Friday, December 25, 2009

25 December - Christmas Day

Picture comes courtesy of The Curt Jester .

Not surprisingly, I fell way behind in posting my music lists. I will admit that this post was written well after Christmas (it's already Lent as I write this ... Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa) ... but anyway, I will share this list with you.

My friend over at St Philip's Episcopal Church asked me to play the 10.00 am Christmas Day service for him. I agreed. I'll admit, I had an ulterior motive: the Durham-Chapel Hill chapter of the American Guild of Organists had scheduled a Members' Recital at St Philip's for January 8, 2010, and I was one of those scheduled to play. So it gave me a chance to get acclimated to the organ, plus it gave me a chance to work on the piece I said I'd play. There were ca. 30 people present ... it really was difficult to predict how many people would be coming. Numbers are out of the Hymnal 1982. Some alternate harmonisations out of Carols for Choirs I were used during the service.

Christmas Day: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: In dulci jubilo (F. Zachau); Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich (J.G. Walther)
Processional Hymn: 83, O come, all ye faithful (ADESTE FIDELES)
Song of Praise: 96, Angels we have heard on high (GLORIA)
Offertory Hymn: 82, Of the Father's love begotten (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM)
Sanctus: S-130 (Deutsche Messe, F. Schubert)
Communion Hymn: 109, The First Nowell (THE FIRST NOWELL)
Recessional Hymn: 100, Joy to the World (ANTIOCH)
Postlude: Wir Christenleut' (J. G. Walther)

24 December - Christmas Eve

Picture "borrowed" from Catholic line art images via inillotempore.com

First of all, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

I will admit that this post was written well after Christmas (it's already Lent as I write this ... Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa) ... but anyway, I will share three lists with you.

Carol Woods. Services there are organised by Chapel of the Cross. This service resembles the 8.00 am summer morning Rite I services at Chapel of the Cross with a few omissions, depending upon the Presider of the Day. Numbers are out of the Hymnal 1982.

Christmas Eve: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: O Magnum Mysterium (T.L. de Victoria)
Processional Hymn: 83, O come, all ye faithful (ADESTE FIDELES)
Sequence Hymn: 87, Hark the herald angels sing (MENDELSSOHN)
Offertory Hymn: 115, What child is this (GREENSLEEVES)
Communion Hymn: 82, Of the Father's love begotten (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM)
Recessional Hymn: 100, Joy to the World (ANTIOCH)
Postlude: Vom Himmel Hoch (J.G. Walther; F. Zachau)

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the 5.30 pm Christmas Eve service. The service was preceded by a 15 minute carol service. Because most of my choristers said they'd be out, I made the decision to have only hymns for the carol service. Numbers are out of the Hymnal 1982.

Christmas Eve: Holy Eucharist Rite II
A Prelude of Christmas Music:
  • 102, Once in royal David's city (IRBY)
  • 78, O Little Town of Bethlehem (FOREST GREEN)
  • 101, Away in a manger (CRADLE SONG)
  • 81, Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming (ES IST EIN ROS)
  • 99, Go tell it on the mountain (GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN)
  • 105, God rest you merry, gentlemen (GOD REST YOU MERRY)
Pro: 83, O come, all ye faithful (ADESTE FIDELES)
Gloria: S-278 (W. Mathias)
Psalm: Psalm 96 (Barrett)
Sequence Hymn: 80, From heaven above to earth I come (VOM HIMMEL HOCH)
Offertory Hymn: 87, Hark the herald angels sing (MENDELSSOHN)
Sanctus: S-128 (W. Mathias)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Agnus Dei: S-165 (W. Mathias)
Communion Anthem: Coventry Carol (arr. M. Shaw)
Communion Hymns: 111, Silent night, holy night (STILLE NACHT); 96, Angels we have heard on high (GLORIA)
Recessional Hymn: 100, Joy to the World (ANTIOCH)
Postlude: Wir Christenleut' (J. G. Walther)

We didn't have enough time to sing the second Communion hymn, so I made the decision to invite everyone to sing it (Angels we have heard on high) right after the dismissal and before my postlude. Amazingly enough, no one left—they all stayed to sing the hymn! After the service, so many people approached me, thanking me for doing that. It made me feel wonderful for having made the last-minute decision to do that.

After a lovely supper (and a beautifully roasted turkey, I dashed off to Chapel Hill for service #3: the 11.00 pm Christ Mass at the Chapel of the Cross. As usual - it was a glorious service, a High Mass of sorts, complete with smells and bells. Oh, and music. Lots and lots of music.

Christ Mass: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Organ and Choral Voluntaries
  • In dulci jubilo (BWV 729; J. S. Bach)
  • Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein (most likely BWV 734; Bach)
  • Choral Anthem: Ding Dong! Merrily on high (G. R. Woodward/C. Wood)
  • Noël, Grand Jeu et Duo (L. C. D'Aquin)
  • Choral Anthem: The Infant King (S. Baring-Gould; arr. D. Willcocks)
  • La Nativité: La Crèche; Les Anges; Les Bergers; La Sainte Famille (J. Langlais)
  • Choral Motet: O magnum mysterium (T. L. de Victoria)
Pro: 83, O come, all ye faithful (ADESTE FIDELES)
Gloria: S-202 (Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena; H. Willan)
Psalm: Psalm 98 (Ford; Plainchant Mode 7)
Sequence Hymn: 91, Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light (ERMUNTRE DICH)
Offertory: Motet: Hodie Christus natus est (J. Sweelinck)
Sanctus: S-114 (Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena; H. Willan)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Comm: 79, O little town of Bethlehem (FOREST GREEN); 101, Away in a manger (CRADLE SONG); 96, Angels we have heard on high (GLORIA); 111, Silent night, holy night (STILLE NACHT)
Re: 87, Hark the herald angels sing (MENDELSSOHN); 100, Joy to the World (ANTIOCH)
Postlude: Toccata (from Symphonie V; C.-M. Widor)

It was heaps of fun singing with the Senior Choir once again, and it was wonderful being with choristers who I haven't seen on a regular basis. Considering all that Chapel of the Cross has done for me, I'm more than happy to help out whenever I can.

So again: a very Happy Christmas to everyone.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Simbang Gabi, Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Despite the snow and the sleet, the Filipino Community of Central North Carolina had their annual Simbang Gabi Mass. For more about the Simbang Gabi tradition, click here for an explanation, courtesy of the Archdiocese of Manila website. I particularly like the way the explanation concluded with the significance of the Simbang Gabi. Why is it that Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad, have continued with this tradition that started in the mid-19th century?
Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.
I was pleased by the number of people who attended this Mass, especially given the weather and another large event organised by another group of Filipinos.

The Mass, celebrated by Fr Julian Jagudilla, OFM, was conducted in Tagalog mostly, with judicious use of English here and there ... and the music was provided by a group of Filipinos, both young and old, who love to sing. This was followed by a cultural programme, which featured traditional Filipino song and dance.

Of course, the post-Mass reception was a smashing success! There was more than enough food to feed everyone, and a great time was had by all.

With that, here is the list of music, with attributions as I was able to find them. This year, some of the music was drawn from Bukas Palad, a Philippines-based Catholic music ministry. I believe the unattributed music was written by members of the Jesuit Music Ministry of the Philippines. Any numbers you see come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover).

