Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Spy Wednesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 62, 63 and 64


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 62, 63 and 64



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Spy Wednesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 58, 59, 60 and 61

Spy Wednesday commemorates the day when Jesus sent his disciples into the city to find a room for the Passover Meal. Here on All for Hymn, we continue the Passion History.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 58, 59, 60 and 61



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Spy Wednesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 55, 56 and 57

Spy Wednesday commemorates the day when Jesus sent his disciples into the city to find a room for the Passover Meal. Here on All for Hymn, we continue the Passion History.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 55, 56 and 57



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Spy Wednesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 51, 52, 53 and 54

Spy Wednesday commemorates the day when Jesus sent his disciples into the city to find a room for the Passover Meal. Here on All for Hymn, we continue the Passion History.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 51, 52, 53 and 54



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Spy Wednesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50

Spy Wednesday commemorates the day when Jesus sent his disciples into the city to find a room for the Passover Meal. Here on All for Hymn, we continue the Passion History.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Spy Wednesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 42, 43, 44 and 45

Spy Wednesday commemorates the day when Jesus sent his disciples into the city to find a room for the Passover Meal. Here on All for Hymn, we continue the Passion History.

The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 42, 43, 44 and 45



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Holy Tuesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 39, 40 and 41


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 39, 40 and 41



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Tuesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 35, 36, 37, and 38


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 35, 26, 27, and 38



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Tuesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Tuesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Part 29


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 29



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Tuesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 27 and 28


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 27 and 28



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Tuesday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 23, 24, 25 and 26


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 23, 24, 25 and 26



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Holy Monday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 19, 20, 21 and 22


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 19, 20, 21 and 22



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Monday: St. Matthew's Passion, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18


~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Monday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 8, 9, 10 and 11


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 8, 9, 10 and 11



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Monday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 6 and 7


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 6 and 7



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Monday: St. Matthew's Passion, Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Holy Monday: St. Matthew's Passion, Part 1


The Passion according to St. Matthew
set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Part 1



~~~~

For the complete text in German, click here.

For the complete text in English, click here.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Palm Sunday: This Just In!

As I was preparing today's blogs, there was one nagging question, "Where are the Lutherans?"

This is from this morning's service from Bethany Lutheran, Naperville, Illinois.  Notice the use of children in the procession and throughout the hymn!  I like the use of palm branches as percussion.  Listen closely for it at the end of each refrain.  You can hear it better when the kids are in their places after the procession.

Palm Sunday Procession, Bethany Lutheran Church, March 28, 2010 from Cheryl on Vimeo.

Special thanks go out to Cheryl at A Round Unvarnish'd Tale for posting this already today!

Palm Sunday: A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,
The guilt of all men bearing;
And laden with the sins of earth,
None else the burden sharing!
Goes patient on, grow weak and faint,
To slaughter led without complaint,
That spotless life to offer;
Bears shame and stripes, and wounds and death,
Anguish and mockery, and saith,
"Willing all this I suffer."



~~~~~

This Lamb is Christ, the soul's great Friend,
The Lamb of God, our Savior;
Him God the Father chose to send
To gain for us His favor.
"Go forth, My Son," the Father saith,
"And free men from the fear of death,
From guilt and condemnation.
The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,
But by Thy Passion men shall share
The fruit of Thy salvation."

"Yea, Father, yea, most willingly
I'll bear what Thou commandest;
My will conforms to Thy decree,
I do what Thou demandest."
O wondrous Love, what hast Thou done!
The Father offers up His Son!
The Son, content, descendeth!
O Love, how strong Thou art to save!
Thou beddest Him within the grave
Whose word the mountains rendeth.



~~~~~

From morn till eve my theme shall be
Thy mercy's wondrous measure;
To sacrifice myself for Thee
Shall be my aim and pleasure.
My stream of life shall ever be
A current flowing ceaselessly,
Thy constant praise outpouring.
I'll treasure in my memory,
O Lord, all Thou hast done for me,
Thy gracious love adoring.

Of death I am no more afraid,
New life from Thee is flowing;
Thy cross affords me cooling shade
When noonday's sun is glowing.
When by my grief I am opprest,
On Thee my weary soul shall rest
Serenely as on pillows.
Thou art my Anchor when by woe
My bark is driven to and fro
On trouble's surging billows.



