Music for the Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 3, 2019

Prelude Wie schön leuchtet   Niels Wilhelm Gade (1817-1890)

In these Sundays after Epiphany, the Transfiguration of Our Lord reminds us where we started – with Jesus being revealed as “a light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people, Israel.” It’s not surprising that this cycle of readings ends with even more images (and thus music) around the theme of light.

Niels Wilhelm Gade was an important musician from Denmark, a contemporary (and friend) of Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann.

The hymn (O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright) is found at ELW 308.

Gathering Hymn Sing of God Made Manifest (Salzburg)

Carl P. Daw’s text recounts our readings from this cycle in the lectionary: Jesus’ birth, his baptism, the miracle of water turned to wine, and finally the transfiguration. The text paired with the hymntune Salzburg which was first published in Berlin in 1678. Alterations to the rhythm have been made over the years, but the harmonization is based on one by that great composer J. S. Bach.

A depiction of the Battle of Agincourt by Enguerrand de Monsrelet

Hymn of the Day Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair (Deo Gracias) ELW 316

The tune for this hymn is also known as the Agincourt Hymn. It was written to celebrate the Battle of Agincourt, won by King Henry V in 1415. Today, rather than recounting the glory of an earthly king, we use it to proclaim the glory of our heavenly Christ.

Musical Offering Christ upon the Mountain Peak Paul Bouman (b. 1918)

Rafael's depiction of the Transfiguration

This text is by Brian Wren (b. 1936), a prolific writer of modern hymn texts. The text in this anthem was later modified by Wren to begin “Jesus on the mountain peak. . .” The change was made at the suggestion of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Hymnal Committee to distinguish between Jesus, the historical man, and the post-resurrection Christ.

Communion Hymns

This Little Light of Mine (This Joy) ELW 677

This popular African-American song was probably passed around orally before it was written down – accounting for the many variations in words and tunes. It’s easy to relate it to today’s reading, but it probably has its original basis in Matthew 5:16.

We Are Marching in the Light of God (Siyahamba) ELW 866

This song comes from Africa, probably originating as a Zulu folk song. Now it is known around the world.

Sending Hymn Alleluia, Song of Gladness (Praise, My Soul) ELW 318

Next Sunday we will be in the season of Lent. One tradition for Lent is to “bury the alleluia.” This last hymn for the day will be the last time we sing “Alleluia” until the Easter Vigil.

Postlude Deo Gracias  setting, Stephen Gabrielson

Sources:
Hymnal Companion to Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Wikipedia
Agincourt: 

By Chroniques d’Enguerrand de Monstrelet (early 15th century) - Antoine Leduc, Sylvie Leluc et Olivier Renaudeau (dir.), D'Azincourt à Marignan. Chevaliers et bombardes, 1515-1515, Paris, Gallimard / Musée de l'armée, 2015, p. 18-19, ISBN 978-2-07-014949-0, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10026708

Rafael: 

By Raphael - Downloaded from Artist Hideout, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=379381