Prelude:
  • Himig ng Pasko (unattributed)
  • 317, O come, O come Emmanuel
  • 331, God of all people
  • 341, O come, all ye faithful/Adeste fidelis
Opening Hymn: Gising mga Kristiyano (unattributed)
Kyrie: Panginoon, maawa ka (TV Vinteres, CsSR)
Gloria: Papuri sa Diyos (Hontiveros)*
Psalm: Psalm 80 (EC Marfori)
Gospel Acclamation: Aleluya (Hontiveros)
Music during Anointing of the Sick: Fantasia (J. Pachelbel); Allegretto (G. Böhm)
Offertory: Paghahandog ng Sarili (Arboleda/Francisco/Ofrasio)
Sanctus: Santo, Santo (Hontiveros)
Memorial Acclamation: Si Kristo ay namatay (unattributed, most likely Hontiveros)
Concluding Acclamation: Four-fold Amen (unattributed)
Lord's Prayer: Ama Namin (Vinteres)
Agnus Dei: Kordero ng Diyos (Hontiveros)
Communion Hymns
  • 352, Silent Night (O tahimik na daigdig)
  • O Holy Night (Cantique de Nöel, A Adam)
Post-Communion Reflection: Birheng Maria (unattributed)
Closing Hymn: Balang Araw (MV Francisco, SJ; J Borres, SJ)
Postlude: Ang Pasko ay Sumapit (L. Celerio)

* I am aware that during Advent, the Gloria is not sung. However, an exception has been made for this set of Masses. This explanation comes courtesy of Fr Mel Portula, CICM, who is now based in Baguio City, Philippines:
During Misa de Gallo – a nine-day novena before Christmas popular in the Philippines and among Filipinos around the world, "Gloria" is sung. Novena Masses have a unique liturgical character. The "Gloria" is sung on these Masses and the vestment color is white. I believe that since Misa de Gallo is considered a novena, then "Gloria" is sung and white is the color of the vestment, not purple. All Masses during the nine-day novenas follow the same structure and rubric, even the one that falls on Sunday.
So there you have it. It was an issue we had debated back when we first started doing Simbang Gabi Masses here in Central NC.

I was asked to provide instrumental music during the Anointing of the Sick, so I pulled out two easy pieces that have been in my repertoire for a while. I received compliments on how I played them... yes, on the organ...

Admittedly, we had a lot of ups and downs and conflicts as we planned this Mass. Let's hope that next year, the planning process will be smoother.

20 December - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sigh. Late again. Yes, I know. Christmas is nearly here. At least this is going up before Christmas.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played my usual 10.30 am service. As usual, numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise noted.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: Prière à Notre Dame (from Suite Gothique; L. Boëllmann)
Processional Hymn: 61, 'Sleepers, wake!' A voice astounds us (WACHET AUF)
Trisagion: S-102 (Archangelsky)
Psalm: Psalm 80 (Simplified Anglican Chant)
Sequence Hymn: 258, Virgin-born, we bow before thee (PSALM 86)
Offertory Hymn: 60, Creator of the Stars of Night (CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM)
Sanctus: S-114, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Agnus Dei: S-158, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Communion Anthem: Gabriel's Message (arr. K. Lee Scott)
Recessional Hymn: 66, Come, thou long expected Jesus (STUTTGART)
Postlude: Passacaglia in f minor (A. Raison, as found in The Parish Organist.)




I returned to Chapel of the Cross to play the 5:15 pm service.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Prière à Notre Dame (from Suite Gothique; L. Boëllmann)
Processional Hymn: 66, Come, thou long expected Jesus (STUTTGART)
Hymn at the Lighting of the Advent Wreath: 56, O come, O come, Emmanuel (vs. 7-8; VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL)
Canticle: Canticle 3, Magnificat (recited)
Sequence Hymn: 437, Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (BIRMINGHAM)
Offertory Hymn: 265, The angel Gabriel from heaven came (GABRIEL'S MESSAGE)
Sanctus: S-124, New Plainsong Mass (D. Hurd)
Communion Voluntaries: Fantasia (J. Pachelbel); Allegretto (G. Böhm)
Recessional Hymn: 436, Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates (vs. 1, 2, 3, 5; TRURO)
Postlude: Passacaglia in f minor (A. Raison, as found in The Parish Organist.)




I still have yet to post what we did for Simbang Gabi last Friday, but that list will be forthcoming. Suffice to say, it was a Bukas Palad day. And I was quite happy that we had between 250-300 people turn up despite the snow and the sleet.

Here's my Christmas Eve/Christmas Day schedule:

2:00 pm: Carol Woods
4:15 pm: Choir Call, St Joseph's
5:15 pm: Carol Sing, St Joseph's
5:30 pm: Holy Eucharist, Rite II, St Joseph's, followed by a Christmas dinner
9:00 pm: Choir Call, Chapel of the Cross
11:00 pm: Christ Mass: Holy Eucharist, Rite I, Chapel of the Cross

12/15, 10:00 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II, St Philip's

And then, I can rest. Happy Christmas, everyone! :)

13 December - Third Sunday of Advent

It shouldn't be such a surprise that I am so horrifically late with these lists.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played my usual 10.30 am service. As usual, numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise noted.

Third Sunday of Advent: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: Improvisation on Besançon
Processional Hymn: 59, Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding (MERTON)
Trisagion: S-102 (Archangelsky)
Canticle: S-213, Canticle 9, The First Song of Isaiah (Plainsong, Tone 3)
Sequence Hymn: 76, On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (WINCHESTER NEW)
Offertory Hymn: WLP 724, People, look East (BESANÇON CAROL)
Sanctus: S-114, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Agnus Dei: S-158, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Communion Anthem: Rejoice in the Lord alway (H. Willan)
Communion Hymn: 679, Surely it is God who saves me (THOMAS MERTON)
Recessional Hymn: 72, Hark! the glad sound! the Savior comes (RICHMOND)
Postlude: Vom Himmel Hoch (J.G. Walther)

I remember going into wibble mode because I'd decided at the last minute to play a 5-minute improvisation on "People, look East". Somehow, I managed, and a couple of people complimented me on my improvisation during the Fellowship Hour.

At least I know I can do this. :)




I was supposed to have played the 5.15 pm service at Chapel of the Cross; however, because the Parish Choir was going to sing two anthems that had to be accompanied, Van Quinn decided to play and asked that I sing with the choir. So I sang alto for this group. It was such a treat to listen to Van play once again ... he's been doing this for so long, despite one being unable to see the altar from the organ console, he still timed his improvs exactly.

Third Sunday of Advent: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (BWV 659; J.S. Bach)
Processional Hymn: 74, Blest be the King (VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN)
Hymn at the Lighting of the Advent Wreath: 56, O come, O come, Emmanuel (vs. 5-6; VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL)
Canticle: Canticle 9 (recited)
Sequence Hymn: 640, Watchmen, tell us of the night (ABERYSTWYTH)
Offertory Anthem: Rejoice in the Lord alway ("The Bell Anthem"; H. Purcell, using his "Bell Symphony" as introduction), followed by an improvisation on that theme.
Sanctus: S-124, New Plainsong Mass (D. Hurd)
Communion Anthem: How beautiful are the feet of Him (G. Handel), followed by an improvisation on that theme.
Communion Hymn: 67, Comfort, comfort ye my people (PSALM 42)
Recessional Hymn: 73, The King shall come when morning dawns (ST STEPHEN)
Postlude: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 645; JS Bach)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Secrets of Harry Potter Episode #41: The Wandmaker

Episode #41 of The Secrets of Harry Potter is up and available. You may listen to it here or subscribe via iTunes.

We discussed Chapter 24 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

If you want to interact with the host and his cohorts, feel free to pop over to SQPNConnect, and the Secrets of Harry Potter page.

Enjoy! And please let me know what you think of it. :)

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 12.06.2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Ecce concipiens (Jacob Gallus (Handl))
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: 60, Creator of the stars of night (CREATOR ALME SIDERUM)
Nunc Dimittis with Faux-bourdons (H. Willan)
Alma Redemptoris Mater (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

This was our last Compline of the semester. We will start again on Sunday, January 10.

6 December - Second Sunday of Advent

It figures that I'd be late for this one. Better late than never, eh?

Here are my lists.


