Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols (December 3, 2023)

Prelude begins at 0:00. Service begins at 19:40.

This Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols is organized around the O Antiphons – beautiful plainchant texts which invoke the Messiah to return, sung since the 8th century at Vespers on the seven evenings leading up to Christmas. The choir gradually moves into the chancel, stopping at various stations around the Cathedral nave. Each of the biblical prophecies is expanded upon by the singing of carols, anthems, and hymns which anticipate the coming of Christ, culminating in a glorious setting of the Magnificat (The Song of Mary, Luke 1:46-55) and the singing of “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” the text of which is an English translation of the very O Antiphons that the choir has sung throughout the service. 

The officiant is the Rev. Canon Cathy Zappa. Choral repertoire includes:

• The Great O Antiphons
• Richard Marlow (1939-2013), Matin Responsory
• “Lo, he comes with clouds descending” Helmsley
• Frank Ferko (b. 1950), Adam lay ybounden
• “Redeemer of the nations, come” Veni Redemptor gentium
• Cristobal de Morales (1500-1553), Veni Domine
• “Come, thou Redeemer of the earth” Puer nobis
• Jan Sandström (b. 1954), Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
• “Isaiah the prophet has written of old” Samanthra
• “The great forerunner of the morn” The Truth from above
• arr. Craig Phillips (b. 1961), Gabriel’s Message
• arr. Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941), The Holly & the Ivy
• “Ye who claim the faith of Jesus” Julion
• Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977), Magnificat (Merton College Service)
• Paul Mealor (b. 1975), Ave Maria
• “O come, O come, Emmanuel” Veni, veni Emmanuel