Music Notes: December 11th, 2011

3rd Sunday of Advent


Another week of Advent, and we are one more week closer to the return of our Savior to the world.  In our Gospel reading this week, John the Baptist is introduced to us.  His motives of administering baptisms are questioned since he is neither the coming Christ nor a prophet.  He references the coming of Christ by saying, "I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." (John 1: 25-27)

HYMNS AND SONGS

All Earth Is Hopeful (Opening hymn: 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)

This lovely Latin-American tune is actually one of my  personal favorites in the hymnal.  The translation by Madeleine Marshall (not to be confused with the former Juilliard professional who wrote the "Singers Manual of English Diction), is very faithful to the original text by Alberto Taule.  Taule, who passed away in 2007, was a Spanish-born theologan,  pastor, and composer, who wrote many works for organ and choir, as well as many hymns.  Toda la Tierra (translated as "All the earth") is easily his most well known among English-speaking worshipers, and for good reason.

The four verses contain many biblical references.  Stanza two tells us "a virgin mother will bear Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14), and a few words later, we hear the meaning of Emmanuel, "God with us," and tells us that he will restore hope and courage to the earth.  In stanza three, we hear from Isaiah again, specifically Isaiah 40:4, where the mountains and valleys will be made low.  The final stanza mentions that though Jesus' life began 2000+ years ago as a baby in a crib, we now can see him in our world, our neighbors, and our friends, and that he is always present and always sets us free.

People Look East (Hymn of the Day: 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, Praise Song: 11:15 AM)

Eleanor Farjeon's lovely poem of anticipation is set here to a Renaissance French carol.  Each stanza is wonderfully structured within itself.  In stanza one, we prepare the way for Jesus by preparing our houses and setting the tables.  Who are we doing this for?  "Love, the guest..." the closing line in stanza one.

The second stanza begins with a bare earth with one seed planted.  This seed is nourished by our strength, and over time, the flower grows and blooms.  This flower?  "Love, the rose..."

Stanza three is all about stars, one star in particular.  As the night continues to grow darker, one star emerges to shine ever brighter, with all the power of the sun and moon put together.  What could illumine with such brightness?  "Love, the star..."

In the closing stanza, the imagery vanishes and we hear directly about the coming Christ.  Once again, Isaiah 40 is referenced (Set every peak and valley humming), and we await, "Love, the Lord."

Drawn To The Light (Communion hymn: 9:00 AM, Opening song- 11:15 AM)

One of the most important themes of this Sunday is the idea of the Light of Christ enveloping the world.  This hymn by John Ylvisaker is all about us being drawn into the light of Christ.  The light is what differentiates the good from the bad, the heaven from the hell, and the morning from the night.

Christ, Be Our Light (Communion hymn: 9:00 AM, 11:15 AM)

This modern hymn by Bernadette Farrell is one of the most exquisite gifts that the ELW has given us.  This hymn was largely unknown before the publication of the ELW, despite being written in 1993.  Much like Ylvisaker's hymn, its refrain calls upon the light of Christ to shine through the darkness, and into our church where we all are gathered.

The stanzas are a whole different animal, discussing some of the current problems and issues in the world, and how the light of Christ continually helps with them.  When each verse gets to its second half, the music changes as well.  The bleak E minor that is underneath all of the gloom in the world is replaced by a much more hopeful G major for the second half of each stanza and the refrain.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC


Piano Sonata, op. 110, I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo- Ludwig van Beethoven (Prelude: 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)

Ludwig van Beethoven is arguably one of the greatest composers to ever live, and his 32 piano sonatas, even more than his 9 symphonies, are beautifully representative of the way his style evolved throughout his career.

The Piano Sonata, op. 110, is the middle of the three "late" sonatas of Beethoven, op. 109, 110, and 111.  These three pieces are so revolutionary and forward-thinking in nature... they are just unbelievably ahead of their time.  The emotions that travel through each work are drastically contrasting... one minute it seems like Beethoven is borderline suicidal, and the next, he doesn't seem like he could be more at peace with himself, despite all of his frustrations.

I believe the opening movement of op. 110 is very indicative of the spirit of Advent.  The movement never really arrives anywhere.  Though its sonata form is rather straightforward, but it certainly isn't self evident.  Upon closer examination, however, the movement is surprisingly simple.  Still, the sense of anticipation and longing is evident.

Dance on BECANSON- Wayne Wold (Postlude- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)


This organ piece by prolific composer Wayne Wold takes the tune from People Look East, and sets it as a dance between two voices on the organ.  The tune travels through several different key areas and frequently switches voices as it nears the end.