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!