I played the 7.45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. As usual, the numbers come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover):

Sunday 7.45 am Mass: Second Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Creator of the Stars of Night (D.N. Johnson)
Processional Hymn: 321, On Jordan's Bank (WINCHESTER NEW)
Psalm: 124, Psalm 126 (Haugen)
Gospel Acclamation: 261 (Murray)
Offertory Hymn: 318, People, look East (BESANÇON CAROL)
Sanctus, Mem. Accl., Amen: 300, 301, 302; Land of Rest Mass
Agnus Dei: 312, Agnus Dei XVIII
Communion Hymn: 328, My soul in stillness waits (Haugen)
Recessional/Postlude: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland (J. Pachelbel)




St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played my usual 10.30 am service. As usual, numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise noted.

Second Sunday of Advent: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People (P. Manz)
Processional Hymn: WLP 724, People, look East (BESANÇON CAROL)
Trisagion: S-102 (Archangelsky)
Canticle: S-248, Canticle 16, The Song of Zechariah (Plainsong, Tone 8)
Sequence Hymn: 75, There's a voice in the wilderness crying (ASCENSION)
Offertory Hymn: LEVAS II 11, Prepare ye the way of the Lord (J.E. Moore, Jr.)
Sanctus: S-114, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Agnus Dei: S-158, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Communion Hymn: 67, Comfort, comfort ye my people (PSALM 42)
Recessional Hymn: 53, Once he came in blessing (GOTTES SOHN IST KOMMEN)
Postlude: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland (J. Pachelbel)




Advent Lessons and Carols at the Episcopal Centre at Duke University. Now that was fun. I had a flute, guitar, and a bassoon to accompany the lovely little 3-stop Holtkamp that lives at the Episcopal Centre. Kudos to Alison, David, and Daniel for the wonderful job they did!

A festive banquet and Lyn Roast ... erm, Hymn Sing followed. Boy am I glad my sight-reading skills have improved since I started living the life of a church musician. They came in very handy during the Hymn Sing!

I'm just going to list the readings and the hymns we did during the Lessons and Carols.

25, O Gracious Light (THE EIGHTH TUNE)

Genesis 3:1-15
60, Creator of the Stars of Night (CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM)

Isaiah 40:1-11
67, Comfort, comfort ye my people (PSALM 42)

Jeremiah 31:31-34
509, Spirit divine, attend our prayers (NUN DANKET ALL UND BRINGET EHR)

Isaiah 6:1-11
74, Blest be the King whose coming is in the name of God! (VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN)

Isaiah 35:1-10
65, Prepare the way, O Zion (BEREDEN VAEG FOER HERRAN)

Isaiah 7:10-15
54, Saviour of the Nations, come (NUN KOMM DER HEIDEN HEILAND)

Isaiah 11:1-9
66, Come, thou long expected Jesus (STUTTGART)

Zephaniah 3:14-18
57, Lo! He comes with clouds descending (HELMSLEY)

Luke 1:26-38
56, O come, O come Emmanuel (VENI VENI EMMANUEL)

102, Once in royal David's city (IRBY)

This was my last service at the Episcopal Centre at Duke. It's been wonderful serving with them for the past couple of years. I wish them all the luck and good tidings.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 11.29.2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Ecce concipiens (Jacob Gallus (Handl))
Psalms 31 and 134 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: 60, Creator of the stars of night (CREATOR ALME SIDERUM)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Alma Redemptoris Mater (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

29 November - First Sunday of Advent

I am so so far behind! I haven't really blogged regularly, and I've neglected both this blog as well as my LiveJournal blog.

On this new Liturgical Year, I promise to do better.

Really.

Promise.

Here are my lists.

My turn came up for cantoring the 7.45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. As usual, the numbers come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover):

Sunday 7.45 am Mass: First Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 645; JS Bach)
Opening Hymn: 323, Come, O long expected Jesus (STUTTGART)
Psalm: Psalm 25 (Guimont)
Gospel Acclamation: 261 (Murray)
Off: 327, When the King shall come again (GAUDEAMUS PARITER)
Sanctus, Mem. Accl., Amen: 300, 301, 302; Land of Rest Mass
Agnus Dei: 312, Agnus Dei XVIII
Comm: Improvisation on Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland
Postlude: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland (BWV 661; JS Bach)

After the Mass, a couple of people approached us and thanked us for the music. One even pointed out he was grateful to hear the Bach pieces. I thought, thanks ... now I have a hard act to follow. I played the 7.45 am Mass for Advent II. That list will be going up soon.




St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

First Sunday of Advent: Holy Eucharist Rite I
Prelude: Improvisation on Veni, veni, Emmanuel
Processional Hymn: 57, Lo! he comes, with clouds descending (HELMSLEY)
Trisagion: S-102 (Archangelsky)
Psalm: Psalm 25 (Plainsong, Tone VIII.1)
Sequence Hymn: 61, 'Sleepers, wake!' A voice astounds us (WACHET AUF)
Offertory Hymn: LEVAS II 14, Soon and very soon (A. Crouch)
Sanctus: S-114, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Agnus Dei: S-158, Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena (Willan)
Communion Anthem: Wachet auf! (F Mendelssohn), followed by an improvisation on the theme when I noticed people were still at the Communion Rail after the choir sang this piece.
Recessional Hymn: 596, Judge eternal, throned in splendor (KOMM, O KOMM DU GEIST DES LEBENS)
Postlude: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (JG Walther)

Yes, you read that right: Holy Eucharist Rite I. We'll be doing that for the rest of Advent.

I received compliments for the choir anthem—the German pronunciation was perfect. Many thanks to Maria D for all her help! :)

Saturday, December 5, 2009

29 November 2009: Advent I

St Jude’s Parish & Shrine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
29 November 2009 (9am, 11am, 5pm) – Advent I
5 December 2009 (7:30pm) – First Friday


Ordo missae: Missa Jubilate Deo

Entrance (9am): CBW 440 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL)

Introit: BFW 1: Advent I (Psalm 25 – ℟ To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; come and rescue me. O Lord, I trust in you.)

Psalm 80: BFW 3: Advent I (℟ Come and set us free, Lord, mighty God.)

Offertory (9am): CBW 445: Awake, Awake, Fling Off the Night (DEUS TUORUM MILITUM)
Offertorium: BFW 6: Advent I (Psalm 25 – ℟ Those who hope in you, O Lord, will not be put to shame.)
Offertory II (11am, 5pm): CBW 440 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL)

Communio: BFW 8: Advent I (Psalm 85 – ℟ The Lord will give us what is good, and our land will yield its increase.)

Recessional: CBW 448: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (STUTTGART)

22 November 2009: Feast of Christ the King

St Jude’s Parish & Shrine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
22 November 2009 (9am, 11am)
Feast of Christ the King


Ordo missae: Missa de Angelis

Entrance (9am): CBW 546 Christ is the King (VULPIUS)

Introit (11am): BFW 296: Feast of Christ the King (Daniel 7:27 – ℟ The kingdom of Christ is an everlasting kingdom; and all the kings of the earth will be his servants. ℣ Psalm 72)

Psalm 72: BFW 40 (℟ All the nations will come to serve him.)

Offertory (9am): CBW 536 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (HYFRYDOL)
Offertorium (11am): BFW 292: Mass IX (Matthew 24:42,44 – ℟ Keep awake and be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. ℣ Revelations)

Communio (11am): BFW 294: Mass IX (Revelation 22 – ℟ The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come”. How happy those invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb! ℣ Revelations)

Postlude: BWV 556 Präludium F-Dur

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 11.22.2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Lord, for Thy tender mercy's sake (Farrant)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: Christ, mighty Saviour (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, plainsong Mode 7)
In manus tuas (Sheppard; sung in addition to "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ...)
Nunc Dimittis with Faux-bourdons (H. Willan)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

This will be the last Sunday the Salve Regina is sung. Starting next week, we will begin chanting the Alma Redemptoris Mater as we begin the Advent season.

