Novospassky Monastery Choir - Chesnokov: We have seen thy resurrection - Russian Chant for Vespers
31. Novospassky Monastery Choir - Kastalsky: Christ has arisen from the tomb - Russian Chant for Vespers
32. Novospassky Monastery Choir - Kastalsky: Christ is risen from the dead - Russian Chant for Vespers
33. Pierre Bardon - d'Andrieu: Offertoire sur les grands jeux pour la Fête de Paques - Variations sur le thème "O Filii et Filiae" - Les Organistes du Roy Soleil
34. Pierre Bardon - Marchand: Grand jeu en ut majeur - Les Organistes du Roy Soleil
35. Pierre Bardon - Raison: Offerte du cinquième ton "Le Vive-le-Roy des Parisiens" - Les Organistes du Roy Soleil
36. Robert Shaw Festival Singers Robert Shaw - Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Voskres Iz Groba) - Rachmaninoff: Vespers (All-Night Vigil)
37. Robert Shaw Festival Singers Robert Shaw - Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Voskreseniye Khristovo Videvshe) - Rachmaninoff: Vespers (All-Night Vigil)
38. Simon Preston - Bach: Christ ist erstanden BWV 627 - Bach: Orgelbüchlein BWV 599-644
39. Simon Preston - Bach: Heut triumphieret Gotts Sohn BWV 630 - Bach: Orgelbüchlein BWV 599-644
40. Simon Preston - Bach: Christ lag in Todesbanden BWV 625 - J. S. Bach: Orgelbüchlein, BWV 599-644
41. Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tomkins: O sing unto the Lord a new song - Thomas Tomkins: The Great Service - The Tallis Scholars
42. Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tomkins: Third or Great Service (Jubilate) - Thomas Tomkins: The Great Service - The Tallis Scholars
43. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Plainchant: Alleluia/Byrd: Haec dies - Brother Sun, Sister Moon
44. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Plainchant: Easter Acclamations / Scheidt: Surrexit Christus hodie - Brother Sun, Sister Moon
45. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Taverner: Dum transisset Sabbatum - Brother Sun, Sister Moon
46. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Byrd: Christus resurgens - Masters of English Church Music
47. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Byrd: Non vos relinquam - Masters of English Church Music
48. The Cardinal's Musick - Victoria: Missa Pro victoria (Gloria) - Victoria: Missa Gaudeamus etc.
49. The Cardinal's Musick - Victoria: Missa Pro victoria (Sanctus, Benedictus) - Victoria: Missa Gaudeamus etc.
50. The Cardinal's Musick - Victoria: O decus apostolicum - Victoria: Missa Gaudeamus etc.
51. The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - Byrd: Alleluya, Laudate pueri Dominum - The Byrd Edition 2
52. The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - Sheppard/Byrd/Mundy: In exitu Israel a 4 - The Byrd Edition 2
53. The Sixteen Harry Christophers - Sheppard: Haec dies quam fecit Dominus - Music by John Sheppard
54. The Sixteen Harry Christophers - Sheppard: Paschal Kyrie - Music by John Sheppard
55. The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Christ rising again - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems
56. Täby Church Choirs - Orpheus Chamber Ensemble Kerstin Ek - Langlais: Messe Solennelle (Benedictus) - Olsson: Te Deum; Langlais: Messe Solennelle
57. Täby Church Choirs - Orpheus Chamber Ensemble Kerstin Ek - Langlais: Messe Solennelle (Gloria) - Olsson: Te Deum; Langlais: Messe Solennelle
58. Täby Church Choirs - Orpheus Chamber Ensemble Kerstin Ek - Langlais: Messe Solennelle (Sanctus) - Olsson: Te Deum; Langlais: Messe Solennelle
59. Vancouver Chamber Choir John Washburn - Willan: O praise the Lord - Healey Willan: An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
60. Wilma Jensen - Joulain: Élévation pour le Saint jour de Pâques - Mors et Resurrectio
61. Wilma Jensen - Larry King: Resurrection (Lament, The Rising, Ecstasy, Reflection) - Mors et Resurrectio
62. Wilma Jensen - Tournemire: L'Orgue Mystique Office no. 17 Pâques (V. Paraphrase et Double Choral) - Mors et Resurrectio

