Come, Messiah! Anthems for Advent & Christmas Friday, October 01, 2021
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
ADVENT
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.
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.
Carol of the Advent arr. Philip R. 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.
Sing Alleluia! Christ Will Come arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
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!
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.
Bring Us Hope (An Anthem for Advent) by Ruth Elaine Schram, 2-part mixed with piano and optional cello
Choirs large and small will find this flexible anthem to be a tender, readily learned addition to their Advent programs. The message touches on several prominent themes, making it an ideal option to return to again and again: “Bring us hope, bring us love, bring us peace from above.”
Come, Messiah! by Lloyd Larson, SAB with piano and optional oboe & percussion
This buoyant anthem by Lloyd Larson will be readily learned and appreciated by choirs large or small. “O come, Divine Messiah, the world in silence waits the day when hope shall sing its triumph, and sorrows flee away.” The delightful piano accompaniment along with optional oboe and light percussion make this fresh consideration for Advent.
CHRISTMAS
A French Carol Concertato arr. Hal H. Hopson, SATB with organ or piano and optional 4 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.
Cold December Flies Away arr. Daniel Schreiner, SATB with piano
A driving and inspiring piano accompaniment fills this dynamic arrangement of the perhaps lesser-known carol. Expertly arranged vocal lines are supported by the modern and fresh accompaniment throughout.
Hear the Angels Sing arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
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 optional 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.
Worship His Glory, Worship the King! by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
This irresistible gospel-blues anthem uses text by Nahum Tate drawn from Luke 2. It exudes a celebratory feel in a singable melody that you won’t be able to stop humming. The rhythm section parts and stylistic brass licks enhance the blues characteristics.
Noel by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
Driven by a rhythmic introduction, Mary McDonald’s original music pairs with the traditional words of “The First Noel” for an exciting presentation. It includes lovely quiet moments and powerful choruses with a big finish. An excellent closer for a Christmas concert or service, the freshness of the music pairs perfectly with the familiar text.
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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 20 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 and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.