At the final gathering in the church year last Sunday 23 November, we relished Psalm 100 in various forms and much more, including Josquin des Prez and the Old Hundredth. We sang If ye love me by Thomas Tallis for the induction of Elders, who have our full support in their demanding role. Year B and Advent … Continue reading Crystal Ball, December 2014
Tag: Advent
Psalm 80, 22Dec13
Psalm 80 is a cry for restoration by the 'Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock'. As strife continues all around, the singer seeks a more peaceable zone, perhaps by the still waters and safe pastures of other familiar psalms. The psalmist invokes the Creator's strength and justice to intervene and bring safety to the … Continue reading Psalm 80, 22Dec13
Mystery mediaeval music
Quiz of the Season. Thank you ladies and girls for the rendition of the Magnificat today. So, over half-way through Advent and just when you thought it was safe to open the mail, here's a twister. What is this early chant all about? (I won't ask if you can sing it) Of course, after our … Continue reading Mystery mediaeval music
Magnificat, 15 Dec 13
The third Sunday in Advent (we are around to Year A again, by the way) brings us to the song of Mary, generally known by its Latin name (from the first line Magnificat anima mea Dominum) as the Magnificat. The text is in Luke 1: 46-55. Understandably, settings for this song abound. In our own song book alone, Together in song, … Continue reading Magnificat, 15 Dec 13
Psalms in the South 