Where the Listeners Were in March '07

Another month has passed, this one entirely in Lent, so I will give you an update on where folks were listening during this time. Here are the top 10 US metro areas for listenership in March:

1. Boston (Manchester) (by a landslide---we Boston folk love our Lent and it shows! LOL)
2. Los Angeles
3. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
4. New York
5. Green Bay - Appleton (this is interesting IMHO...listeners from Nashotah House, perhaps?)
6. Denver
7. Cincinnati
8. Saint Louis
9. Philadelphia
10. New Orleans

And here are the top 10 countries during March:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Japan
5. Israel
6. Netherlands
7. Mexico
8. Brazil
9. Bahamas (this strikes me as interesting also!)
10. Poland

Listeners in 66 countries tuned in during March for at least a minute, and of these people in 44 countries listened to the station for at least an half-hour. All continents with the exception of Antarctica were represented. I never cease to be amazed by the power of the Internet to reach folk wherever they are.

I am in the process of uploading the Easter playlist, which will begin playing Saturday 7 April in the early evening Boston time (EDT, GMT -4 I think). Many wishes to all for a fruitful Triduum, and in advance for a joyful Easter. No, I wish you a slap your leg, laugh out loud, say "wow Lordy!" and praise God Easter! In a liturgically correct manner of course =)

Soft vs. Loud?

This issue has come up in a couple of complaints I have received over the years. "Why do you play play such loud and discordant music sometimes? I was looking for a quiet place to relax, and you spoiled it!" one such complaint went. Well I can only point to the heritage we have been given in the West of classic church music: some of it is "soft", and some is "loud". And by season, the prevailing music can be quietly contemplative, perhaps plaintive in character...and sometimes it is loud, raucous and celebratory.
I post this in order to give those who favor "soft music" fair warning. Lent is a season replete with the softer, more contemplative music without accompaniment the folks who like "soft" music crave. But Easter, season that it is---full of the earth-shattering joy and wonderment of the resurrection of all creation through Our Lord and God---is bound to be a bit louder. Even raucous in places! Such is the nature of the repertoire this station features, given the season at hand. So Easter will feature at times that kind of obstreperous expression of joy, and it might get loud at times. And at 64mp3PRO, it will be at CD-quality!
So now you have been warned---or maybe heartened that the joys of Easter have been promised! We will make a joyful noise unto the Lord, as commanded and as the Spirit leads us in faith and gratitude.

Where the Listeners Were in February '07

One of the great things about the Live365 broadcast GUI is a feature called "Geo Stats", where I can identify where people are listening to my broadcast. It's great fun for me to see the places from where folks listen, and I'd like to share this info with you on an occasional basis.

The top 10 US Metro Areas for listeners in February 2007 were:

1. Boston (Manchester)
2. Los Angeles
3. New York
4. Cincinnati
5. Memphis
6. Philadelphia
7. Denver
8. Wilkes-Barre - Scranton
9. Washington DC (Hagerstown)
10. Louisville

No, Boston isn't first because I play the station myself---in fact I rarely play it since I have all the tracks on my laptop anyway. (Could it be that Bostonians have a special affinity for Lent? Once the Lenten playlist began, Boston listenership jumped wildly.) Interesting that places such as Cincinnati, Memphis and Wilkes-Barre rank up there with much larger metro areas! And if you're curious, the Top 10 Countries for listenership in February 2007 were:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. United Kingdom
5. Czech Republic
6. Netherlands
7. Brazil
8. Mexico
9. Spain
10. Italy

Listeners in 59 countries listened to the station in February. Interesting as well (given the rather Anglican tilt to my playlists) that more listeners were in Japan than in the UK! This is actually quite consistent with listener stats since the station's inception in 2003. There has also been significant and consistent listenership in other countries in Asia such as Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore, which is why I attempt to time starting new playlists based on when church seasons change there (several hours ahead of Europe and the Americas).

That listeners tune in from so many spots around the world is humbling and encouraging. We are part of a worldwide community, united both in the Spirit and by the Internet, and empowered therein to enrich each other's lives immeasurably.

Lent 2007 Playlist

This is the full playlist for Classic Church Music during Lent 2007 listed by artist. Please note that the playlist is set to "shuffle play" and is not broadcast in this order!