22 November - Feast of Christ the King - Proper 29

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Feast of Christ the King: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Prelude in F Major (attr. J. S. Bach)
Processional Hymn: 494, Crown him with many crowns (DIADEMATA)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Sequence Hymn: 495, Hail, thou once despised Jesus! (IN BABILONE)
Offertory Hymn: 460, Alleluia! sing to Jesus! (HYFRYDOL)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: Let all mortal flesh keep silence (arr. Cleobury)
Recessional Hymn: 544, Jesus shall reign where'er the sun (DUKE STREET)
Postlude: Agincourt Hymn (J. Dunstable)




Episcopal Centre at Duke University, where I played the usual 4:00 pm service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise indicated.

Feast of Christ the King: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Nun danket alle Gott (G.F. Kaufmann)
Processional Hymn: 494, Crown him with many crowns (DIADEMATA)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 93, recited
Sequence Hymn: 495, Hail, thou once despised Jesus! (IN BABILONE)
Offertory Hymn: 460, Alleluia! sing to Jesus! (HYFRYDOL)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: WLP 825, Bless the Lord, my soul (Taizé)
Recessional Hymn: 544, Jesus shall reign where'er the sun (DUKE STREET)
Postlude: Agincourt Hymn (J. Dunstable)

Many thanks to the kind folks at St. Titus' in Durham for the wonderful dinner and fellowship!

A personal note before I close this: it's been a wonderful experience playing music and ministering with college students. This will be my last Eucharist with the Episcopal Centre. The diocesan budget cuts have hit everyone, and the Episcopal Centre is no exception. My last Sunday will be on December 6, when we celebrate Advent Lessons and Carols.

To the Duke students: I am on Facebook, so please feel free to friend me if you haven't done so already.

Pax vobiscum ...

James Moeser, organ

Still playing catch-up.

My apologies to the Facebook crowd who will try to read this as an imported note. The formatting is strange, but I like how cleanly it appears at Blogger, so I encourage you to click on "View Original Post", which will take you to the post on Blogger.

On Wednesday, November 18, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Emeritus and organist James Moeser concluded the Fall Semester of the Bach's Lunch series at Chapel of the Cross with a recital featuring the music of Bach from the Clavierübung, Part III. From his program notes:
Clavierübung III is a large cycle framed at the beginning by a mammoth Praeludium in E-Flat Major and at the end by a giant triple fugue in E-flat. In the midst of this frame is the Lutheran "Missa" (the Kyrie and Gloria retained from the Roman Mass) plus large and small settings of the six hymns that Luther wrote for his Catechism.
This may have been the first time he performed in public in many, many years. I heard he was an excellent recitalist before University Administration lured him away from the life of the concert organist.

It was a pleasure to hear him play. Here is the program.

Clavierübung, Part III
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Prelude in E-flat Major (BWV 522i)

Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit, BWV 669

Christe, aller Welt Trost, BWV 670

Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist, BWV 671

Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr', BWV 676

Fugue in E-flat Major (BWV 522ii)

Monday, November 23, 2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 11.15.2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Lord, for Thy tender mercy's sake (Farrant)
Psalms 31 and 134 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: To you before the close of day (TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM, plainsong Mode 8)
In manus tuas (Sheppard; sung in addition to "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ...)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

15 November - Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 28

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I am behind again.

These lists come from last week Sunday.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Prelude in C Major (attr. J. S. Bach)
Processional Hymn: 632, O Christ, the Word Incarnate (MUNICH)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Sequence Hymn: 607, O God of every nation (LLANGLOFFAN)
Offertory Hymn: 51, We the Lord's people, heart and voice uniting (DECATUR PLACE)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: My soul doth magnify the Lord (F.H. Shera)
Recessional Hymn: 665, All my hope on God is founded (MICHAEL)
Postlude: Fugue in C Major (attr. Bach)




Episcopal Centre at Duke University, where I played the usual 4:00 pm service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise indicated.

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on Komm, o komm du Geist des Lebens
Processional Hymn: 596, Judge eternal, throned in splendor (KOMM, O KOMM DU GEIST DES LEBENS)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 16, recited
Sequence Hymn: 607, O God of every nation (LLANGLOFFAN)
Offertory Hymn: 438, Tell out, my soul (WOODLANDS)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: VF 88, Nada te turbe (Taizé)
Recessional Hymn: 598, Lord Christ, when first thou cam'st to earth (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
Postlude: Improvisation on Mit Freuden zart

Many thanks to the kind folks at St. Luke's in Durham for the wonderful dinner and fellowship!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hopia--Mung Bean Pastry

Thanks to my cousin, Trisha, just for kicks and grins, I did a search on "hopia" and my email address whilst I was a student at UCSD.

Wouldn't you know it, a recipe for hopia I'd posted on one of the old USEnet groups popped up! This recipe is vegan-friendly, but admittedly, not all that friendly to the waist line...

Thanks very much to the keeper of the Cebuyas Dyornal for collecting that old recipe! I'll post it as I did back then...

Also, thanks to Lucy Parrone for sharing her recipe with me all those many years ago.

SOURCE: Posted by Ma. Elena Francisco (Lyn) from a recipe from Phoebe L. Parrone (Lucy)

DESCRIPTION: A snack/dessert pastry using a filling of sweetened yellow
split mung beans.

SERVING: About 20 hopias.

Difficulty: Not very difficult.
Time: About 3-4 hours. 20-30 minutes to bake plus preparation time.
Precision: Approximate measurement OK.

INGREDIENTS:

Munggo Filling:
1 lb. or 14 oz (1 package) yellow peeled split mung beans. One package is enough for 2 recipes. I usually make the whole package and then use up on 1/4 of it for my half-recipe dough and freeze the rest of the filling.)
2 1/2 cups sugar

Dough 1:
1 cup Wondra flour
(I did not know what Wondra flour is so I used all-purpose flour with good results.)
1/3 to 1/2 cup oil (any oil will do)

Dough 2:
2 cups All-Purpose flour
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

Make Munggo Filling:
1. Soak the mung beans in 5 cups of water overnight.

2. When you cook it, add 2 more cups of water and boil mung beans until mashed.

3. Add sugar and mix until lapot (sorry, the English word has escaped my mind momentarily...okay, I remember...mix until you get a thick consistency)

Make Dough 1:
1. Mix well and then divide into 4 parts.

Make Dough 2:
1. Mix thoroughly and smoothen mixture (smooth - no streaks or bubbles).

Lyn's note: I am a chemistry student, and I do remember the phrase "Like dissolves like". Since oil and water are immiscible (they do not mix), I added first the oil, mixed that well, and then the water. I had the feeling I should have done it the other way around, but I think that the results are the same no matter how it is done.

2. Divide mixture into 4 parts.

3. Flatten with hands into 8 inches long, 4 1/2 inches wide and about 1/4 inch deep square.

Prepare Hopia:
1. Sprinkle Dough 1 on top of Dough 2.

2. Pat lightly making sure not to put too much pressure. The trick is not to mix the 2 doughs.

3. Then roll with your hands as if rolling a jelly roll (Sorry about this... I'm not really a baker and since I learned how to make hopia by watching somebody do it, I'm making these procedures up).

4. Pinch the ends a teeny bit so that none of Dough 1 falls off the open ends.

5. Wrap each of the 4 logs in a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Lyn’s note: I used wax paper to wrap the logs. I think it is easier than plastic wrap.

6. Watch a little tv...

7. Beat 2 eggs and set aside.

8. Take the logs and cut each log into... say... 5 or 6 parts.

Lyn's note: The logs were rather oily; I had the feeling that oil was separating out or something.

9. Flatten each part and spread the mung filling over the middle of the dough.


Lyn's note: when you are doing this, make sure that dough 2 is completely covering dough 1. Dough 2 is white; dough 1 is yellow. Make sure you haven't any yellow peeking out or else you may run into problems after your hopia is cooked (e.g. not as flaky or the flakes come off too too easily as soon as you remove it from the oven)

10. Fold ends and pinch into a ball.

11. Invert the ball (so that the pinched end is at the bottom) onto a cookie sheet then flatten the top by patting ever so slightly. You don't have to do this but if you don't then your hopia will appear like little siopaos. I personally like mine to have flat tops. Bahala ka na.

