Motet for Advent

At Saint Philip’s next First Sunday in December (Advent II), the combined choirs will sing some new repertoire by living British composers. One of these works is a rousing setting of an ancient plainchant hymn, Vox clara ecce intonat, a chant which has been associated with the morning office of Lauds during Advent. You can hear the chant, which is printed in the 20th-century Liber Hymnarius:

This 6th-century text may be better known to us through one of its English translations, such as John Henry Newman’s or, included below, John Mason Neale:

1 A thrilling voice by Jordan rings,

   rebuking guilt and darksome things:

   vain dreams of sin and visions fly;

   Christ in His might shines forth on high.

2 Now let each torpid soul arise,

   that sunk in guilt and wounded lies;

   see! the new Star's refulgent ray

   shall chase disease and sin away.

3 The Lamb descends from heaven above

   to pardon sin with freest love:

   for such indulgent mercy shewn

   with tearful joy our thanks we own.

4 That when again He shines revealed,

   and trembling worlds to terror yield.

   He give not sin its just reward,

   but in His love protect and guard.

5 To the most high Parent glory be

   and to the Son be victory,

   and to the Spirit praise is owed

   from age to age eternally. Amen

Gabriel Jackson, a contemporary English composer, created a new work based on the original Latin text in a setting for choir and solo soprano saxophone. This short motet incorporates vigorous, ‘Scottish’ rhythms with a largely tonal harmonic palette. The saxophone, with its piercing yet soulful quality, depicts the '‘thrilling voice’ of Saint John the Baptist, announcing in excited runs and exclamations, the news of Christ’s coming.

The following short video, one in a series of fascinating shorts (#mindpower) created to celebrate the Latvian presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2015, introduces Gabriel Jackson to us with pithy quotes from the Latvian poet Rainis:

Here’s Gabriel Jackson’s Vox clara ecce intonat, sung by the group for whom it was written: the Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha:

Enjoy!

—Dr. Justin Appel, Director of Music