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For Today...
'Let all mortal flesh keep silence'
Ancient French carol tune, and words from the Liturgy of St James, and even older text. Unmissable for communion services in this season.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dy_qdLwej4 - Stephen Cleobury's arrangement, sung by Somerville College choir.www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHkXHdVwm8o - used as a processional, with a long introduction. From a church in Nebraska.
(07/12/2023)
Recent links
'Let it be to me'
I think we've sung this nearly every year since it was written.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFSW9VRmHTc - by Graham Kendrick.(06/12/2023)
'Into the darkness of this world'
Another brilliant Maggi Dawn song. Part of the Advent repertoire, but it's good to use it occasionally at other times too.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8NzE5wNqus - a light but lovely, subtle rendering.(05/12/2023)
'The angel Gabriel from heaven came'
A Basque carol that's become core repertoire for us now.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pliqObTHxUQ - the choir of King's College Cambridge.(04/12/2023)
'O bless the God of Israel'
A good one for Advent Sunday, or for that season.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=umZXxbh6IGw&start=1718&end=1852 - the last hymn in a service from Rothley Parish Church. (Words and accompaniment only.)(03/12/2023)
'Hail to the Lord's Anointed'
Traditional Advent hymn. Needs to be kept moving, or it can go stodgy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mCCwBqiQdk - from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and sung to Crüger - my choice too.(02/12/2023)
'Hark, the glad sound! the Saviour comes'
A good solid old Advent hymn, which we sing to the even older good solid tune Bristol.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeBRYhG86x0 - a recording by the Chet Valley churches.(01/12/2023)
'How lovely on the mountains'
Golden oldie that tends to resurface in Advent. It can rock along nicely - especially the chorus.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lHBEIWZ9k4 - solo version from James Kilbane.(30/11/2023)
'On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry'
An Advent hymn which which we rarely sing now, but the use of Winchester New means it's always accessible. The association of the tune with 'Ride on ride on in majesty' carries a Passiontide resonance for many, and that's not unhelpful.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvvEQkspJxY - Southwell Minster Choir, with an exciting last verse descant.(29/11/2023)
'Of the Father's love begotten'
This ancient tune and even more ancient words connect with celebration of the Incarnation through the ages.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt75zI4kz6g - the Willcocks arrangement, sung under the octagon by the Ely Cathedral choir.www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKVYE-RRyHg - an album recording (a cappella version, rather short).
(28/11/2023)
'He Came Down'
A song from Cameroon - useful at Advent and at other times.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PKMuSs_OEs - album recording - it says 'songs for Children', but these songs are fine for everyone.(27/11/2023)
'Come Thou long-expected Jesus'
An Advent fixture, which we sing to Stuttgart. Searching Youtube, I found a number of recordings set to Hyfrydol (as if that tune doesn't have enough to do) and one to Stainer's Cross of Jesus. I would stick to Stuttgart, unless also using Jesus Hope of Every Nation, another Advent hymn that benefits from it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZY0e5Uux8I - from an Advent service at St Luke's Ordinariate Parish, Maryland, USA.www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEEd0uWnDGs - choir of St John's College, Cambridge, singing it to Cross of Jesus.
(26/11/2023)
'When out of poverty is born'
Advent hymn from Kathy Galloway, and yet another good use for the tune 'Kingsfold'.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzwyjnACz0o - recorded for Christian Aid.(25/11/2023)
'Lo! He comes with clouds descending'
An Advent 'big hymn' which we haven't used for a while, but which is still well-known.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYf4W5Fy_2w - with a spectacular 45 second long introduction, and then just three verses. But nicely done.(24/11/2023)
'Standing at the cross'
A great song from Pete James, which became regularly used in our church. I prefer to base it around acoustic guitar, and keep it simple.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRReWsctUA4 - from "Worship Anthems 2012" - the only recording I can find online!(23/11/2023)
'Brother let me be your Servant'
Now more often known as 'Brother, sister, let me serve you'.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL3vStmoMDw - here's the man who wrote it (Richard Gillard), singing and accompanying himself on the guitar.(22/11/2023)
'Salvation belongs to our God'
A golden oldie which we still sing from time to time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZcG8cSxDiU - nicely done, with a special mention for the drummer.(21/11/2023)
'Ascribe greatness'
An old song that everyone still remembers.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcv2K8GcqoA - live recording which doesn't hold back - from a Dales Bible Week.(20/11/2023)
'The Kingdom of God is Justice and Joy'
A useful piece of repertoire which I was introduced to through "Hymns for Today's Church".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOrkdW5NAM0 - from St Barnabas Church, Dulwich.(19/11/2023)
'Dear Lord and Father of mankind'
Whittier's much-loved hymn... sung to Parry's wonderful tune Repton... with a last verse that sometimes used to get me into contortions on the organ, with that massive crescendo and quiet last line. Not what Whittier had in mind, but hey.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk7SX3r59sc - from the Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury. Just five verses.(18/11/2023)
'All Earth was Dark'
Graham Kendrick in his usual good form.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S1R9ReprFg - a local church's live recording.(17/11/2023)
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