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There
is always something special about the sound of unaccompanied voices, or
voices with Organ, singing familiar carols. It is a sound which has meant a
great deal to me since childhood. I remember well the preparation for
Christmas as a Chorister at St Andrew’s Rugby which often started in the
summer months.
The origin of the Carol is a little shady; it is believed it had its origin
in the medieval dance-song. The legend of dancers condemned
by
an angry priest to dance for a year for their neglect of teaching is often
told. In fact the origins of the Advent carol service are
just as obscure. Clearly the original purpose was to look to the future and
the end of time. It was a common celebration by the forth century. The
essence of the season is not to look to Christmas but to the fullness of all
things summed up in the phrase “O that thou wouldest rend the heavens and
come down”
The expression of this longing is the meaning of Advent. The progression of
the service shows us that the focus is not Christmas at all, but to the
bringing in of the Kingdom of God.
Great music has been written for both seasons, From Palestrina to Rutter,
and it is still a season that captures the imagination of many composers.
Enjoy the music of the period, remember the preparation involved and that
for organists and choirs across the world it is a busy time! And a very
Happy Christmas to one and all!
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