Category: Music

04Jun

First Sunday after Pentecost 2023: Trinity Sunday

May this brief service of word and music, dedicated to the glory of God, be a blessing to you this day.

Trinity Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Acclamation and Prelude: “Holy Holy Holy” by Diane Bish, organist, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  2. Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4, World English Bible.
  3. Psalm 8. King James Version.
  4. Gloria Patri: From “Adoremus in aeternum and psalm” uploaded to YouTube by UKOrdinariate, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “All Creatures of Our God and King”, Verse 1. Sung by Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, 2017, uploaded to YouTube by “ad te levavi”, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  7. Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew 6, King James Version.
  9. Closing blessing
  10. Amen: From the Magnificat by Orlando Gibbons, excerpted from a live service sung by the Choir of St. Thomas Fifth Avenue in May 2011. (Fair use).
  11. Brass postlude: Giovanni Cavaccio (1556-1625) “Canzona ‘La Foresta”, performed by Michel Rondeau, from MusOpen
06May

Celebration of the 5th Sunday of Easter, 2023

Easter 5th Sunday 2023
  1. Opening acclamation from Ephesians 1.
  2. Hymn: “Crown him with many crowns” by unknown singers. Public Domain.  From Internet Archive.
  3. First Reading: Acts 7:55-60 (World English Bible).
  4. Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (King James Version).
  5. Gloria Patri: Excerpted from an audio cassette of a choir festival in Evanston, IL, circa 1993.
  6. Second Reading:  1 Peter 2:2-10 (World English Bible).
  7. Organ sequence: “Christ Ist Erstanden” performed by Jens Engel on the organ of Kreuzkirche Sieglar, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English Hymn text: “Christ the Lord is risen again; Christ has broken every chain! Hark, the angels shout for joy, Singing evermore on high: Alleluia.”
  8. Gospel: John 14: 1-14.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: Chanted by unknown congregation, uploaded to YouTube by “LabourerFaith”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  10. Blessing: The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6 (King James Version).
  11. Musical postlude: Charles-Marie Widor, Organ Symphony no. 5, Op. 42 no. 1, performer Paul Pittman, in the public domain.  At MusOpen.

I have put this audio file together from public domain sources, mainly LibriVox (for bible readings), MusOpen (for royalty Free Music) and the Community Audio section of the Internet Archives.

29Apr

Celebration for the Fourth Sunday of Easter 2023

This brief service of music and sacred scripture is offered in praise of God, and for the benefit of any who would like to worship in this manner.

Easter 4th Sunday 2023
  1. Opening acclamation and organ prelude: “I know that My Redeemer lives”, by Diane Bish, performing from St. Jacob’s Church, Prague, on a program entitled “Easter Alleluias”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  2. First Reading: Acts 2: 42-47, World English Bible.
  3. Psalm 23 “Brother James Air” by unknown artists, uploaded to YouTube by user “mk671tv”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  4. Second Reading: 1 Peter 2: 19-29, World English Bible.
  5. Hymn: “Now the Green Blade Riseth” performed by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, 2022, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Gospel Reading: John 10: 1-10, World English Bible.
  7. Lord’s Prayer by Malotte: Sung by Kathleen Battle with harp by Nancy Allen, live for the visit of Pope Benedict to the U.S. 2009, uploated to youtube by “kinddude”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  8. Closing blessing: From Romans.
  9. Postlude: Heut Triumphiret Gottes Sohn, BWV 630, performed by Aldo Locatelli.
22Apr

Celebration of the Word for the Third Sunday of Easter 2023

Easter 3rd Sunday 2023
  1. Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in C major, RV 537, by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by Michael Rondeau. Available at MusOpen.
  2. Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
  3. Hymn: “Thine Be The Glory, Risen Conquering Son (Traditional Easter Hymn)”, From Internet Archives.
  4. Reading: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
  5. Music: Excerpt from Variations on an American Hymn Tune, by Gordon Young, performed by Paul Pittman. At MusOpen.
  6. Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23, World English Bible.
  7. Motet: Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901) “Abendlied,” Op 69, no. 3, performed at Trinity Church, Boston. This recording is available on Wikimedia Commons, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. Translation: Bide with us, for evening shadows darken, and the day will soon be over.
  8. Gospel reading: Luke 24:13-35, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer, King James Version
  10. Choral benediction: C.P. Lutkin. “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Sung by the Csehy Summer School, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

