Advent Resources (2023)
Below is a whistle-stop tour of some of the resources we have to offer for the 2023 Advent season:
Alleluia Rorate Cæli
This alleluia is wanting and rather unlike many other Alleluias. It’s melody is derived from the Gregorian chant, Rorate Cæli Desuper.Genevan Alleluia
This alleluia is derived from the well-beloved hymn tune ‘Genevan 42’, a.k.a. Comfort, comfort ye, my people, and is a wonderfully festive gospel acclamation for Gaudete (rose) Sunday.Advent Alleluia (Veni Emmanuel Trope)
The title says it all: this advent alleluia is derived from the melody of Veni Emmanuel (a.k.a. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) and is paired with the tonus peregrinus for the verses. This gospel acclamation is a great way to keep Advent sounding penitential, and to wet your congregation’s pallet with their favorite hymn tune, without feeling obligated to sing it Advent I (Veni Emmanuel is best suited for Advent IV, where it would more closely coincide with its natural placement in the L.O.T.H.)Alleluia ‘Regem Venturum’ (FREE!)
If you’re looking for an alleluia that is a little off the beaten path, consider this one. Based on an ancient Advent antiphon, it is harmonized in both Major and Minor, so you get to choose which better suits your congregation (or—use the Minor-harmonized version for Advent I, II, & IV, and the Major version for Advent III!).Psalm 98 (Immaculate Conception)
Here is a nice setting of the psalm proscribed for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The refrain is a trope of the Gregorian ‘Ave Maria’ chant, and is complemented by rich harmonies in the verses. (For a more contemporary setting, click here.)Rorate Cæli (SABar motet)
Prepping for a ‘Rorate Cæli’ Mass? Or perhaps you desire to introduce some chant to your parish during penitential seasons. This is a great option for you. Based on the simplified version of the Rorate Cæli chant found in the Graduale Simplex, this simple 3-part motet is within reach of even the most modest choir, and a comprehensive practice track is available for sharing with your schola members to help them learn it.Puer Natus (see our previous blog post “Puer Natus • Manuscript Fun!”)
Here’s the introit for Christmas morning, in its full medieval splendor! If you like to chant, and would like to have a little extra fun this year, consider singing from this free medieval manuscript, which has been overlayed with a modern font to make it more legible whilst still retaining the character of the original.UPDATE: check out our “Manuscript Fun, Part 2!” to download your copy of Dominus dixit ad me (the introit for Midnight Mass) as found in a 15th century manuscript from Seville, Spain.
Ecce Virgo Concipiet
“Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son…”
While this motet is perfect for any Sunday of Advent, it is very cheerful and finds a particularly happy home on Advent III. Approachable for even small choirs or choirs of only modest skill level, this motet is similar in difficulty to Pitoni’s Cantate Domino, and is constructed in a way where you get more mileage out of learning music once.Veni, Veni Emmanuel organ reharmonization
We all love Veni, Veni Emmanuel, but, let’s be honest, we’ve heard it a few times before. Consider spicing up a verse or two with this fun reharmonization which places the melody in the pedals and surrounds with with lush harmonies. This is well within the ability of any trained organist accustomed to playing independent pedal parts.A Westminster Nacht (Quodlibet on Stille Nacht and the Westminster chimes)
If you have an organ with chimes, this is a fantastic way to introduce Silent Night at Midnight Mass. Framed in a ‘pastorale’ manner, the theme from Stille Nacht is interwoven with the melody of the famous Westminster Chimes—known the world over—followed by a slow toll to ‘12’. Very gentle and peaceful.Fanfare Introduction on ‘Joy to the World!’
After you’ve lulled everyone to a cosy sleep with A Westminster Nacht, you can rouse them back to life with this thrilling organ fanfare introduction, perfect for the end of Mass! It is guaranteed to please all who hear it, and it’s good fun for the organist too! An arrangement for two trumpets and tuba is available upon request.Psalm 89, Today is Born a Savior
Here’s a peppy setting of the psalm for Midnight Mass.
This list will be updated as additional resources become available, so check back in a week or two!
And for those looking ahead to Christmas Eve/Day Masses, be sure to check out our blog post which details our Christmas Psalm settings which are based on familiar hymn tunes.
—James