12. Brush the top with the beaten eggs.

13. Bake at 375 °F for 20-30 minutes.


NOTES:

This is half a recipe. That's how I often make it. From this recipe, you'll make about 20 hopias.

Enjoy a hearty merienda with your favorite pop drink or with milk; I found that drinking Sarsi and eating hopia is just a wee bit too sweet.

Lucy Parrone suggested that only 1/3 to 1/2 cup of oil be used for Dough #1. When I used 1/2 cup of oil, after I took the logs out of the refrigerator, the oil started to separate out: that told me that perhaps there was too much oil, and that all the available flour dissolved into the oil. The crust, however was nice and flaky. When I used 1/3 cup of oil, it seemed that that amount fit the amount of flour used and the oil did not separate as much. However, the crust was less flaky.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 11.08.2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:


O Lord, the maker (at ca. 5m 10s; William Mundy)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: To you before the close of day (TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM, plainsong Mode 8)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

8 November - Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 27

I have two lists for you here.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Prelude in g minor (attr. J. S. Bach)
Processional Hymn: 686, Come, thou fount of every blessing (NETTLETON)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Ps 127, Simplfied Anglican Chant
Sequence Hymn: 475, God himself is with us (TYSK)
Offertory Hymn: 53, Once he came in blessing (GOTTES SOHN IST KOMMEN)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: Nisi, Dominus (T. Luis de Victoria)
Recessional Hymn: 9, Not here for high and holy things (MORNING SONG)
Postlude: Fugue in g minor (attr. Bach)




Episcopal Centre at Duke University, where I played the usual 4:00 pm service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise indicated.

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on Nettleton
Processional Hymn: 686, Come, thou fount of every blessing (NETTLETON)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 146, recited
Sequence Hymn: 707, Take my life and let it be (HOLLINGSIDE)
Offertory Hymn: 440, Blessed Jesus, at thy word (LIEBSTER JESU)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: WLP 831, Ubi caritas et amor (Taizé)
Recessional Hymn: 594, God of grace and God of glory (CWM RHONDDA)
Postlude: Improvisation on Cwm Rhondda

Many thanks to the kind folks at St. Philip's in Durham for the wonderful brunch and fellowship!

An Evening of Saxophone/Organ/Harpsichord/Piano Music

Still playing catch-up.

My apologies to the Facebook crowd who will try to read this as an imported note. The formatting is strange, but I like how cleanly it appears at Blogger, so I encourage you to click on "View Original Post", which will take you to the post on Blogger.

On Tuesday, November 3, saxophonist Michael Stephenson and organist Mark Hopper presented a delightful program of saxophone/organ/harpsichord/piano music. It took place at the First Baptist Church of Henderson, and in my opinion, it was well worth the drive.

There was also an excellent crowd, especially for a Tuesday evening.

Here is the program.

Sonne der Gerechtigkeit
Bohemian Brothers (1566), arr. William Fritz (2001)

Stephenson, alto sax; Hopper, organ

Variations on Amazing Grace
Calvin Hampton (1938–1984)
Stephenson, alto sax; Hopper, organ

Flute Sonata in e minor (BWV 1034)
III. Andante
IV. Allegro
J. S. Bach (1685–1750)
Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, harpsichord

Lover's Lament
Thomas Massella (1952)
Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, piano

Nuits Blanches
Alain Crepin (1954)

Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, piano

Ach Gott vom Himmelreiche
M. Prætorius (1609), arr. Fritz

Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, organ

Psalm of the Spheres
Massella
Stephenson, alto sax; Hopper, organ

Violin Sonata No. 24 in F Major (K.376)
II. Andante
I. Allegro
W. A. Mozart (1756–1791)
Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, piano

September Music
I. Andante Serenade
II. Fall Dance
Massella
Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, piano

Selections from West Side Story
Tonight
I Feel Pretty
Maria
America
One Hand, One Heart
Somewhere
Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990)
Stephenson, soprano sax; Hopper, piano

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Concert of Russian Religious and Folk Music

Last Sunday, November 1, the Alumni of the Yale Russian Chorus gathered at the Duke University Chapel. They performed a slate of Russian religious and folk music, and ended with a rather long encore, which consisted mainly of American spirituals. I wasn't able to catch the titles of all the pieces they sung for the encore.

Here is their program.

  • We Praise Thee, O Lord (Tebe Boga khvalim; Dmitrii Bortniansky (1751-1825))
  • Bless The Lord, O My Soul (Blagoslovi dushe moya, Gospoda; Traditional Byzantine)
  • Blessed Is The Man (Blazhen muzh; Kiev-Pechersky chant (13th-18th centuries))
  • Gladsome Light (Svetye tikhii; Aleksandr Kastalsky (1856-1926))
  • With My Voice I Cried Unto the Lord (Glasom moyim; Aleksandr Arkhangelsky (1846-1924))
  • Praise The Name of The Lord (Khvalite imya Gospodne; Arkhangelsky)
  • Who Are They (Kas tie tadi; 18th century Latvian folk song)
  • A Little Golden Cloud (Mochevala tuchka; text Mikhail Lemontov (1814-1841); music Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakoff (1844-1908))
  • Gray Smoke Is Rising (Viotsa, viotsa iszyu dym; Traditional Cossack Song)
  • Ah, On The Hill (Oi na hori; Ukrainian Cossack Song)
  • Lezginka (Traditional Caucasian dance)
  • Oh, You Bleak Roads (Ekh dorogi; Lyrics Lev Oshanin; music Anatoly Novikov (1946))
  • Borodino (Traditional soldier song; text Lermontov)
  • Oh, A Maiden's Heart (Akh, ty serdtse devichie; Isaac Dunaevsky (1900-1955))
  • The Little Snowstorm (Metelitsa; Aleksandr Varlamov (1801-1848))
  • Sweet Little Snowball Tree (Kalinka; Traditional folksong)
  • Oh, You Steppe So Wide (Akh ty stiep' shirokaya; Traditional folksong)
  • In A Smithy (Vo kuznitse; Traditional folksong)
  • There Lived Twelve Brigands (Zhylo dvenadsat' razboinikov; Text Nikolai Nekrasov (1921-1878); music anon.)
The choir performed five additional pieces as encore. The first two pieces were in Russian; one was sacred, the other secular. The last three pieces were American spirituals. My friend and I only recognised two of them: Ride the Chariot in the morning, Lord and Steal Away.

The acoustic in Duke Chapel makes it challenging to perform choral music there, but this group did fine. Some of the overwhelming vibrato made some of the harmonies rather muddy, IMHO. I also wondered if I sat closer to the choir if I could have had a better chance to make out individual words. But I could always blame that on the chapel's acoustics. ;)

It was a nice afternoon of music. Thanks much, Chris T., for the tickets.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 11.01.2009

Still playing catch-up...

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

I am the resurrection and the life (T. Morley)
Psalms 4 and 134 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: Christ, mighty Saviour (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, plainsong Mode 7)
In manus tuas (Sheppard; sung in addition to "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ...)
Nunc Dimittis with Faux-bourdons (H. Willan)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

(Note: the picture above depicts one of the votive candle layouts that Jimmy Satterwhite had laid out a couple of years ago. I can't remember where the picture came from, though.)

1 November - Solemnity of All Saints

Still playing catch-up.

I have two lists for you here.

My turn for cantoring the 7:45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception came up last Sunday. Here is the music, not including any organ voluntary music my friend Jane played. Any numbers you see come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover), unless otherwise specified.

