Music Notes for Contemplative Evensong, September 29th, 2021
Feast of St. Michael & All Angels
Contributed by Dr. Edward Maki-Schramm, Music Director
Choral Evensong is a service of scripture, prayer, and music. I mean lots of music! It has been sung in the Anglican church since its inception by Thomas Cranmer for the 1549 Book of Common Prayer. It brought together many elements of the older monastic offices of Vespers and Compline, particularly with their respective canticles, the Magnificat (Luke 1) and the Nunc dimittis (Luke 2).
Maybe you’ve heard of Evensong before, but perhaps you don’t know what it is or why you should attend. At Christ Church Detroit, Evensong is for everyone, and you are warmly invited to attend on September 29th. The organ voluntary will begin at 5:45 p.m. with the service starting at 6:00 p.m.
First-time attendees are often struck by the beauty of the service itself in the words that are said and the music that is sung. We refer to our service as Choral Evensong because many parts are prepared by the Choir, while the congregation will join in saying and singing other parts of the service.
The Choir, Bell Choir and incense will be included in this service which has been designed to explore some of the more mystic elements of our worship. Wednesday, September 29 is the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels also known as Michaelmas which celebrates and acknowledges those heavenly forces that are working on another spiritual plane for our benefit. The feast day has been celebrated more in times when our country has been at war or in crisis. Gabby Bernstein, a popular influencer in current social media, says, “If you knew who walked beside you on your chosen path, fear would be impossible.” We invite you to experience this service in the peace and beauty of our newly renovated sanctuary, to hear repertoire chosen for this feast day, and to hear a message of hope.
Repertoire for this service include the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Murrill, Do Not Be Afraid by Stopford, and Preces and Responses by Byrd.
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