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Advent Prelude/Postlude

Last post 11-22-2008, 7:20 AM by zippy_uk. 5 replies.
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  •  11-01-2008, 6:41 PM 66119

    Advent Prelude/Postlude

    I've been asked to play an Advent-themed prelude and postlude for the Evensong service at an Episcopal church (this December).

     Anybody have some recommendations?  For the postlude, I'm thinking about Rutter's 'Prelude on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' if I can get my hands on a copy.  Not sure about the prelude.  Something quiet/reflective, I suppose.  I'd appreciate any advice on choosing the music.

    Thanks. 

  •  11-01-2008, 6:52 PM 66120 in reply to 66119

    Re: Advent Prelude/Postlude

    Without knowing your skills it's tough to make recommendations, but I'd start by suggesting you take a look at the hymns in the Advent section of the Episcopal hymnal and select tunes from there.  I know one of my golden oldie favorites is Bach's "Wachet Auf" (Sleeper's Awake).  It's tricky though.  Also, Bach's "Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland" (Savior of the Nations, Come) from the Orgelbuchlein is another beautiful standard.  If not sung, start off playing the chorale just on a 4' flute, then play the setting.  Also, both of these are quieter pieces, well suited for Evensong.    There are bazillion arrangements and variants on "Veni Emmanuel" (O Come, O Come Emmanuel), at all levels, that would work.  I'd suggest seeing if they know the hymns to be sung and use one of those tunes for your prelude.  It will tie into the service nicely.  Also, for the postlude, I like to keep it quiet and simple.  Folks will remember you more for the "AHHH" rather than the loud.  Also, Advent is a more pentitential season, so quieter is more appropriate, at least in liturgical services.

    I just looked at your web site... some lovely works there, guy!  Why not adapt your piece "Snowfall" and use that for a prelude if you want a non hymn tune selection?  Use either string or flute celestes at the beginning, then move to a closed swell or choir division.  If there's midi w/ bells, bell strings or such, by all means go for it.  Toot your own horn and play your own music! 

    And as a side note, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is really more a Christmas hymn than Advent if that's of importance to you.

    Good luck and have fun!!! :)


    Holtkamp/Parkey pipe organ
    Galanti Praeludium home instrument
  •  11-02-2008, 7:04 PM 66173 in reply to 66120

    Re: Advent Prelude/Postlude

    Ch,

    I also listened to your "Snowfall" and found it quite impressive. Would make a lovely prelude for an Advent service. Or maybe you could incorporate it into a medley with some hymn tunes from the Advent section of the hymnal. As Ludwig suggested, something that is going to be sung in the service, to tie things together.

    BTW, in your "Snowfall" recording, that orchestral section in the middle sounds awesome. Sounds so much like a real orchestra, could it be real? If not, what kind of synth did you use to get such a nice sound?

    John

     


    Rodgers 890 at church.
    Baldwin D422 at home.
    Scads of old organs in the shop! H E L P !!!
  •  11-03-2008, 12:02 AM 66200 in reply to 66119

    Re: Advent Prelude/Postlude

    Hi CH,

    Interesting choice for the Postlude.. Im really glad to see someone else performing it as well. This piece is on my programme for the Christmas Organ Recital in December.. I wish you all could come for it !!!!

    I obviously have this piece, its in the OXFORD BOOK OF CHRISTMAS ORGAN MUSIC.... I'd be happy to send it across to you if someone could tell me how this PDF's thing works..

    Also, some more choices for the Postlude would be

    Guilmant's MARCH ON A THEME BY HANDEL- Superb piece. If you haven't learnt it I strongly recommend that you do.. you won't be disappointed..

    Bach's Trio Sonata in E Flat (1st Movement)

    Dubois Toccata in G major

     I think the best prelude would be Wachet Auf (as suggested earlier)

     

    Let me know about the Rutter, I'll figure a way to get it across to you...

     

     

     


    chB4'
  •  11-10-2008, 10:28 AM 66659 in reply to 66119

    Re: Advent Prelude/Postlude

    You might want to speak with the Rector before you decide to do a Christmas hymn during Advent. At my Parish, it is understood that there are to be no Christmas carols before Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

    As someone else has suggested, there are several good "Advent appropriate" hymns in the 1982 hymnal that you might consider.


    David
  •  11-22-2008, 7:20 AM 67539 in reply to 66200

    Re: Advent Prelude/Postlude

    Choralbass4',

    I don't know if you managed to figure out how to get the Rutter sent via email. I have a concert on 19th Dec in Singapore and have just thought it would be nice to learn the Rutter. Problem is I live in Singapore, I see you are in Sri Lanka. Anychance of you sending me a copy via email zippyj_uk@hotmail.com? I would be really grateful to see the score. I will buy a copy but by the time I get my hands on it it will be too late.  

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