~~~~~

And when Thy glory I shall see
And taste Thy kingdom's pleasure,
Thy blood my royal robe shall be,
My joy beyond all measure.
When I appear before Thy throne,
Thy righteousness shall be my crown,-
With these I need not hide me.
And there, in garments richly wrought
As Thine own bride, I shall be brought
To stand in joy beside Thee.

Palm Sunday: Transitioning to the Passion Story

There are two ways to celebrate Palm Sunday. One is to feature the Palm Sunday account as the chief Gospel text for the day. Another is to read the Palm Sunday account prior to the procession and then read the Passion account as the chief Gospel text for the day.

Some hymns are good at bridging this gap. "Ride On, Ride On in Majesty" ends with this text...

Ride on, ride on in majesty,
in lowly pomp ride on to die.
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy power and reign.



Here is a version for carillon.



Another hymn for this occasion would be A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth. Look for this one in the next post.

Palm Sunday: All Glory, Laud and Honor

The tradition of singing All Glory, Laud and Honor on Palm Sunday dates back to round AD 800. It was written by Theodulf, Bishop of Orleans, France.

Here is the Latin refrain, followed by a word-for-word English translation, and then the metered translation found in Lutheran Service Book.

Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit
Rex Christe, Redemptor,
Cui puerile decus
prompsit hosanna pium


Glory, praise and honor to you,
who is Christ the King [and] Redeemer
In whom childlike dignity
brings forth the godly hosanna

All glory, laud, and honor
To You, Redeemer, King
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet Hosannas ring.

~~~~~

Carillon Setting



~~~~~

Choir, Handbells, Solo Instrument



~~~~~

Organ Improvisation



~~~~~

Michel Chapuis Organ Improvisation



~~~~~

Schuebler Chorale arranged for Foot, Hand and Coronet



~~~~~

Contemporary Arrangement (different tune)

Procession of Palms: Rojales, Spain

In the middle of this video, you will see the Palm Sunday procession through the streets of Rojales, Spain, complete with a parade float depicting Jesus riding on a donkey, as well as a drum and bugle corps.

The video then visits a monument to Gulgatha, where there are three crosses.  Following that, pictures of the caves.

Procession of Palms: Antiochian Orthodox in Ottawa, Canada

The Antiochian Orthodox Church is based here in North America. You will hear parts of the liturgy in English. This particular parish has some connection to the Orthodox Diocese of Beruit as well.

It appears from this procession that the service begins in the sanctuary, where the clergy and assistants process to the altar. From there the entire congregation leaves in procession, walking around the building and entering again.

Procession of Palms: Latin Rite in Scotland

Here is the procession of Palms from a Latin Rite church in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The service starts outside the church, with the reading of the gospel account of Palm Sunday and the response of "Hosanna!" by the congregation.

The congregation then processes into the church. In English-speaking congregations, they sing All Glory, Laud, and Honor during the procession.    Perhaps you Latin or liturgical scholars out there can tell us if this Latin chant is a similar text.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Annunciation of Our Lord: Biebl's Ave Maria

It seems odd that we would celebrate something so "Christmassy" during Lent.  It takes a little biological understanding to get this one.  Tradition holds this to be the day Christ was crucified, which in turn also holds that this is the day Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  This places the real-time celebration of the Annunciation of Our Lord nine months before the celebration of His birth at Christmas.

The Annunciation celebrates the Angle Gabriel's appearance to Mary, announcing that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit.  The Angel Gabriel tells Mary:

Hail, thou that art highly favoured,
the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women.

This forms the basis for the beginning lines of the Ave Maria, which is drawn directly from the Latin translation of the Bible (Luke 1:28).

Áve [María], grátia pléna,
Dóminus técum.
Benedícta tu in muliéribus...


Hail [Mary], full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women...

The next line is also drawn directly from Scripture (Luke 1:42). They are the words Elizabeth proclaimed to Mary.

...et benedictus fructus ventris tui [Iesus].
...and blessed is the fruit of your womb [Jesus].

Of course, Protestants don't have a problem reciting or singing words of Scripture. The issue is with praying to the saints.

