Music Notes

The fall goes by in a flash - it seems as though the choir year begins in September,and in a blink of an eye it is Christmas Eve, A Christmas Story is on television, and a new year is being toasted at Pohick. Here are some highlights from the Advent and Christmas offerings - some titles will be familiar and some will not. The familiar titles will have new arrangements to convey the deeper meaning of the text, and bring out the lyrics. For example, “O Come, Emmanuel” is probably the most familiar chant for Advent.This tune has changed greatly through the years. Composers are constantly working to convey the multiple meanings of the text. This anthem is no different. The tune remains largely unchanged, but the composer uses the accompaniment to instill the mystery of the season, as well as the troubling times before Christ was born (“Bid thou our sad divisions cease, And be thyself our King of Peace”). During this season, take time to ponder the texts of all the music, and try to find new meaning in the words. Hymns and choral music are like poetry, it takes time and an open mind to digest them thoroughly. And, who knows, maybe that old familiar tune will take on a whole new meaning this season.

Remember to extend gratitude to members of the choir for the hard work and extra time spent to make the upcoming season special for everyone. “Where words leave off, music begins” – Heine

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Sunday, Nov. 28 - Advent 1a: Trebles from the Choir of Pohick and St. Cecilia and St. Alban’s Choir

Offertory: Be Peace on Earth William Crotch
Communion: O Come, Emmanuel Houkom

Sunday, Dec. 5 - Advent 2a: Choir of Pohick and St. Cecilia and St. Alban’s Choir

Offertory: The Desert Shall Rejoice, Sterling
Communion: O Come, Ye Servants of the Lord, Christopher Tye

Sunday, Dec. 12 - Advent 3a: Choir of Pohick and St. Francis Choir

Offertory: Zion, at thy Shining Gates 16th cent. carol, arr. Guest
Communion: A Candle for Peace, St. Francis Choir

Sunday, Dec. 19 - Advent 4a: Choir of Pohick and St. Cecilia and St. Alban’s Choir

Offertory: Maria Walks Amid the Thorne 15th-16th century German carol, arr. McRae
Communion: The King Shall Come, Consolation/arr. Wagner

Friday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 6:00 pm Service: Music featuring soloists and the brass quartet

10:30 pm Pre-Service Carols: Music featuring the Choir of Pohick and the brass quartet

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