Christ Church Brass to Present Sounds of Advent

On Sunday, December 11, the Christ Church Brass Quartet will present music highlighting the sounds of Advent at the 11:00 a.m. service.  Historically, Advent has been observed by the Church as the four weeks leading up to Christmas.  Each Sunday focuses on a different aspect of the prophecy regarding the coming of the Messiah.  In celebration of the second Sunday in this series, the Christ Church Brass will render selections by master composers both from the Baroque era as well as several from later periods.  The first of these selections will be three Advent chorales arranged by Max Reger and transcribed for brass.  Of these, the Wachet auf, ruft us dir Stimme (Sleepers Wake, a Voice is Calling) is among the most beloved of the repertoire.  The prelude which begins ten minutes prior to the service time culminating with a Magnificat Fugue by Johann Pachelbel, another timeless composer who gave us the celebrated Canon in D.  Also featured within the context of the service is the Overture from Messiah, by George Frederick Handel and Sheep May Safely Graze by the Baroque’s leading figure, Johann Sebastian Bach.  Also featured will be the dance like Jig Fugue, BWV 577 scored for two C trumpets and organ.  Additional music will be provided by the Christ Church Choir which will sing The Desert Shall Rejoice by the contemporary British composer, Malcolm Archer who was previously organist and choirmaster of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and is currently Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College.

The Christ Church Brass is one of several resident ensembles at Christ Church.  Sponsored by friends of the Christ Church Music Ministry, this professional ensemble performs monthly in services elevating timeless music throughout the ages as well as introducing newly composed works.  For more information about Sunday’s music or other musical events and offerings at Christ Church, contact music director Wes Lockfaw or visit www.christchurcheaston.org.