Advent Anthem
It's November; can Advent be far away? But, of course! As Minister of Worship & Arts, I used to have my advent plans together (and music ordered) back in June or July. In October 2004, I decided to supplement my purchased music by composing this simple advent anthem (choir-congregation "antiphon"). Later, I arranged the melody for "The Great Thanksgiving" responsorals. My intent was to create a haunting, mysterioso, modal piece for vocal soloists (cantors) and choir (or congregation), accompanied by 2 violins, clarinet, bassoon, and piano. Each verse concluded with a vocal octet treatment of the text. Here is the full text:
We pray, Lord Jesus come.
Bring justice and peace to all the earth.
Bring hope, love, and joy through your holy birth.
We pray, Lord Jesus come.
Come Jesus, King of Kings.
Send forth your light, your truth unseal.
Your bountiful grace, your wisdom reveal.
Come Jesus King of Kings.
Also, the first verse was sung as a cantor/congregation responsoral each week during the advent wreath candle lighting. Here is an example of me leading the congregation with use of two handbells for accompaniment.
