Music for Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

We are so close to Christmas – and yet there is more Advent music to remind us that we’re not quite there yet!

This morning’s mass setting is by German composer Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612). In his early 20s, he left his native Nürnberg  for the opportunity to study in Venice, where he befriended Giovanni Gabrieli and studied with Andrea Gabrieli. The title of the mass indicates that it is a parody mass, based on an earlier motet, which we will also sing during communion.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent in Year A, the gospel focuses on Joseph’s part in the story of preparation for the Nativity, but all our set collects remind us of Mary’s story and the Annunciation, and our communion motets reflect that: the original Hassler motet, and then the well-loved “Gabriel’s Message”, a Basque carol arranged by Edgar Pettman, best known for his 1892 collection of Modern Christmas Carols – which are now classics.

Our communion hymn is from Sweden – three verses of a much longer text in an irresistible dancing rhythm. And the melody of our closing hymn reminds us that Christmas is just around the corner, though the words are full of references to Isaiah’s prophecies.

Brigid Coult

Solemn Mass takes place at St. James’ Anglican Church, Vancouver at 10:30 am every Sunday.