One of the many benefits of seeing live music, mainly classical or choral, is that you can hear music you wouldn't have heard otherwise. I've been listening to Chanticleer since 2004 and have seen them in person dozens of times. My favorite time to see them is during Christmas, and thanks to my grandparents' generosity, I've enjoyed their annual Christmas concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall more times than I can remember. While they typically sing music I am familiar with, on more than one occasion, I found myself experiencing music I had never heard before, sung by the best men's ensemble in the world.
On such occasion, it was December of 2017 when I first heard them sing Estonian composer Arvo Pärt's setting of the ancient text "O Antiphons," from which the modern Advent carol "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is derived.Â
My friend Jason explains it well.
I still remember reading the lyrics in the program, with tears in my eyes, thinking about Christ’s advent and how these different names put different aspects of His very nature on display.
During these final seven days of Advent before we enter the joy of Christmastide, I wanted to leave you all with Arvo Pärt’s Antiphons.
May you meditate on these lyrics and may they bring you hope in these final days before Christmas.
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1. O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Almighty, you encompass the world from one end to the other with power and moderation you ordain all things: O come and show us the way of wisdom and of understanding. O Wisdom.
2. O Adonai, Lord and leader of the house of Israel, in the flaming thorn bush were you revealed to Moses, and on the mountain did you give him your law: O come and free us with your strong arms.
3. O Root of the stem of Jesse, stand forward as a sign for the people, before you the lords of the earth are struck dumb, the people cry out to you: O come and help us, stir yourself, delay no longer.
4. O key of David, sceptre of the house of Israel, you open something, no one can close it, you close something and no might will open it: O come and open the prison of darkness and the chain of death.
5. O Morning Star, gleam of immutable light: shining sun of righteousness: O come and lighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
6. O King of all people, their expectations and desire, cornerstone, which holds together the edifice, O come and help mankind which you constructed on earth!
7. O Emmanuel, our King and teacher, you hope and saviour of the people: O come, hurry and bring us help, you our Lord and our God.
Finally, here’s a few photos from last Wednesday when Megan and I got to see Chanticleer (Megan’s first time!) at the magnificent Walt Disney Concert Hall.
