Music for the First Sunday of Advent - December 1, 2019

Opening Voluntary Three Variations on Wachet auf     

setting, Robert Lau

See the tune and text at Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) ELW 453.

One of my favorite forms of musical composition has long been the theme and variations form. Robert Lau’s first setting is pretty straightforward with the melody in one hand and some interesting counterpoint in the other.

Variation 2 uses the organs lusher sounds – strings mostly – to craft a gentle meditation.

Variation 3 is in the style of a chorale prelude. The French Horn stop takes the melody against a gentle accompaniment.

There is a fourth variation. It will be heard as the closing voluntary.

Gathering Hymn O Lord, How Shall I Meet You (Wie soll ich dich empfangen)

Paul Gerhardt

ELW 241

It would be hard to find a hymn with roots more Lutheran than this one. Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676), author of the text, spent much of his life acting as a mediator between Lutherans and members of the Reformed Church. He wasn’t very successful, but he was well-liked and respected by leaders on both sides of the religious divide. Nine of his hymns appear in ELW.

Johann Crüger (1598 – 1662) composed the tune. His name is equally famous in Lutheran hymnals. He was a well-known Cantor of his day and wrote about 71 hymntunes. Probably the most famous is Herzliebster Jesu, to which we sing the Lenten text “Ah, Holy Jesus.”

This hymn may not be very familiar to our assembly, but the form is easy to follow. We sing the first line, the second line is repeated verbatim, the third line brings new material, and the fourth line also repeats the first with only slight alteration.

Psalm – a metrical setting of Psalm 122

In many churches the assembly is ready to start singing Christmas hymns on the first Sunday of Advent. I’m happy that is not our situation, but a hint of Christmas can be seen in today’s setting of the psalm by Hal Hopson. The words, with alterations, come from the Psalter of 1912 and are sung to the tune Sussex Carol – an English Christmas carol.  It’s not widely sung in churches, but this spritely tune is popular with professional and community choirs. You’ve heard it before. I can almost guarantee it.

Hymn of the Day Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying (Wachet auf)

ELW 436

This is probably the biggest, baddest, Lutheran hymn of all! That may be why its nickname is “King of the Lutheran Chorales.” It’s widely known as an Advent Hymn, but it’s in the “End Times” section of ELW – and no wonder. Its language is drawn heavily from the book of Revelation.

Sissel Kyrkjebø

This has long been one of my favorite hymns. One rendition that I really love is by the Norwegian soprano/pop star Sissel Kyrkjebø. Here is a link to her performance based on a setting by J. S. Bach. It’s on my playlist every Advent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1beKJS8h6oo

Communion Hymns

Our communion hymns are all from the community of Taizé, an ecumenical community in France. The first we have sung many times, but the second and third might be new.  We will sing each several times, allowing the words and music to become meditative prayer.

One of our members recently visited Taizé. Take the time to ask her about her experience.

Wait for the Lord

The Lord Is My Light

Christ, You Are Light

Sending Hymn Savior of the Nations, Come (Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland

ELW 263

Of all of the church’s hymns, this is one of the oldest. The original text is attributed to Ambrose of Milan (340-397). The version we sing today is an English translation of Martin Luther’s German translation.

Closing Voluntary Fourth Variation on Wachet auf

setting, Robert Lau

Sources:
Wikipedia
Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal Companion
Photo of  Sissel Kyrkjebø 

By Kristin & Vibeke - http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/werecki_company/images/sissel-kyrkjeboe-sissels-jul-paa-turne-2014-280972, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44428702