16Apr

Celebration of the Word for the Second Sunday of Easter 2023

  1. Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30 – III. Allegro. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
  2. Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
  3. Music: Hymn: “Jesus Lives!” by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, 2022, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  4. Reading: Psalm 16, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
  5. Hymn: “The Strife is O’er The Battle Won”, by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, 2022, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: 1 Peter 3: 3-9, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: “O Filii et Filiae”, uploaded to YouTube in 2016 by “Catholique de France”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English version: “Alleluia, alleluia,alleluia, alleluia! 1. O sons and daughters of the King, whom heavenly hosts in glory sing, today the grave has lost its sting. Alleluia! 2. That Easter morn at break of day, the faithful women went their way to seek the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia! 3. An angel clad in white they see, who sat and spoke unto the three, “Your Lord has gone to Galilee.” Alleluia! 4. When Thomas first the tidings heard that some had seen the risen Lord, he doubted the disciples’ word. Lord, have mercy! 5. At night the apostles met in fear; among them came their Master dear and said, “My peace be with you here.” Alleluia! 6. “My pierced side, O Thomas, see, and look upon my hands, my feet; not faithless but believing be.” Alleluia! 7. No longer Thomas then denied; he saw the feet, the hands, the side. “You are my Lord and God!” he cried. Alleluia! 8. How blest are they who have not seen and yet whose faith has constant been, for they eternal life shall win. Alleluia.“
  8. Reading: John 20:19-31, from the World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Phillippe Radcliffe (1905-1986), performed at Kerke de Laurens, Rotterdam, in 2020. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  10. Benediction.
  11. Song: “Exultate Deo”, by William Byrd; Internet Archives Community Audio.
  12. Organ Postlude: L Farnum (1885-1930) “Toccata on O Filie et Filiae”, Performed by Diane Bish at St. Michaels Church, Munich Germany; From “Joy of Music 9611 FAVORITE SACRED CLASSICS”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  • The Lord’s Prayer: From the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
  • Blessing:  From Second Corinthians.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

08Apr

Easter Sunday: A Celebration of the Resurrection

Easter Sunday 2023
  1. Prelude: Concerto for 2 Trumpets in D Major, by Johann Molter, MWV 6.30. From a European Archive, at MusOpen.
  2. Reading: Acts 10: 34-43, from the World English Bible, by Librivox.
  3. Music: Te Deum, Orchestral, by Marc Antoine Charpentier; unknown performers, available from Community Audio section of the Internet Archive.
  4. Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24, from the King James Version, by Librivox.
  5. Gloria Patri by Antionio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Performed by Orquesta del Conservatori Superior de musica Juaquin Rodrigo Valencia (spain) in 2012; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Reading: Colossians 3: 1-4, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” by Stour Valley Benefice, United Kingdom, 2022, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  8. Reading: John 20:1-20, from the World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Robert stone (1516-1613). Sung by the choir of St. David’s Church, Exeter, 2018. Uploaded to YouTube by David Walsh, used by permission.
  10. Benediction from Romans 16:24.
  11. Music: “Amen”, from Magnificat, by Jan Dismas Zelenka; Performed by the Prague Choral Society, at MusOpen (linked above).
  12. Organ Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” performed by Diane Bish, from “Joy of Music” program 2501, “Hymns and Spiritual Songs of Easter.” Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
07Apr

