Christmas Vigil and Midnight Mass (2012)

Monday, 24 December 2012

 
Introit O Emmanuel (chant)
Opening Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Reading Isaiah 11:1-10 (A shoot springs from the stock of
Jesse)
Choir Wake, O wake with tidings thrilling (Phillip Nicolai & J.S. Bach)
Hymn It came upon the midnight clear
Reading Luke 1:26-38 (The Annunciation)
Hymn Once in royal David’s city
Reading John 1: 1-18 (In the Beginning was the Word)
Choir All my heart this night rejoices (J.G. Ebeling/Paul Gerhardt, tr. C. Winkworth)
Bishop’s entrance and procession to the crib Adeste Fideles
Gloria Gloria de Noël (Thomas Niel)
Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 (The people that walked in darkness)
Psalm Christmas Psalm (Bernadette Farrell)
Reading Titus 2:11-14 (God’s grace has been revealed)
Gospel Acclamation St Agatha Alleluia (mcb)
Reading Luke 2:1-14 (The Nativity)
Preparation of the gifts Angels we have heard on high (trad., arr. Eric Paździora)
Angel voices, richly blending
Sanctus, Acclamation Missa Ubi Caritas (Bob Hurd)
Agnus Dei Lamb of God II (mcb)
Communion My Lord has come (Will Todd)
Silent night
Postcommunion O little town of Bethlehem
Recessional Hark the herald angels sing
 

The choir tonight numbered just twelve plus yours truly, so we had to work hard. But there was something for everyone in the mix of music, from plainchant and Bach to Bernadette Farrell and Will Todd, and Celebration Brass added their usual sparkle.

2 comments:

  1. Hello Martin. Thanks to you, the choir and musicians for the beautiful music at the vigil mass. It Came upon The Midnight Clear is a personal favourite, so it was lovely to see it included. The rousing rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing would not be topped by the choir at Westminster (Abbey or Cathedral. There was an amusing mis-print on the orders of service for the congregation though. Instead of detailing a hymn as Angels we have heard on high, it was printed as Angela we have heard on high! Perhaps you should look to recruit "Angela" to the choir!

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  2. Thank you Alison, I'm glad you were there and liked the music. We were down to half our usual number, but I was pleased with how it all went. Glad the order of service made you smile too! I think we've had worse mishaps. :-)

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