Advent

Anthems

  • Dunphy, Melissa. O Oriens.

    Latin from the O Antiphons, 4m, SATB a cappella, moderately challenging. [Listen (Youtube)] [Score and more at the composer’s website] A setting of one of the O Antiphons. Commissioned by the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, conductor Matthew Glandorf. From the composer: “When I was asked to set one of the O Antiphons, I knew the one I wanted to choose was “O Oriens” because of its universality. While my setting uses the traditional plainsong setting as its backbone, I hear the text as relevant far beyond its liturgical purpose; it becomes a plaintive call for light in the form of love, knowledge, and peace both in the world and within each of us personally, particularly for those of us who have suffered from depression or grief.”

  • Dunphy, Melissa. The Elements of the Sun Broke into Song.

    English, from The Book of the Secrets of Enoch, chapter 15 (Robert Henry Charles), 3m30s, ATTBB a cappella, challenging. [Listen (Bandcamp)] [Score and more at the composer’s website] Commissioned by Opus Anglicanum for performance at the 2016 Two Moors Festival.

  • Ferrari, Carlotta. Memento semper finis.

    Words by Thomas a Kempis. Latin, two voices (SA or TB), medium difficulty, 1:50. [Download from CPDL] [Listen (YouTube)]

  • Ferrari, Carlotta. O oriens.

    Latin, SATB, medium difficulty, 2:00. [Download from CPDL] This is one of the Advent antiphons, traditional for use in the seven days before Christmas.

  • Martin, Stephanie. Legend of the Bird.

    Words by Stephanie Martin. English, SATB with divisi, medium difficulty, 4:14. [Order from Cypress Choral Music] [Listen (Soundcloud)] A conversation with a Robin about the return of Christ, suitable for late autumn/early winter.

  • Rose, Kathryn. Advent.

    Words by Christina Rossetti. English, SATB, medium difficulty, 2:30. [Order (Lulu)] [Download from CPDL] [Listen (YouTube)]

  • Williams, Helen. Mary’s Whys.

    Words by Sarah Lutton. English, SATB with or without children’s choir, organ, 3:00, easy to medium difficulty. [Listen to mp3] [Download score from Canossa Choral Music] Inspired by Luke 1:26-38. Sarah Lutton’s poem imagines Mary’s response to being asked to bear the Son of God. Suitable for Mothering Sunday, the Annunciation or the Fourth Sunday of Advent. May be downloaded and used in Christian worship without charge. For other use please contact Canossa Choral music.