1. A Capella Portuguesa Owen Rees - Almeida: Miserere mei Deus - Holy Week at the Chapel of the Dukes of Braganza
2. A Capella Portuguesa Owen Rees - Esquivel: O vos omnes - Holy Week at the Chapel of the Dukes of Braganza
3. A Capella Portuguesa Owen Rees - Lobo: Tristis est anima mea a 6 - Holy Week at the Chapel of the Dukes of Braganza
4. Capella Reial de Catalunya Hesperion XX Jordi Savall - Guerrero: O Domine Jesu Christe I (Instrumental a 4) - Guerrero: Sacrae Cantiones
5. Capella Reial de Catalunya Hesperion XX Jordi Savall - Guerrero: O Domine Jesu Christe II (a 4) - Guerrero: Sacrae Cantiones
6. Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Handel & Haydn Society of Boston - Tavener: Lamentations and Praises (Procession into Hadës) - Tavener: Lamentations and Praises
7. Chanticleer Joseph Jennings, Handel & Haydn Society of Boston - Tavener: Lamentations and Praises (Stasis II) - Tavener: Lamentations and Praises
8. Choir of Ely Cathedral Paul Trepte - Ross, Atkins: Psalm 102 Hear my prayer, O Lord - The Psalms Of David Vol 8
9. Choir of Ely Cathedral Paul Trepte - Stafford Smith: Psalm 36 My heart sheweth me the wickedness of the ungodly - The Psalms Of David Vol 8
10. Choir of Ely Cathedral Paul Trepte - Wilton: Psalm 51 Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness - The Psalms Of David Vol 8
11. Choir of King's College Cambridge Philip Ledger - Miller: Hymn "Rockingham" (When I survey the wondrous cross) - Music for Holy Week
12. Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Roger-Ducasse: Crux fidelis - Music at St. George's Nashville
13. Choir of St George's Nashville Wilma Jensen - Villette: O Salutaris - Music At St. George's Nashville
14. Choir of St John's Elora Noel Edison Michael Bloss - Bairstow: The Lamentations of Jeremiah - Psalms for the Soul
15. Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - from Scottish Psalter 1635: Hymn "Caithness" (O for a closer walk with God) - Praise to the Lord: Favourite Hymns from St Paul's Cathedral
16. Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Horsley: Hymn "Horsley" (There is a green hill far away) - Praise to the Lord: Favourite Hymns from St Paul's Cathedral
17. Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London John Scott - Stainer: Hymn "St Paul's" (Lord Jesus think on me) - Praise to the Lord: Favourite Hymns from St Paul's Cathedral
18. Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London Paul Scott - Clark/Woodward: Psalm 94 Deus ultionum - Psalms from St Paul's Vol 8
19. Choir of St Paul's Cathedral London Paul Scott - Tranchell: Psalm 102 Domine, exaudi - Psalms from St Paul's Vol 8
20. Choir of the Church of the Advent Boston Edith Ho - Victoria: Improperia (Popule meus) - Victoria: Requiem - Improperia
21. Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Tõnu Kaljuste - Pärt: De profundis - Pärt: Sanctuary
22. His Majestie's Clerkes Paul Hillier - Billings: Brookfield - Early American Choral Music Vol. 1: Anthems & Fuging Tunes
23. His Majestie's Clerkes Paul Hillier - Billings: Hear my Pray'r - Early American Choral Music Vol. 1: Anthems & Fuging Tunes
24. Jean Guillou - Franck: Prière Op 20 - The Organ Works of César Franck
25. Jean Guillou - Franck: Prélude, Fugue et Variation Op 18 - The Organ Works of César Franck
26. King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - Morley: Nolo mortem peccatoris - Music for Holy Week
27. King's College Choir Cambridge Philip Ledger - Tallis: O nata lux - Music for Holy Week
28. King's College Choir Philip Ledger - Walford Davies: Psalm 130: Out of the deep - The Psalms of David Vol.3
29. King's College Choir Philip Ledger - Walmisley: Psalm 49: O hear ye this, all ye people - The Psalms of David Vol.3
30. King's College Choir Philip Ledger - Willcocks: Psalm 131: Lord, I am not high-minded - The Psalms of David Vol.3
31. La Chapelle Royale de Paris, Collegium Vocale de Gand Philippe Herreweghe - Mendelssohn: Hymne "Hör mein Bitten, Herr" - Mendelssohn: Motets & Psaumes