That being said, here is a wonderful setting of Ave Maria in Latin by 20th century composer Franz Biebl. It includes parts of the narrative from Luke 1 and John 1, and is based on the Roman Catholic tradition of The Angelus.  It should be noted that the Seminary Chorus at Concordia, St. Louis, does an English version of Biebl's work which revises the lyrics so that they fully reflect the teaching of Scripture.




The inclusion of the "Ave Maria" and the "Angelus" here is not an endorsement of the "intersession of the saints."

Sunday, March 21, 2010

UPDATE #2: Sound of Majesty Celebrates Bach's Birthday!

UPDATE:  Audio issues have been resolved and the show is now posted.

Today marks the anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Sound of Majesty will have it's entire program devoted to everyone's favorite Kantor.

You can catch the live broadcast at Midnight ET tonight over at moodyradiochicago.fm. Not planning to be up that late? The show will post here today and be archived here tomorrow.

And remember Iggy's soon-to-be-famous saying, "If it ain't baroque, fix it!"

Here's the Agnus Dei from Bach's "Mass in b-minor" (German: Messe en h-moll), complete with a bonafide countertenor (in other words, a male alto). One could do a series of posts just on this section, but this blogger has enough unfinished things on his plate, so just enjoy!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Young Talent: Bethany Lutheran Madrigal Singers

The Madrigal Singers from Bethany Lutheran, Naperville, IL, received "first division" in a recent solo and ensemble competition.

HT: Cheryl at A Round Unvarnish'd Tale, whose daughter is in the group.

Sing We, Dance We, On the Green
Francis Pilkington (1565-1638)


Know of any other young talent just waiting to be discovered? Drop a link to the video in any comment box and it will be considered.

Friday, March 19, 2010

St Joseph, Guardian of our Lord

Today commemorates the earthly father of Jesus. Joseph was in many ways a step-father to Jesus. As we confess in the creeds, Jesus was "conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary."

Very little is spoken of Joseph in the Bible, which leads to all sorts of folk lore and folk hymnody, like this one, a lullaby in which Mary addresses Joseph in the first verse and Joseph responds in the second verse.

Like many folk carols, this one isn't typically found in denominational hymnals, since the words of Mary and Joseph are not found in Scripture. You will find the tune, though, with a translation of the Latin Carol Resonet in Laudibus.

Please note that as this is a folk hymn Russian folk images are used in the video of a German carol.

Here is the poetic translation of the German.

“Joseph dearest, Joseph mine,
Help me cradle the Child divine;
God reward thee and all that’s thine
In paradise,” so prays the mother Mary.

He came among us at Christmastide,
At Christmastide, in Bethlehem;
Men shall bring Him from far and wide
Love’s diadem:
Jesus, Jesus,
Lo, He comes, and loves,
and saves, and frees us!



“Gladly, dear one, lady mine,
Help I cradle this child of thine;
God’s own light on us both shall shine
In paradise, as prays the mother Mary.”

He came among us at Christmastide,
At Christmastide, in Bethlehem;
Men shall bring Him from far and wide
Love’s diadem:
Jesus, Jesus,
Lo, He comes, and loves,
and saves, and frees us!


Just for Fun: Daniel Boone was a man...

...was a BIG MAN

With an eye like an eagle

and as tall as a mountain was he!


HT: Ben on Facebook

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Just for Fun: King of the Wild Frontier

Actor Fess Parker passed away today.  He played both Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone on television.  These shows didn't run very long in prime time, but they did run in syndication for years afterward.  As a kid, I would watch them on Saturday afternoon when a sports game wasn't on, perhaps just before the 6 pm news.

Here's The Ballad of Davy Crockett, the long play version from the soundtrack to the theatrical movie. Disney connected the first three television episodes to make a feature-length presentation.



Davy, Davy Crockett,
King of the wild frontier!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Tomorrow on Lutheran Time Out: St. Patrick's Breastplate

I had the opportunity to preview this week's Time Out broadcast yesterday. It is not one to miss!

Southern Lutheran Kantor is at the organ bench and Layman Dan adds the vocals to I Bind Unto Myself Today.

Check it out live at piratechristianradio.com at Noon ET. Not available then? The podcast at lutherantimeout.org posts around 12:15 PM ET.

An Irish Tune in an African-American Culture

You will find this one-line hymn in most African-American hymnals.

Probably the tune is a little more familiar. It comes from the Irish folk tradition.



