Anthems for Advent & Christmas Thursday, October 08, 2020
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
Carol of the Advent arr. Philip Dietterich, SATB with piano or organ
This Philip Dietterich arrangement of the text, “People Look East,” by 19th century poet Eleanor Farjeon, set to the Besancon carol tune has been delighting audiences for over 35 years.
A French Carol Concertato arr. Hal Hopson, SATB with organ or piano and optional handbells
Seasoned composer/arranger Hal H. Hopson has crafted this celebrative setting of the classic “Angels We Have Heard On High.” With organ (or piano) plus optional handbells, this anthem dances with joy! The soprano obbligato will soar above choir (and optional congregation) for a thrilling Christmas concertato.
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
Choir and congregation alike will identify with this exuberant Advent anthem with music quoting the familiar HYFRYDOL and text attributed to Doddridge and Wesley. It is written for SATB Choir with a buoyant keyboard accompaniment adding to the excitement of the triumphant processional.
O Holy Night arr. Jay Rouse, SATB with piano and optional cello
Jay Rouse’s artistic setting of “O Holy Night” builds to a stunning musical climax. With an emotive piano part driving the arrangement and a soaring optional cello line, it is a standout setting of a beloved Christmas favorite.
Sing Alleluia! Christ Will Come arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
With a neo-classical touch, Mary McDonald’s Advent anthem features the beloved “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” text set to a new tune as a thrilling hope of the Incarnation. The soaring “Sing Alleluia” sections anchor the anthem with a solid sense of celebration. Joyful!
To Thee My Heart I Offer by Elaine Hagenberg, SATB with piano and optional string quartet
“Mein Herz will ich dir schenken” – a 1650 text by an unknown author has been lovingly set for SATB Choir, Piano and optional String Quartet as a prayer of personal affirmation and dedication. It captures the essence of the Christmas story and would make a wonderful closing prayer for a Christmas Eve worship service.
Hope Is Dawning on the World by Larry Shackley, SATB a cappella
Larry Shackley’s bright, spiritual-style a cappella anthem expresses the hope and joy of Christ’s birth. Call-and-response sections explore the identity of the Messiah, and the uplifting ending will add a burst of joy to your Advent service.
Waiting by Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional orchestra or rhythm
For Advent, this energetic, gospel anthem includes a hint of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” sung by a soloist with options to soulfully ad lib. Accompaniment options include piano, rhythm, or full orchestra. This originally appeared in Joel’s best-selling cantata, “Joy!”
Hear the Angels Sing arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Lilting and flowing, this anthem creatively pairs the classic “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” text with “Gesu Bambino.” The result is a stunning new combination that sounds inevitable, and takes both text and tune to exciting new heights.
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head arr. Trevor Manor, SATB with piano and oboe
A lovely, lullaby-like setting of the familiar Kentucky folk carol develops into a significant telling of the Christmas story and will soon become a favorite of both choir and congregation. Set for SATB Choir, Piano and oboe, it will be a wonderful addition to any Christmas service of celebration and worship.
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About the Author:
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 15 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.