Lent 2 - 24 February, 2013

• Organ: O man, bewail thy grievous sin (O mensch bewein) – J.S. Bach 
• Entrance Hymn 537 “In the cross of Christ I glory” 
• Service Music: New Plainsong – David Hurd 
• Psalm 27 text and pointing is downloadable at the parish website worship page »
• Gospel Acclamation: text downloadable at the parish website worship page »
• Offertory Hymn 526 “God is our fortress and our rock”
• Communion Hymn 620 “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds” 
• Communion Motet: Hide not thou thy face from us – Richard Farrant
  

  The text of the motet is taken from this morning’s psalm 27:12, but in the Coverdale translation as in the Book of Common Prayer. 

• Concluding Hymn 577 “God of grace and God of glory”
• Organ: O man, bewail thy grievous sin (O mensch bewein) – Johann Pachelbel 

Music Notes

O man, thy grievous sin bemoan,
For which Christ left His Father's throne,
From highest heaven descending.
Of Virgin pure and undefiled
He here was born, our Saviour mild,
For sin to make atonement.
The dead He raised to life again.
The sick He freed from grief and pain.
Until the time appointed
That He for us should give His Blood,
Should bear our sins' o'erwhelming load,
The shameful Cross enduring.

This text, written originally in German around 1525, inspired J.S. Bach (1685-1750) to create what the great French organist/composer Charles-Marie Widor called the greatest piece of instrumental music ever composed. While others would dispute that claim, it is a sublime work of genius, based on the original tune for this Lutheran hymn and perfectly reflecting the words. At the end of this morning’s service is another ‘treatment’ of this hymn by Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706). Although it was thought to have been written by Bach, some clever musicologist figured out that it was not, and attributed it to the composer of the famous “Pachelbel’s Canon”.

“Richard Farrant (1530-1580) was Gentleman of the Royal Chapels to King Edward VI, and Queen Elizabeth, and in 1564 was appointed Organist of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and Master of the Choristers there. In 1580 he resign'd his Place in the Royal Chapels, and died in 1585. His Compositions for the Church Service were peculiarly solemn, and well adapted for that Purpose.” (a note from Cathedral Music by William Boyce)

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All are welcome at St. Barnabas - visit the parish website here »