CHORAL EVENSONG

5:00 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019

THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

CHRIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA

NOTES ON THE MUSIC Louis Vierne was one of the most important organists of the 20th century. Though legally blind from congenital cataracts, in 1900 he became the principal organist at Notre Dame in Paris. He suffered many hardships in his life. In addition to blindness, he suffered a devastating divorce and the loss of both a son and a brother in World War 1. He composed six organ symphonies. The Fourth Symphony, excerpts of which are played in this service, was completed in 1914. Vierne died, as he had hoped to, at the console of the organ at Notre Dame while performing a recital.

Henry Ley grew up as a chorister at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. He would later go on to become professor of organ at the Royal College of Music in London. The short introit sung this evening is the work for which he is most commonly known.

Philip Radcliffe was an accomplished musicologist. He wrote books on both Felix Mendelssohn and Beethoven’s String Quartet. He was a professor of music at King’s College, Cambridge.

T. Tertius Noble was Organist and Choirmaster at Ely Cathedral and then York Minster before moving to New York City to found the St. Thomas Choir School for boys in 1919. The strong foundation he began there continues to this day. He wrote three evening services, with the one sung this evening likely being the least familiar. A gifted organist, he was in high demand as an organ teacher while in New York, even though his job left little time for teaching. Nevertheless, one of his students was John W. Sanders III who was the Organist and Choirmaster at Christ Church Alexandria from 1952-1968. The closing hymn sung tonight is one of his most popular hymns, and is still closely associated with the St. Thomas Choir School.

One of the foremost American composers writing today, Gwyneth Walker is a graduate of Brown University and the Hartt School of Music. A former faculty member at the Oberlin College Conservatory, she left academic teaching in 1982 in order to pursue a full-time career as a composer. She divides her time between her dairy farm in Vermont and New Canaan, Connecticut.

Please silence all electronic devices. Organ Prelude Symphony IV, Op. 32 Louis Vierne (1870-1937) IV. Romance Introit

Lord Jesus Christ, who created, redeemed, and preordained me to be this that I am, you know what you wish to do with me; do with me in accordance with your will, with mercy. Amen.

Text: Latin, King Henry VI (1421-1471)

Music: Henry G. Ley (1887-1962)

Please stand and sing. Hymn 123

Words: Latin, 11th century Music: Tibi Christe, splendor Patris

Opening Sentences

Invitatory and Psalter Philip Radcliffe (1905-1986) Officiant: O Lord, open thou our lips. Choir: And our mouth shall show forth thy praise. Officiant: O God, make speed to save us. Choir: O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; Choir: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Officiant: Praise ye the Lord. Choir: The Lord’s Name be praised. The People are seated. Psalm 66 Anglican Chant by Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) Be joyful in God, all you lands; * sing the glory of his Name; sing the glory of his praise. Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! * because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.

All the earth bows down before you, * sings to you, sings out your Name."

Come now and see the works of God, * how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.

He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot, * and there we rejoiced in him.

In his might he rules for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; * let no rebel rise up against him.

Bless our God, you peoples; * make the voice of his praise to be heard;

Who holds our souls in life, * and will not allow our feet to slip.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,* and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, * and will be forever. Amen.

The First Lesson Exodus 34:29-35 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. The People stand as the choir sings. Magnificat from Evening Service in A Major T. Tertius Noble (1867-1953)

My soul doth magnify the Lord, * and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded * the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth * all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me, * and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him * throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm; * he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, * as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: * as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The People are seated. The Second Lesson Luke 4:21-30

About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. The People stand as the choir sings. Nunc dimittis from Evening Service in A Major Noble

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, * according to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, * which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: * as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The People remain standing and say in unison: The Apostles’ Creed

believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Responses Philip Radcliffe Officiant: The Lord be with you. Choir: And with thy spirit. Officiant: Let us pray. The People kneel. Choir: Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. The Lord’s Prayer The Suffrages Officiant: O Lord, show thy mercy upon us. Choir: And grant us thy salvation. Officiant: O Lord, save the State. Choir: And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. Officiant: Endue thy ministers with righteousness. Choir: And make thy chosen people joyful. Officiant: O Lord, save thy people. Choir: And bless thine inheritance. Officiant: Give peace in our time, O Lord. Choir: Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. Officiant: O God, make clean our hearts within us. Choir: And take not thy Holy Spirit from us. Concluding Collects

I

The People stand and sing. Hymn 137

Words: Latin, 15th century

Music: Wareham

The People are seated. Welcome & Announcements

Offertory Anthem Dazzling as the sun, the face of Jesus on the mountain, like the face of Moses coming down from Sinai ready, strong to lead his people out of bondage into freedom, to the promised land. Transfigured for disciples’ eyes, God’s servant who would suffer as Isaiah prophesied. Revealed in garments glist’ning white, the glorious Son of Man whom Daniel had foretold.

Then the cloud of presence, then the voice of witness: “This is my beloved Son on whom my favor rests. Listen to him.” Hear him! Gazing on the Lord by radiant light transfigured, see the patter of our lives; cross embraced to Easter splendor. Claim the Gospel vision wondrous: we are God’s beloved ones. Claim the transformation promised: destiny of glory!

