Heavenly Light

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
January 20, 2019


As we continue through the Sundays after Epiphany, Jesus' identity is revealed more fully. This week's gospel reading describes the first miracle at a  wedding in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus changes water into wine. Several of our hymns specifically refer to this miraculous event, and we'll sing two of them today. Other hymns focus on the overarching Epiphany theme of light - the Light of Christ, made manifest in Jesus. 

 Today's offertory anthem comes to us from Russia. "Heavenly Light" is a classic choral composition by Alexander Kopylow (sometimes spelled Kopylov), a composer, violinist, and teacher who lived from 1854 to 1911. Russian composers of this period sought to create a national style by using folk-like melodies and distinctive sounds. Kopylow makes particular use of the low bass tones of Russian choirs for a deep, rich choral sound. He also creates dramatic dynamic contrast throughout the anthem. Hear a recording: Heavenly Light

Through our rich repertoire of hymns and choral anthems, we are able to experience the Church's song from around the world in all times and places. God's great light shines in the darkness of our winter, bringing light and life to all lands and peoples.

Art: The Wedding Feast at Cana: Water into Wine -Grace Carol Bomer (https://gracecarolbomer.com)

Music for The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
January 20, 2019

Hymns
7   Christ, whose glory fills the skies     Ratisbon
132   When Christ’s appearing was made known     Erhalt uns, Herr
124 (stanza 5)   What star is this with beams so bright     Puer nobis
138   All praise to you, O Lord     Carlisle
371   Thou, whose almighty word     Moscow

 Service Music
Gloria in excelsis S-277        New Plainsong, David Hurd
Psalm 36:5-10   St. Martin's Psalter, Thomas Pavlechko
Sanctus S-125     A Community Mass Richard Proulx
Fraction Anthem S-154   New Plainsong, David Hurd

Anthems
Heavenly Light     Alexander Kopylow
God Be in My Head     John Rutter

Organ Music
Organ chorales on Erhalt uns, Herr     Dietrich Buxtehude and Johann Walther




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