We have two contrasting anthems today. The offertory comes from Handel’s oratorio, Samson, which was sketched out while he was working on Messiah in 1741. Our rector requested this piece for today, and we have enjoyed working on it. It’s a triumphant, majestic piece, perfect for Christ the King Sunday. Our communion anthem has a […]

The title of today’s offertory is Geistliches Lied or “Sacred Song.” The piece is in the form of a double canon. The sopranos and tenors sing the same tune, but two measures apart and likewise with the basses and altos. It was written as part of a musical exchange between Brahms and his friend Joseph […]

Our offertory is a splendid work for treble voices by English composer Simon Lole. What a melodic craftsman! Although his harmony is traditional, it’s fresh and never detracts from the meaning of the words. I particularly love the middle section, “God is love, and those who live in love, live in God, and God lives […]

Both of our anthems today have the same sentiment. Our offertory is by Christopher Tye, an English Renaissance composer who not only served as music director at Ely Cathedral but was an adviser and musical instructor to King Edward VI. He later became a clergyman and ceased composing altogether. I believe his music to be […]

John once asked me to do some “ruffles and flourishes” on a hymn. That means to add what amounts to child-like graffiti to a “normal” hymn. Artists love to whip up swirls and embellishments that buzz the senses. Sometimes, you might get goosebumps. Your attention gets enraptured, and it seems like you get a glimpse […]

Today I’m playing a piece by Bach called “These Holy Ten Commandments.” It’s some of his finest work. After a little intro, you’ll hear the melody in cannon, played on the oboe stop. A canon is a musical technique whereby a melody can be played with itself but delayed in time. It’s like Row, Row, […]

Today’s postlude is a spicy number by Edward Bairstow, that I am playing for the first time. While I’ve enjoyed learning this piece, it has given me fits! Bairstow was an English organist, conductor, and composer who spent most of his career at York Minster from 1913 until his death in 1946. Since I’ve been […]

Spirituals are a treasured part of Americana. I adore their iconic intimacy although the way they have evolved has taken them on a distant journey from their humble roots. The slaves, who sang these songs usually while working, likely never thought that in the 2023, “highfalutin” arrangements of their music would be sung in opulent […]

I’m a glutton for Handel’s music, but I often compare him to Bach. I’m torn because I adore them both. Bach’s music is cerebral, profound, and contemplative. Handel’s music is grandiose, opulent, and has more of an overt flair. Bach was considered passé, he died in relative obscurity, and he didn’t have hordes of adoring […]

Today’s prelude is a piece by Canadian composer and organist, Denis Bédard who was born in Quebec City. He has served at various churches throughout Canada and as a composer is well-known. His most recent appointment was at Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire de Vancouver, a position he held for 20 years and from which he retired in 2021. […]