Text: Delores Dufner, OSB (b. 1939) Music: Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947)

The People kneel and say in unison: The General Thanksgiving

lmighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks

for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Officiant prays: A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee; and hast promised through thy well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

A

The People stand. Concluding Versicle and Response

The Grace Hymn 541

Words: Jane Laurie Borthwick,

Music: Ora Labora, T. Tertius Noble Postlude Symphony IV, Op. 32 Louis Vierne V. Final

Service Participants

The Reverend Noelle York-Simmons, Officiant The Christ Church Choir

M. Jason Abel, Director of Music Chase Loomer, Guest Musician

Nancy Carson, Andrea McNicholas, Lay Readers John Lawson, Anne Shine, Nancy Carson, Ushers

Chase Loomer is a first year master’s student at the Yale University Institute of Sacred Music, where he studies organ with Martin Jean. He completed his Bachelor’s of Music in organ performance at the Eastman School of Music, where he was a student of David Higgs. A native of Charlotte, NC, Chase’s accomplishments include: First prize, 2018 Taylor Organ Competition; first prize, 2015 AGO/Quimby Southeast Regional Competition for Young Organists; and first prize, 2015 Sarasota-Manatee AGO Chapter Competition. Chase has served as the interim organist at Centre Presbyterian Church in Mooresville, NC and as a VanDelinder Fellow at Christ Church in Rochester, NY, where he was awarded the inaugural Casparini Prize for excellence in organ performance. Most recently, he was the Assistant Organist at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Greece, NY. Chase has also worked as a summer music intern at Covenant Presbyterian Church and Christ Episcopal Church, both in Charlotte, NC. Currently, he serves as organist of the Yale University Church at Battell Chapel, and as one of the organists at Marquand Chapel of the Yale Divinity School. His previous organ teachers include Dr. Patrick Scott and Dr. Katie Ann McCarty, and he studied piano with Dr. Dylan Savage and the late Dr. Ruskin Cooper. Chase also has an interest in jazz piano and was a member of one of the Eastman jazz ensembles in 2015. As a singer, Chase was selected for NC Governor’s School in 2012 and previously sang with the Christ Church Schola Cantorum. He was featured in the Rising Star series at the 2016 AGO National Convention in Houston and attended the 2016 OHS Convention as an E. Power Biggs Fellow. In addition, he was a featured young artist at the 2017 Pipe Organ Encounter Advanced in Birmingham, Alabama. Chase has presented concerts throughout the country and has been featured on the radio broadcast, Pipedreams Live! on several occasions.

Cover Art: Transfiguration by Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov

All Music is printed with permission from Church Publishing: ©1985 Church Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-707188

FRIENDS OF MUSIC FOR 2018-2019

Gifts received as of February 25

The music at tonight's service is made possible, in large part, by the generosity of the Friends of Music.

Kris Amundson

Ruth Arnold, In honor of Jason Abel

Andrew Calvin Baird

Jane F. Baird,

In memory of H. Virgil & Mary Baird

Willie J. Banks Jr.

Ken and Jean Barry

Cindi & Jay Bartol

Nancy & David Bieging

Sam & Renee Brathwaite,

In thanksgiving for all our blessings & in thanksgiving of

the Outreach Ministry

Cap and Marilyn Bromley

John & Debbie Burns

Susan & Paul Cambon

Gerald Cameron

Nancy Cash, In memory of Gerald Bora

John D. Clough

Barbara & Brian Collins

Elizabeth Bowes Dakin,

In memory of Margery Bowes Dakin

Linda & Jeff Dienno

Frances Dillon, In honor of Jason and the

Christ Church Choir

Mary Dillon

Mari & Francis Dobbs

Paul & Virginia Doherty

Tom & Carol Donlan

Linda G. Fischer, In memory of Phyllis & Anson Good

Cindy Gady & Marianna Dunn

J. Russell George,

In memory of Celestine George

Tom & Betsy Hahn

Mary Elizabeth Hahn

Scott Harman

Frank Hart, In memory of Elizabeth K. Hart

Glen Hewitt & Michele Smith

Betty Hill

Judy Johnson,

In honor of Jason Abel

Christine Jones, In thanksgiving for Christ Church

Tuke Klemmt,

In honor of Jason Abel

Susan Koscis

Brett & Holly Levanto

John & Susan Magill

Erika Mathis

Kevin Metz & Sara Evans

Liz Nelson

Arthur E. Peabody Jr.

Judith Phillips

Linda Pittman

Robert & Barbara Pringle

Audrey Rasmussen, In thanksgiving for the good music at

Christ Church

Bill Roberts & David Hoover

Anne Shine

Joe & Carol Shull

Lyn & Kit Snodgrass

Susan E. Stager

Philip D. Tasho, In honor of Jason Abel

Brock Thompson,

In honor of Mary Todd

Bob & Sandra Thomson

Harley Thronson, In memory of Evan Thronson

Fran Usher,

In memory of William Usher

Robert & Barbara Wade

Eleanor Wilson In honor of Ruth Salmon

Donna Wintermute,

In memory of Margaret Fitch

Eleanora M. Worth