Sunday 7:45 am Mass: Solemnity of All Saints
Hymn in Procession: 793, For all the saints, vs. 1-4 (SINE NOMINE)
Gloria: 176, New Mass for Congregations (C.T. Andrews)
Psalm: Psalm 24 (M. Guimont)
Gospel Acclamation: 257, Alleluia 7 (Berthier)
Offertory: 736, Many are the lightbeams (O. Widestrand)
Sanctus, Mem. Accl., Amen: 297, 298, 299, St. Louis Jesuits Mass (unfortunately :P)
Agnus Dei: 314, Holy Cross Mass (Isele)
Communion: Hymnal 1982 560, Remember your servants, Lord (BEATITUDES)
Recessional Hymn: 793, For all the saints, vs. 5-8 (SINE NOMINE)

Sigh. *Looks longingly at her co-blogger Tyler's music list* ... now that is a Catholic Church that's doing it (liturgy and music) right. WTG, St. Jude's Parish & Shrine in Vancouver, BC!




St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

All Saints' Day: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come (P. Manz). I just played it on soft stops. Someday, I hope to have the forces to be able to do this piece. I just need a soprano who could hit that high b-flat with no difficulties...
Processional Hymn: 287, For all the saints, who from their labours rest (LAUDA ANIMA)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Ps 24, Simplfied Anglican Chant
Sequence Hymn: 457, Thou art the way, to Thee alone (ST. JAMES)
Offertory Hymn: 618, Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LASST UNS ERFREUEN)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion: 560, Remember your servants, Lord (BEATITUDES)
Recessional Hymn: 557, Rejoice, ye pure in heart! (VINEYARD HAVEN)
Postlude: Improvisation on Sine Nomine

I was kicking myself. I'd originally wanted to do Wilbur Held's setting of Sine Nomine, but stupid, stupid me had actually misplaced the piece. :P So I decided to try my hand at improvisation. Bleh. But at least it sounded like music, and it sounded like Sine Nomine. Bleh.

I did not play the service at the Episcopal Centre at Duke University because they were going to celebrate All Saints' Day with the good people of Episcopal Church of the Advocate. Services will return to campus next Sunday.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 10.25.2009

Still playing catch-up...

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Lord, for Thy tender mercy's sake (Farrant)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: Christ, mighty Saviour (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, plainsong Mode 7)
Nunc Dimittis with Faux-bourdons (H. Willan)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

(Note: the picture above depicts one of the votive candle layouts that Jimmy Satterwhite had laid out a couple of years ago. I can't remember where the picture came from, though.)

25 October - Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 25

Still playing catch-up.

I have two lists for you here.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church. This time, I wasn't the one who played and directed the choir. That was left to my friend David Durkop. I'll list the voluntary music he played. I begged him to play his own compositions, and he agreed. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Concerto in C (D. Durkop)
Processional Hymn: 410, Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (LAUDA ANIMA)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Ps 34, Simplfied Anglican Chant
Sequence Hymn: 567, Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old (ST. MATTHEW)
Offertory Hymn: 174, At the Lamb's high feast we sing (SALZBURG)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: My Eyes for Beauty Pine (H. Howells)
Recessional Hymn: 493, O for a thousand tongues to sing (AZMON)
Postlude: Concerto in D: III. Allegro (Durkop)




Episcopal Centre at Duke University, where I played the 10:30 am service. It was done in the morning, thanks to Parents' Weekend at Duke University. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise indicated.

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on Paderborn
Processional Hymn: 535, Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim (PADERBORN)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 126, recited
Sequence Hymn: 567, Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old (ST. MATTHEW)
Offertory Hymn: 174, At the Lamb's high feast we sing (SALZBURG)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: WLP 827, O Lord, hear my pray'r (Taizé)
Recessional Hymn: 493, O for a thousand tongues to sing (AZMON)
Postlude: Improvisation on Azmon

Many thanks to the kind folks at St. Titus' in Durham for the wonderful brunch and fellowship!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

David Durkop, organ

Still playing catch-up.

On Wednesday, October 21, organist David Durkop opened up the Bach's Lunch series at Chapel of the Cross with a recital featuring the music of Bach and his own compositions.

It was a good crowd. I turned the pages for David ... and suffered a major page turn FAIL. (You'll have to ask me what that was. It was quite embarrassing.)

Here is the program.

Prelude and Fugue in e minor (Wedge; BWV 548)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Trumpet Tune in D Major
David J. Durkop (b. 1956)

Concerto in C Major
Durkop

Concerto in D Major
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
Durkop

Susan Moeser, organ

**sigh**

Yes, I am quite behind in my posts yet again. Why is that not a surprise??

On Tuesday, October 20, Susan Moeser had given a Faculty Recital at Chapel of the Cross. She played a wonderful program! It's always a joy to hear her play. She performed pieces by Buxtehude, Sweelinck, Bach, Franck, Bolcom, and Hampton. She successfully conveyed the humour of Bolcom's work and the imagery that Hampton may have intended when he wrote his Five Dances for Organ.

Here is her program.

Praeludium in f-sharp minor, BuxWV 146
Dieterich Buxtehude (1637–1707)

Variations on Unter der Linden grüne
Jan Pieter Sweelinck (1562–1621)

Concerto after Vivaldi in d minor, BWV 596
Allegro: Fuga
Largo e spiccato
Vivace
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Grand pièce symphonique in f-sharp minor, Op. 17
César Franck (1822–1890)

Sweet Hour of Prayer from Gospel Preludes, 1984
William Bolcom (b. 1938)

Five Dances for Organ
I. The Primitives
II. At the Ballet
V. Everyone Dance
Calvin Hampton (1938–1984)

Sunday, November 1, 2009

All Saints’ Day 2009

Solemnity of All Saints
1 November 2009
St Jude’s Parish & Shrine, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Fr Lawrence Donnelly celebrant
Fr Gregory Pritchard concelebrant

Carolyn Sinclair soprano
alto
tenor
bass
Michael Jarvis organist
Tyler Mitchell cantor


What a wonderful Missa cantata! I’ll let the music list speak mostly for itself.

In his homily, Fr Lawrence discussed the choir and its function at Mass, and its relationship to the congregation as a whole. I think this was an excellent opportunity to clear up the misunderstandings that arise in situations like these, where the congregation’s singing role (aloud!) is reduced somewhat. I’m glad that he took the time and seized this chance to make a few remarks.

He explained that it’s important to recognize our long and rich musical heritage, but unrealistic to expect the congregation to be able to sing that style of music. And, it’s perfectly valid for the congregation to sing in their hearts with the choir by listening attentively to them. I hope the congregation enjoyed diving into the treasure that is Sacred Music – I sure did!

Essentially the music was shared between a SATB quartet, and cantor (myself, often in alternatum w/Michael, the organist). Below I’ve tried to show who did what, but I should also point out that the priest sang all parts proper to him; Cantor is sometimes used to show my responsibility to sing with the congregation in response.

Introit for All Saints (Healey Willan, 1880–1968):
Quartet ℟ I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up. And I heard the voice of a great multitude, saying, Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Cantor ℣ Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness. [Glory be…]
Quartet Kyrie, Gloria: Missa brevis in F* (Antonio Lotti, 1667–1740)

Cantor Psalm 150: BFW 386 (Paul Ford) – ℟ Sing the Lord’s praise with all the saints!

Quartet Gospel Acclamation: (Michael Jarvis)

Cantor Credo III
Cantor General intercessions: G&P 115 (from a Byzantine chant)

Quartet Offertorium: O Quam Gloriosam (Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548–1611)

Quartet Sanctus: Lotti
Cantor Mysterium fidei: Missa Jubilate Deo
Quartet Benedictus: Lotti
Cantor Pater noster: G&P 144 (Robert Snow, 1926–)
Cantor Agnus dei: Missa de Angelis

Quartet Communio: Agnus dei (Lotti)
Quartet Communio II: O Sacrum Convivium (Giovanni Croce, 1557–1609)

Cantor Ite missa est: Missa de Angelis

* Actually sung in E♭

Thursday, October 29, 2009

RIP, Paul Manz (1919-2009)

I received the news last night that the composer who brought us such wonderful pieces as E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come and Aria passed away last night, surrounded by loved ones.

From Michael Barrone: “His son John reported that, with the family gathered round the bedside, they had put on a recording of the marvelous choral piece that Paul and
Ruth had created, and when the text came round again to “E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come”, Paul breathed his last.”