A Commemoration of Good Friday

  1. Hymn: “O Sacred Head Now Wounded.” From a Good Friday service in 2018 at the First Congregational Church of LA, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  2. First Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, King James Bible.
  3. Motet: Thomas Tallis (1505-1588) “Salvator Mundi”, uploaded to YouTube by “mk671tv”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. Text in English: O Saviour of the world, save us, who by thy cross and blood hast redeemed us, help us, we pray thee, O Lord our God.
  4. Psalm 22 from the King James Bible.
  5. Motet: Antonio Lotti (1667-1740) “Crucifixus”, Performed by Coro Universidad Nacional de Rio Corto, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. Text in English: He was crucified also for us, under Pontius Pilate he suffered and was buried.
  6. Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, World English Bible.
  7. Motet: Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611) “O Vos Omnes”, Performed by the Tudor Consort. Available on YouTube at “Free Music Channel” under Creative Commons license.  Text in English:  All you who walk by on the road, pay attention and see if there be any sorrow like my sorrow. Pay attention, all people, and look at my sorrow: if there be any sorrow like my sorrow.
  8. A Reading of the Passion Narrative from John 18:1–19:42, World English Bible.
  9. Organ postlude: Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) “Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund” performed by Jean-Dominique Pasquet on the grand organ of l’Oratoire du Louvre à Paris, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

01Apr

Palm Sunday 2023

  1. Prelude: “All Glory Laud and Honor,” performed by Diane Bish on the organ of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, from the Joy of Music program “Hymns and Spiritual Songs of Easter,” used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  2. First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a, King James Bible.
  3. Psalm 31:9-16 
  4. Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11, World English Bible.
  5. Hymn: “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”, Immanuel Congregational Church in 2013, available in the public domain at Archive.org.
  6. A Reading of the Passion Narrative from Matthew 26:14-27:66, World English Bible.
  7. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Phillippe Radcliffe (1905-1986), performed at Kerke de Laurens, Rotterdam, in 2020. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Blessing: The “Aaronic blessing” From Deuteronomy.
  9. Postlude: Claude Gaudimel (c.1520 – 1572) “Psalm 2” for organ and cello, uploaded to YouTube in 2021 by Cees en Sander, used here in accordance with the Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

25Mar

A Ceremony of the Word for the Fifth Sunday of Lent 2023

Lent 5th Sunday 2023
  1. Call to Worship: From Psalm 51.
  2. Kyrie: Josquin des Prez (c. 1450-1521) from “Missa Gaudeamus”, performed by the University of Kansas Collegium Musicum, uploaded to YouTube by user named “Classical Music” and used here in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  3. First Reading: Ezekial 37:1-14, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 130: Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) “Out of the Deep” performed by the Tudor Consort (Creative Commons license), available at Wikimedia Commons.
  5. Second Reading: Romans 8:6-11, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Ah Holy Jesus”, sung at Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford, CT in 2013, available in the public domain at Archive.org.
  7. Gospel: John 11:1-45, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From The Book of Common Prayer, 1662.
  9. Blessing: From Second Corinthians.
  10. Organ postlude: Domenico Zipoli (1688-1726) “Canzona in re minore”, uploaded to YouTube by “My Years with Early Music”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

18Mar

A Celebration of the Word for the 4th Sunday of Lent 2023

Lent 4th Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: From Isaiah 66:10.
  2. Introit and organ prelude: Abraham van den Kerckhoven (c.1618–c.1701) “Kyrie eleison” (Lord, Have Mercy), performed by Jozef Sluys, organ, and CapeIIa Sancti MichaeIis; uploaded to YouTube by “Pau NG” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 23, sung to the hymn tune “Crimond”, Uploaded to YouTube by Christina Iqupen, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14, World English Bible.
  6. Anthem: Henry Purcell (1659-1695) “Thou Knowest Lord”, available in the public domain courtesy of “Ferox Aeternum” at Archive.org.
  7. Gospel: John 9:1-41, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing:  From Numbers.
  10. Organ Postlude:  Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) “Toccata in D, BuxWV 144,” performed by Tigran Buniatyan on the Flentrop opus 1974 organ, used in accordance with Creative Commons License.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.