Prepare the Way, O Zion: New Titles for Advent Friday, October 11, 2024
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
Prepare the Way, O Zion by Larry Shackley, SATB with piano and optional trumpet
This historic Advent text is paired with a new musical setting featuring an optional trumpet. An original interlude proclaiming “we welcome you, Messiah” underscores the themes of preparation and anticipation associated with the advent of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises. An alternate text, “hosanna in excelsis” turns this into a Palm Sunday giving you two seasonal anthems for the price of one!
O Come, Emmanuel arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
Opening with an optional duet, this offering from the inimitable Mary McDonald presents a song of pure longing for Emmauel’s arrival. Building slowly and steadily, then tapering to a hushed conclusion, this anthem quietly soars. Pairing the gorgeous KINGSFOLD tune with a beloved Advent text is a creative and inspired pairing…resulting in an unforgettable Advent offering.
Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring) arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano
The familiar advent text is refreshingly transformed in this inspired pairing with Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”
Of the Father’s Love Begotten arr. Trevor Manor, SATB with piano and optional congregation
Trevor Manor brings the ancient plainchant into the 21st century with lush harmonies beautiful lines. Intuitive meters are carefully crafted to make this setting clear and useable. A lovely ancient/modern addition to your Christmas programming.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Timothy Kile, SATB with piano and optional cello
A newly composed stirring refrain unifies the stanzas of the traditional chant melody in this highly accessible and easily learned anthem. Worth a look as a new framing for a familiar hymn in your Advent season! Optional cello part included in choral score.
Lift Up Your Heads by Olaf C. Christiansen, SATB a cappella
Written in the beloved choral hymn tradition, Olaf C. Christiansen’s uplifting and energetic arrangement of this well-loved Advent hymn nearly sings itself. Arranged for a St. Olaf Christmas Festival in the late 1960s, this new edition allows choirs to continue to enjoy the beauty of this rich tradition.
Tilt Your Candle (Welcome the Light!) by Brad Nix, SATB a cappella
Pamela Stewart and Brad Nix join forces to bring you this joyous Advent spiritual. The idiomatic choral writing features tight vocal harmonies and limited ranges, as well as opportunities for several soloists. Your listeners will be blessed as the choir encourages them to “Tilt your candle and welcome the light!”
Advent’s Holy Light: A Candle Lighting Ceremony for Advent by Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional congregation & 4 handbells
Designed to support the lighting of the Advent candles, this includes a choral opening followed by a call and response litany with piano underscore, then a text to be read with the lighting of the candle. As it concludes, the choir comes back in with the option of adding the congregation for a final refrain. A concluding prayer is also provided. There are five readings, one for each candle. A reproducible part for the congregation is included.
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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.