For a wonderful tribute to this great composer and church musician, go to the Pipedreams website for the show that aired April 2, 2001. Click here to listen.

RIP, Dr Manz. May your music live on forever.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

St Jude’s Novena 2009: Final Mass

Today's Mass concluded the St Jude’s Novena Mission 2009. And what a Mass it was!

St Jude’s Novena 2009
St Jude’s Parish & Shrine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
25 October 2009


Ordo Missae: Missa de Angelis
Proprium: By Flowing Waters, Mass II for Ordinary Time
Entrance: procession around the Church (due to inclement weather)
BFW 415, from propers for Apostles (Psalm 19:4 – “Their voice goes out to all the world; their message, to the ends of the earth.”)
Offertory: Asperges Me* (Michael Haydn, 1737–1806)
BFW 235/236 (Psalm 5 – “Hear my cry for help, my King and my God.”)
Communion: BFW 237/238 (Psalm 13 – “Let me sing to you, Lord, for all your goodness to me.”)
BFW 228/229 (Luke 4:22 – “And all the people marvelled at the words that came from the mouth of the Lord.”)
Mass followed by the Novena Prayers to St Jude, and the Hymn to St Jude (“tastefully arranged” by Michael Jarvis)

* In our best German Latin!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 10.18.2009

Still playing catch-up... coming down with the flu will do that to a person.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

Let my prayer come up into Thy presence (Henry Purcell)
Psalms 4 and 31 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: To you before the close of day (TE LUCIS ANTE TERMINUM, plainsong Mode 8)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
A portion of Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the equally abfab Dr. Van Quinn. He improvised on the opening lines of the Josquin Ave Maria.

(Note: the picture above depicts one of the votive candle layouts that Jimmy Satterwhite had laid out a couple of years ago. I can't remember where the picture came from, though.)

St Jude’s Novena 2009

St Jude’s Novena 2009
St Jude’s Parish & Shrine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
16–25 October 2009


As in past years, a guest priest was invited to speak at St Jude’s annual Novena. This year’s visitor, Rev Gregory Pritchard, came all the way from Melbourne, Australia; specifically, from St Joseph’s Chelsea Parish. His homily series was on “pearls of price”: essentially, God’s gifts to us.

I very much enjoyed his speaking. His message was overall a very positive, encouraging one – a reminder about God’s great love for us, in the form of these great pearls. He also spoke of our obligations to God (such as coming to Mass), not as a burden, but a joy.

Before I get to the music list, I just want to remark how impressed I was with Fr Pritchard’s apparent enthusiasm for singing the Mass, and the obvious effort he spent to emulate the singing done regularly by our pastor, Fr Lawrence. I played the first Novena Mass on Friday 16 October, with Fr Lawrence singing the Mass; when I returned to play the next Friday, lo and behold! Fr Pritchard was singing the Mass, just as Fr Lawrence would. Simply put, it was delightful to hear, and the congregation returned the gesture loud and clear in their sung responses.

If nothing else, I think it serves as a wonderful example of how it is not difficult to have a full Missa cantata; all it requires is some effort to understand what the church asks, and a desire for beauty in the liturgy. I wish more priests (and musicians!) could have this experience.

Without further ado, here is the music list for the two Masses I played (16 & 23 October):

Missa Jubilate Deo
Entrance: BFW* 415, from propers for Apostles (Psalm 19:4 – “Their voice goes out to all the world; their message, to the ends of the earth.”)
Psalm: BFW 339, from propers for Sts Peter & Paul (Psalm 45:16 – “You shall make them Princes in every part of the earth.”)
Offertory: from the Little Organ Book (Flor Peeters, 1903–1986):
16 October: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr (F W Zachow, 1663–1712)
23 October: Versus IV-Toni (A de Cabezón, 1510–1566)
Communion:
16 October: Voluntary II from Ten Voluntaries for Organ, op VI (J Stanley, 1712–1786)
23 October: Cantilène religieuse (Th Dubois, 1837–1924)
Mass followed by Novena prayers to St Jude, then the Hymn to St Jude (“tastefully arranged” by Michael Jarvis)

* By Flowing Waters
† It’s printed right on the score – direct quote, honest!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

18 October - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 24

Still playing catch-up.

I have three lists for you here.

My turn for cantoring the 7:45 am Mass at Immaculate Conception came up last Sunday. Here is the music, including some, but not all, organ voluntary music my friend Jane played. Any numbers you see come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover), unless otherwise specified.

Sunday 7:45 am Mass: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prelude: Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 610; J.S. Bach)
Hymn in Procession: 685, Moved by the Gospel, let us move (KINGSFOLD)
Gloria: 176, New Mass for Congregations (C.T. Andrews)
Psalm: Psalm 33 (M. Guimont)
Gospel Acclamation: 257, Alleluia 7 (Berthier)
Offertory: 741, God is here! As we his people (ABBOT'S LEIGH)
Sanctus, Mem. Accl., Amen: 297, 298, 299, St. Louis Jesuits Mass (unfortunately :P)
Agnus Dei: 314, Holy Cross Mass (Isele)
Communion: I didn't actually catch what it was Jane played.
Recessional Hymn: 615, Seek ye first the kingdom of God (SEEK YE FIRST)
Postlude: I didn't catch this one either.

Sigh. I'm sorry, but I really really really really dislike the St. Louis Jesuits Mass setting. It's the most banal piece of "muzak" I've ever had to experience. At least the ever-beautiful Isele setting of the Agnus Dei was paired with it.

Perhaps I'm sensitive to this, but when I hear horrid Music at Mass, I just cannot concentrate on the Mass. A friend of mine, who is the DM at a church that shall not be named, put it very well when he said that most of the "contemporary" music that comes from the modern "songbooks" (I can't call them hymnals) like OCP's Spirit and Song, is really more performance-oriented than it is congregation-friendly. His observation that the congregation just simply doesn't sing when those songs are programmed is spot-on. I've experienced that myself.

Sigh. Why is it that whenever I cantor at Mass, I always seem to have some sort of rant about the music? Can't we Catholics do any better than this???

Sorry. Off my soapbox.




St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Prelude in B-flat Major (attr. J. S. Bach)
Processional Hymn: 379, God is love, let heaven adore him (ABBOT'S LEIGH)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Ps 104, Simplfied Anglican Chant
Sequence Hymn: 348, Lord, we have come at your own invitation (O QUANTA QUALIA)
Offertory Hymn: 426, Songs of praise the angels sang (NORTHAMPTON)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: God be merciful unto us and bless us (Deus misereatur nostri; Psalm 67; H. Willan)
Recessional Hymn: 388, O worship the King, all glorious above!(HANOVER)
Postlude: Fugue in B-flat Major (attr. Bach)

Heh. I actually apologised to my choir for programming the hymntune Abbot's Leigh two weeks in a row.

Oh, and I must say, I'm super-excited. I have a guitarist who is capable of playing the guitar part in Chris diBlasio's wonderful God is our righteousness! I think we're going to work it up to play in church some Sunday. I think it would be nice to consider it for an Organ Plus recital as well.

If you wish to listen to this and other wonderful pieces, go to the Pipedreams website. Click here to go to the November 27, 2006 episode, "In Praise of Humanity", which honoured composers whose lives were cut short by AIDS.




Episcopal Centre at Duke University, where I played the usual 4:00 pm service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise indicated.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on In Babilone
Processional Hymn: 495, Hail, thou once despised Jesus (IN BABILONE)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 91, recited
Sequence Hymn: 602, Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love (CHEREPONI)
Offertory Hymn: 408, Sing praise to God who reigns above (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: WLP 825, Bless the Lord, my soul (Taizé)
Recessional Hymn: 477, All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine (ENGELBERG)
Postlude: Improvisation on Engelberg

Many thanks to the kind folks at St. Luke's in Durham for the wonderful dinner and fellowship!

11 October - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 23

Playing catch-up.