32. La Chapelle Royale de Paris, Collegium Vocale de Gand Philippe Herreweghe - Mendelssohn: Mein Gott, warum hast Du mich verlassen, Op. 78, No. 3 - Mendelssohn: Motets & Psaumes
33. La Chapelle Royale de Paris, Collegium Vocale de Gand Philippe Herreweghe - Mendelssohn: Warum toben die Heiden, Op. 78, No. 1 - Mendelssohn: Motets & Psaumes
34. Los Angeles Chamber Singers Peter Rutenberg - Padilla: Circumdederunt me dolores mortis - Padilla: Music of the Mexican Baroque
35. Los Angeles Chamber Singers Peter Rutenberg - Padilla: Velum Templi scissum est - Padilla: Music of the Mexican Baroque
36. Los Angeles Chamber Singers Peter Rutenberg - Padilla: Versa est in luctum - Padilla: Music of the Mexican Baroque
37. Rybin Male Choir - Tchesnokov: May my prayer rise to Thee - Tchesnokov: Choeurs Religieux
38. Rybin Male Choir - Tchesnokov: Since my youth many passions assail me - Tchesnokov: Choeurs Religieux
39. Rybin Male Choir - Tchesnokov: The Good Thief (for choir only) - Tchesnokov: Choeurs Religieux
40. Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Derelinquat impius - Thomas Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah
41. Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah I - Thomas Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah
42. Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah II - Thomas Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah
43. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Byrd: Emendemus in melius - Masters of English Church Music
44. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Byrd: Plorans plorabit - Masters of English Church Music
45. The Cambridge Singers John Rutter - Byrd: Siderum Rector - Masters of English Church Music
46. The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - Byrd: Libera me, Domine, et pone me a 5 - The Byrd Edition Vol 4
47. The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - Byrd: Memento, homo a 6 - The Byrd Edition Vol 4
48. The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood - Byrd: Peccantem me quotidie a 5 - The Byrd Edition Vol 4
49. The Orthodox Singers Georgy Smirnov - Gontcharov: We bow down before Your cross - Basso Profundo from Old Russia
50. The Orthodox Singers Georgy Smirnov - Gretchaninov: Lord of my days - Basso Profundo from Old Russia
51. The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Out from the deep - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems
52. The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Purge me, O Lord - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems
53. The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips - Tallis: Remember not, O Lord God - Thomas Tallis: The Complete English Anthems
54. Westminster Abbey Choir Martin Neary - Allegri: Miserere mei Deus - Miserere
55. Westminster Abbey Choir Martin Neary - Gesualdo: Tenebræ factæ sunt - Miserere
56. Westminster Abbey Choir Martin Neary - Lotti: Crucifixus a 6 - Miserere
57. Westminster Cathedral Choir David Hill - Victoria: Responsories for Tenebrae (Amicus meus) - Victoria: Responsories for Tenebrae
58. Westminster Cathedral Choir David Hill - Victoria: Responsories for Tenebrae (Eram quasi agnus) - Victoria: Responsories for Tenebrae
59. Westminster Cathedral Choir David Hill - Victoria: Responsories for Tenebrae (Una hora) - Victoria: Responsories for Tenebrae
60. Word of Mouth Chorus - Arr. McCurry & Power: Weeping Mary - Rivers of Delight: American Folk Hymns from the Sacred Harp Tradition
61. Word of Mouth Chorus - Attrib. Dare: Kedron - Rivers of Delight: American Folk Hymns from the Sacred Harp Tradition
62. Word of Mouth Chorus - Read: Windham - Rivers of Delight: American Folk Hymns from the Sacred Harp Tradition

Welcome!

Welcome to the Classic Church Music blog! Over the next few days and weeks I hope to develop this site into a resource for listeners to the Classic Church Music station on Live365.com . Playlists, commentary and your comments and suggestions will all be part of the mix, so be sure to visit as the blog develops. Please participate and share your ideas with other listeners!

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