Music Notes for Feb. 7

The Last Sunday after Epiphany is robust with “Alleluias” and music of mountaintop experiences: Moses descends from Mt. Sinai with the Holytablets and Christ is transfigured on the mount with Moses, Elijah and the disciples as witnesses; therefore, we sing the hymn Christ upon the mountain peak and, at the communion, an ensemble sings the spiritual,Climbin’ up the mountain, children!

The offertory anthem by Henry Purcell is a setting of the day’s psalm “The Lord is King, be the people never so impatient” (Psalm 99.) It is a verse anthem featuring a dialogue between soloists and choir. Written for his singers of the Chapel Royal, it is a complex, Italianate, and florid vocal tour de force for all singers! For example, the anthem ends one section as the soloists exuberantly call and respond on the text, “which is great, wonderful and holy” and then the chorus enters continuing the awestruck mood – listen to how Purcell uses the word painting at the word 'fall' in the line ‘ fall down before his footstool, for he is holy'

At the doorstep of the forty days of Lent, enjoy this day of effusive music!