Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
Listen to choral services, recorded live at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, each Sunday at 4 p.m., September–May. Most services are Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer), which dates from the sixteenth century, yet has its roots in the far more ancient Daily Offices of Vespers and Compline. One of the jewels of our Anglican/Episcopal worship tradition, Evensong has given birth to one of the largest and richest bodies of sacred music outside of the Mass itself. It is, at its heart, a contemplative worship service, and much of the service is sung by the choir alone, employing sounds that span the known history of Christian music. At the formal close of Evensong, an intimate “liturgy of the table” is celebrated for those who wish to receive Communion. Occasionally a classically sung Choral Eucharist, or a diocesan confirmation, or a service of Lessons and Carols takes the place of Evensong.
Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols (April 2, 2023)
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This Meditation on the Passion of Christ is sung by the Cathedral Schola. The officiant is the Rev. Canon Lauren Holder.
One of the most profound choral services of the year, this meditation employs lessons & carols, spirituals, anthems, motets, and congregational hymns to illuminate the Passion of Christ, which is retold using biblical narratives from Mark, Matthew, and John, sung to some of the most ancient plainchant known to the Church.
Choral repertoire includes:
- “Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended” Herzliebster Jesu
- Folksong collected by Lucy E. Broadwood (1858-1929), Sussex Mummers’ Carol, O mortal one, remember well
- “A stable lamp is lighted” Andújar
- Richard Runciman Terry (1865-1938), Richard de Castre’s Prayer to Jesus
- Kim André Arnesen (b.1980), Even when He is silent
- “To mock your reign, O dearest Lord” Tallis’ Third Tune
- Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), The Crown of Roses
- Charles Snider (b.1955), Was ever grief like mine?
- Kenneth Miller, “Alas! and did my Savior bleed” Morgan’s Steep
- Spiritual, Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
- Antonio Lotti (c.1667-1740), Crucifixus à 8