I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me


St. Patrick's Breastplate

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.



I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christs incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.



I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet Well done in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors faith, Apostles word,
The Patriarchs prayers, the prophets scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.



I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious suns life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling winds tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.



I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.



Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.



Against all Satans spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the hearts idolatry,
Against the wizards evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.



Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.



I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Signing Jesus Loves Me

Here's a few clips to help you learn Jesus Loves Me using American Sign Language (ASL). The music is found in Lutheran Service Book, page 588.



Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.



Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven's gates to open wide.
He has wash away my sin,
Lets His little child come in.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.


Friday, March 5, 2010

Just for Fun: Take on Me, the Literal Version

Ever notice how music videos show things that have nothing to do with the song?

Youtuber Dustin McNeato takes the video and the tune and adds his own words, which describe the scenes in the video.

Here's the original "Take on Me" followed by Dustin's version.

Note: this video is still groundbreaking, if you ask me. The mix of live-action and animation still awes me, not to mention the vocal range of lead singer Morten Harket.

~~~~~

a-ha, Take on Me



Dustin McNeato, Take on Me (literal)


HT: Gregory on facebook

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March Focus: Lutherans in India, Part II

I am looking into the history of Lutheranism in India. It is going to take some more digging.  So far, I have only found the history of American Lutheran missionary work there.  One would think that earlier Lutherans also did work in India.

For now, here are the Youth Boys of Adaikalanathar Lutheran Church with a medley Tamil carols.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A Lesson in Latin: Ubi and Ibi

Over at Mercy Journeys, you will find this post with some Latin in it.

The clues are "ubi" means "where" and "ibi" means "there."

I am going to do my best to translate over here, because the teaching is that good!

III. De fructu verae et seriae poenitentiae,
Johann Gerhard, Meditationes Sacrae

Fundamentum et principum sanctae vitae est salutaris poenitentia.
Ubi enim vera poenitentia, ibi remissio peccatorum;
ubi peccatorum remission, ibi gratia Dei;
ubi gratia Dei, ibi Christus;
ubi Christus, ibi ipsius meritum;
ubi Christus meritum, ibi satisfactio pro peccatis;
ubi satisfactio pro peccatis, ibi justitia;
ubi justitia, ibi laeta et tranquilla conscientia;
ubi tranquillitas conscientiae, ibi spiritus sanctus;
ubi spiritus sanctus, ibi tota sacrosancta trinitas;
ubi sancta trinitas, ibi vita aetern


Part 3: The Fruits of True and Sincere Repentence.
Johann Gerhard, Sacred Meditations


The fundamental principle of the holy life is healthy repentance.
Where there is true repentance, there is forgiveness of sins.
Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is the grace of God.
Where there is the grace of God, there is Christ.
Where there is Christ, there is His merit.
Where there is His merit, there is satisfaction for sin.
Where there is satisfaction for sin, there is justification.
Where there is justification, there is a joyful and tranquil conscience.
Where there is tranquility of conscience, there is the Holy Spirit.
Where there is the Holy Spirit, there is the entire divine Holy Trinity.
Where there is the Holy Trinity, there is eternal life.



When in the hour of deepest need
We know not where to look for aid;
When days and nights of anxious thought
No help or counsel yet have brought,

Then is our comfort this alone
That we may meet before Your throne;
To You, O faithful God, we cry
For rescue in our misery.

For You have promised, Lord, to heed
Your children's cries in time of need
Through Him whose name alone is great,
Our Savior and our advocate.

And so we come, O God, today
And all our woes before You lay;
For sorely tried, cast down, we stand,
Perplexed by fears on ev'ry hand.

O from our sins, Lord, turn Your face;
Absolve us through Your boundless grace.
Be with us in our anguish still;
Free us at last from ev'ry ill.

So we with all our hearts each day
To You our glad thanksgiving pay,
Then walk obedient to Your Word,
And now and ever praise You, Lord.

LSB 615
Text: Paul Eber
Translation: Catherine Winkworth, alt.


Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein
JS Bach, BWV 641

Monday, March 1, 2010

March Focus: Lutherans in India

Here's the Adaikalanathar Lutheran Church Choir of India. Pardon me, as I take a temporary from Lent and feature "Glory to God in the Highest."