May 16, 2010

Giotto di Bondone, Ascension, Cappella Scrovegni, Padua, 1304-06

When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [NRSV, Acts 1:9].

Ascension Sunday [Comments]

10:00 am Choral Eucharist
The Cathedral Singers

Prelude: Today God's Son triumphs [listen] Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Introit: O rex gloriae [text], Luca Marenzio (1553?-99)

Mass Setting: Missa secunda, Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612)

Motet: Viri Galilaei [text], Dulos Couillart (early 16th cent.)

Postlude: : Toccata “And have the bright immensities,” Richard Purvis (1913-94)

4:00 pm Evensong
The Cathedral Singers

Prelude: Majesté du Christ (l’Ascension) [Messiaen: listen], Olivier Messiaen (1908-92)

Introit: Lift up your heads [text], John Amner (1579-1641)

Preces and Responses: William Smith (1603-45)

Psalm:

24 (Barnby)

Magnificat: Service for 5 voices [Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford: NML] (info), Thomas Weelkes (1576-1623)

Nunc dimittis: Service for 5 voices [Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford: NML] (info), Thomas Weelkes

Anthem: O Lord arise [text/NML] (info), Thomas Weelkes

Postlude: Prière du Christ (l’Ascension) [Messiaen: listen], Olivier Messiaen