Rejoice! A Celebration of Christmas
When: Sunday, Dec 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Where: Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
Who: San Gabriel Chorale with Instrumentalists, Conducted by Dr. Bruce Cain
Organ by Dr. David Polley
Tickets: $25 adults, Students Free under 18 or with Southwestern University ID
A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28, is one of Britten's most beloved and frequently performed works, especially during the Christmas season. Composed in 1942 during Britten's return voyage across the Atlantic from the United States to England, the piece is a setting of eleven Middle English and Latin texts. It is originally written for treble voices (our rendition is for mixed voices) and harp, a somewhat unusual but highly effective instrumentation that contributes to the unique texture and atmosphere of the work.
The work is divided into several movements, each reflecting different aspects of the Christmas story, from the birth of Christ to the rejoicing of the angels.
A Ceremony of Carols is notable for its blend of medieval and modern elements. Britten's use of modal harmonies, plainchant, and dance-like rhythms evokes the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, while his innovative use of texture and timbre, especially in the interaction between the voices and harp, gives the work a distinctly modern feel. The piece is both joyous and reflective, capturing the multifaceted nature of the Christmas season.
Britten's sensitivity to text setting is evident throughout the work, with the music closely following the rhythms and contours of the language. This ensures that the meaning and emotional impact of the texts are clearly conveyed, making A Ceremony of Carols not only a musical delight but also a deeply moving experience.
A Ceremony of Carols stands as a testament to Benjamin Britten's genius in creating music that is both innovative and accessible. Its combination of ancient texts, simple yet profound musical ideas, and a unique instrumentation has secured its place as a cornerstone of choral music, particularly during the Christmas season. Britten's ability to draw on tradition while forging a distinctly personal style is one of the many reasons he remains a towering figure in the history of music.
Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham
Daniel Pinkham was a prolific composer, producing a wide range of works including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and over 250 choral pieces. His style is characterized by clarity, lyrical expressiveness, and a deep understanding of the capabilities of voices and instruments. Pinkham's music often blends traditional forms with contemporary techniques, resulting in compositions that are both accessible and innovative.
Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, composed in 1957, is one of his most well-known works. It is a vibrant and joyful choral piece that has become a staple of the Christmas repertoire, particularly in the United States. The cantata is scored for a mixed chorus, brass choir (two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba), and organ, which together create a rich and festive sound well-suited to the celebratory nature of the Christmas season.
The Christmas Cantata is structured in three movements, each reflecting different aspects of the Christmas story and the spirit of the season:
Pinkham's Christmas Cantata is marked by its effective use of contrast between the movements, with the dynamic opening and closing movements bookending a more meditative central movement. The work showcases Pinkham’s skill in writing for brass and organ, instruments that lend themselves naturally to the festive and sacred atmosphere of the piece.
The piece is relatively short, making it accessible for both performers and audiences, yet it captures a wide range of emotions associated with the Christmas season—joy, reverence, and celebration. Its concise nature and vibrant character have made it a popular choice for Christmas concerts and services.
O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen
Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) is an American composer renowned for his choral works, which have become staples in the repertoire of choirs around the world. Lauridsen has been recognized as one of America’s most frequently performed choral composers, known for his ability to blend lyrical melodies with rich harmonies.
O Magnum Mysterium
O Magnum Mysterium, composed in 1994, is one of Morten Lauridsen’s most revered and frequently performed choral works. This piece is a setting of a responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas, traditionally associated with the mystery and wonder of the Nativity. The text, which dates back to the medieval period, reflects on the awe-inspiring nature of Christ’s birth, particularly the idea that animals were present at the manger, witnessing the divine event.
O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen has become a modern choral classic, beloved for its beauty and emotional impact. Its serene and reflective character makes it particularly suited for the Christmas season, though its appeal extends beyond any specific time of year. Lauridsen’s ability to craft music that speaks directly to the human experience of the divine is evident in this work, which continues to move audiences and performers alike with its profound simplicity and spiritual depth.
The Four Motets Maurice Duruflé
Ubi Caritas
The first motet, "Ubi Caritas," is perhaps the most famous of the four. It is based on the Gregorian antiphon for the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday.
Tota Pulchra Es
The second motet is a setting of a Marian text celebrating the purity of the Virgin Mary
Tu Es Petrus
The third motet is a more robust and rhythmic piece, based on the text where Christ declares Peter to be the rock upon which the Church will be built.
Tantum Ergo
The final motet is a setting of the Eucharistic hymn Tantum Ergo, traditionally sung at the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Duruflé's setting is lyrical and tender, with the chant melody floating above gentle, flowing harmonies. The motet concludes the set on a note of quiet reverence, emphasizing the sacredness of the Eucharist.
Maurice Duruflé’s Quatre Motets sur des Thèmes Grégoriens are masterpieces of 20th-century choral music, revered for their beauty, craftsmanship, and spiritual depth. Each motet is a testament to Duruflé’s profound understanding of Gregorian chant and his ability to transform these ancient melodies into something both timeless and contemporary. These motets continue to be cherished by choirs and audiences alike for their emotional power and their ability to evoke a sense of the sacred.