I have two lists for you here.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church where I played the usual 10:30 am service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Fantasia in d minor (J. Pachelbel)
Processional Hymn: WLP 782, Gracious Spirit, give your servants (ABBOT'S LEIGH)
Gloria: S-277, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Psalm: Ps 22, Simplfied Anglican Chant
Sequence Hymn: 404, We will extol you, ever-blessed Lord (OLD 124TH)
Offertory Hymn: 701, Jesus, all my gladness (JESU, MEINE FREUDE)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-167, The disciples knew the Lord Jesus (M. Martens; Mode 6)
Communion Anthem: Vox ultima crucis (William H. Harris)
Communion Hymn: 469, There's a wideness in God's mercy (ST. HELENA)
Recessional Hymn: 460, Alleluia! sing to Jesus (HYFRYDOL)
Postlude: Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 610; J. S. Bach)

We received the most compliments over the Communion Hymn. It was a request by the deacon. To be honest, I did not know this hymntune, penned by Calvin Hampton. I know this text to In Babilone. Most of my choristers know it to Beecher, as found in The Hymnal 1982. (I wasn't familiar with that setting, either.)

It grew on me. When I looked at the accompaniment, I immediately knew I could get my guitarist to handle the arpeggios whilst the bass guitarist and I played soft chords and/or bass lines underneath.

It was really nice, and it moved a lot of people. Well done, Dave and Rob!




Episcopal Centre at Duke University, where I played the usual 4:00 pm service. As usual, the numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982 unless otherwise indicated.

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude: Improvisation on St. Anne
Processional Hymn: 680, O God, our help in ages past (ST. ANNE)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 90, recited
Sequence Hymn: 707, Take my life, and let it be (HOLLINGSIDE)
Offertory Hymn: 408, Sing praise to God who reigns above (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: WLP 827, O Lord, hear my pray'r (Taizé)
Recessional Hymn: 460, Alleluia! sing to Jesus (HYFRYDOL)
Postlude: Improvisation on Hyfrydol

Many thanks to the kind folks at St. Philip's in Durham for the wonderful dinner and fellowship!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Compline at Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC - 10.11.2009

Since I'm playing catch-up, I will post last week's Compline list first, so I don't confuse this week's music with that of last week's.

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd.

Here are our little additions:

O Lord, the maker of all thing (Anon.; from the Sixteenth Century Anthem Book)
Psalm 91 (chanted to Tone 8)
Hymn: Christ, mighty Saviour (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, plainsong Mode 7)
Nunc Dimittis from Short Service (O. Gibbons)
Salve Regina (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
A portion of Ave Maria (Josquin Desprez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus.

(Note: the picture above depicts one of the votive candle layouts that Jimmy Satterwhite had laid out a couple of years ago. I can't remember where the picture came from, though.)

Catching up... yet again!

Ack!!! I am so so far behind! I have to post all my music lists, which I'll do later on this afternoon and tonight, I hope.

But first... I want to get this rant out of the way.

Ahem.

/rant on

Some people should not be allowed to breed. Plain and simple. Yesterday, I was working the evening shift for the American Chemical Society's Green NC exhibit at the NC State Fair. There were four blond kids, three exceedingly irritating boys and a more sedate girl. It was obvious their "parents" left them behind in the exhibit. They were there for hours. One of my fellow exhibitors told me they were there for one of his morning demonstrations. I rolled my eyes and wondered, where are their parents? Honestly, they were so ill-behaved and tried to get their hands into everything. This is bad of me, but I felt like it served one of the naughty boys right when he burned his hand whilst touching dry ice. I know, we could get in trouble for that, but honestly, we can't be responsible for having to ensure that these troublemakers are well-behaved, and I felt like I was hitting my head against the wall when I kept telling these boys no, don't do that, you shouldn't touch that, etc.

So my fellow exhibitor asked one of the boys, "Where are your parents?"

The boy, who looked to be around 6 or 7, looked down at the ground and said, "Well, my dad is here somewhere. My mother lives somewhere else, not with us in (such and such a city, I didn't hear which one)." And he went off to another part of the exhibit.

Exhibitor and I looked at each other, blinked a couple of times, and he said, "Well, he didn't really answer the question, but that was way more information than I'd wanted."

That was probably the only time I felt sorry for the kid. What a negligent father he has.

So anyway, about 15-20 minutes before the exhibit closed, I finally saw this rather obese man with bushy beard, wearing a hat and overalls collect his children and eventually make their way out of the exhibit. I will admit that I glared at him the entire time.

Sigh. Yeah. Like I was saying. Some people should never be allowed to breed. I did end up feeling sorry for those children at the end.

/rant off

I'll be working the Fair again next week. Naturally, when I virtually visited my fandom friends last night, they all asked what lovely fair food I enjoyed. My answer: my favourite term, thanks to my friend Sherrye: UFO's, or Unidentified Fried Objects.

And yes, Cindy, I will have a few fried pickles for you next Saturday when I work the Fair for the entire day.

:)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Comedy of Errors

Well, what an interesting evening I ended up having.

After work, I met my friend, DP, and we had dinner at one of the Chinese buffet places. He was working on a story that I looked over and proofread. Afterward, we were going off on our separate ways; he was going to a concert at UNC, and I was going to conduct my choir rehearsal.

I got into my car, the lights flashed on briefly, and then... nothing. Car battery was dead. Luckily, D. hadn't left yet, so I asked him to drive me to choir practice. He was worried, wondering how I'd manage, but I said I had an idea what to do and not to worry about me. And besides, my apartment was just on the other side of Duke's East Campus, so I wasn't worried about getting home.

So I conducted my choir practice, and only had one chorister turn up. So we had good one-on-one time, working through the anthems I'd programmed for the next three weeks, as well as the service music we'll be doing for Advent.

After choir practice, my friend DD turned up. I was actually going to ring him up to ask him if he could take me home. Luckily, I remembered that the Honda dealership's service department closed at 11:00 pm, so I rang them up and described to them what happened. They said the battery's gone dead (it was probably due for a change anyway as I don't remember the last time it had been changed). They suggested I jump-start it and get it over to the dealership ASAP.

So I told D we probably should pop over to Wal-Mart and buy some jumper cables. So we made the Wal-Mart run, bought jumper cables, flashlights, and batteries, then we made our way back to the Chinese restaurant where I'd left the car.

I had bought a fancy unit that said it was capable of jump-starting a compact- to mid-sized vehicle. Thought it wouldn't be a bad idea. So I was reading the instruction manual on how to run it (really, I was wondering if it had come fully charged) on the way to the restaurant.

We got there, and I noticed that I'd parked the car very close to some hedges. I tried to move the car back, but I couldn't get it out of park, so I said never mind, I'll work with it. Whilst opening the hood of the car, I managed to cut my foot against some broken glass shards. I didn't think much of it, but D. was freaking out when he saw how much blood flowed out. So to assuage his fears and prevent him from freaking out more than he was already, I told him to get my first-aid kit from my car, and I cleaned and dressed the cut. Which was all it was: a cut, and there was no glass embedded in the foot.

Once all that hullabaloo was done, I connected the unit to the battery and asked D. to start the car. Nothing happened. The lights inside the car came on, but there wasn't enough energy to start the car.

So I had D. open the hood of his car. Unfortunately, his battery was too far away to be able to use his newly-bought jumper cables. So I went into the restaurant and asked the people if the car parked next to me could move.

Well, the driver did more than just move his car. He had parked it backside in, so he moved his car and parked it forward, got out his jumper cables, opened his hood, connected the cables, and started his car. This enabled me to start my car, and D. and I were profusely thanking this man.

So off we went to the Honda dealership. They were expecting me, and I told them I'd intended to bring it in for service and get the safety inspection sticker updated next week anyway, so I might as well have them work on all that in addition.

So now I'm home... the car will be ready by 7:00 am tomorrow morning. The foot is fine. The car will be fine. No worries. Seriously.