November 6, 2022
Sunday's music will feature several early German composers. First, the prelude will begin with a J. S. Bach harmonization of the chorale, or hymn, "Now Thank, my Soul, thy Master", followed by two settings of said melody, the first by Johann Pachelbel (who overlapped Bach's life but was 32 years older), and Michael Pratorius (sometimes spelled ""Praetorius"), who lived earlier (1571-1621) and was known for his settings of protestant hymns. Pratorius wrote in the late Renaissance and early Baroque style, whereas Pachelbel was known to have brought the south German school to it's height; Bach, of course, brought the Baroque style to its height. Some differences can be heard in these renditions, but one would have to listen to such more to get a true sense of the stylistic differences.
Our processional hymn is 625, "Ye holy angels bright", tune named for the composer -- "Darwall's 148th". Note that it comes from the same general period as the prelude, but is English. This is Darwall's most famous hymn.
The Gospel hymn, 526-- "Let saints on earth in concert sing"-- is likewise from the same general period and English, words by Charles Wesley.
Our anthem, like the prelude, is German and by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), an example of the late Renaissance period. It is "Sing a new song to God". The choir sings it in the original Latin, but you will have the translation in your insert.
Communion music is played on harp; extensive notes are separate. We are working our way to Thanksgiving, and these hymn renditions will help put you in a thankful place!
The closing hymn is the more contemporary musical setting of "Jesus lives!", often sung during Easter. This Sunday we will sing 195 (same text as 194), written in the 20th century. It relates to the day's reading from Job-- so try to think ahead during the reading and then think back!
The postlude stays in the general present--"Jubal's Trumpet", by Franklin Ashdown (American, b. 1942), who spent more than 3 decades practicing 2 careers, one as a doctor and the other as a composer of choral and organ church music.