Brother James’ Airs

Lighting a torch in the darkness

Tag: Johann Sebastian Bach

17Nov

Readings and Music for 26th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 118:1.
  2. Hymn: “Rejoice The Lord Is King” by unknown soloist. Uploaded to YouTube by Christina Iqupen, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.  
  3. First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 16, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri: From a live service at the First Presbyterian Church of Wolcott. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, World English Bible.
  7. Organ Sequence: Georg Böhm (1661-1733): “Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend”, performed by Jens Engle, Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  8. Gospel: Mark 13:1-8, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew 6.
  10. Blessing: From 2 Corinthians 13
  11. Organ postlude: J. S. Bach (1685–1750), “Fantasie c-Dur”, BWV 573, performed by Axel Fischer at Lüchow, uploaded to YouTube by NOMINEeV, 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.

03Nov

24th Sunday After Pentecost 2024

  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 46:1.
  2. Organ Prelude: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” performed at Uppsala Cathedral by Diane Bish, from “Hymns and Sacred Songs II”, used in accordance with Creative Commons License
  3. First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, King James Bible.
  4. Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” sung by an unknown congregation. Public domain.
  5. Psalm 119:1-8, King James Bible.
  6. Motet: Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) “Beati Quorum Via”, based on Psalm 119:1, sung by the choir of St. John the Evangelist, Redhill, uploaded to YouTube by Ginette and Peter Nye, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-14, World English Bible.
  8. Organ sequence: Johann Christoph Bach (1642-1703) “Wir glauben all an einen Gott”, performed on the organ of Sta. Maria church, Montblanc, Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain. Uploaded to YouTube by “Bablung music”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  9. Gospel: Mark 12:28-34, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: from Matthew 6.
  11. Blessing: 1 Timothy 1:17.
  12. Organ Postlude: Johan Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): “Toccata and Fugue in D minor.” Played by Fyodor Stroganov (organ). Recorded from a concert on 10/04/2015 at the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. The organizer is the Collegium musicum concert agency. 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.

06Oct

Celebration for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost

  1. Opening Acclamation: From Psalm 81:1. 
  2. Hymn: “Love Divine All Loves Excelling” sung at Hyde Park Union Church, used in accordance with Creative Commons License. 
  3. First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 9
  5. Hymn: “For the Beauty of the Earth”, public domain. 
  6. Second Reading: Hebrew 1:1-4, and 2:5-12, World English Bible.
  7. Organ Sequence: David Johnson’s “Wondrous Love”, played by Joey Wetzels on the great Klais organ of the Monastery St. Michael in Steyl, uploaded to YouTube by Joey Wetzels, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  8. Gospel: Mark 10:2-16, World English Bible.
  9. “Lord Have Mercy” from Lutheran Vespers, Tacoma 2008. This was uploaded to YouTube by Pacific Lutheran University, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. 
  10. The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew.
  11. Blessing: 1 Timothy 1:17.
  12. Organ postlude: J. S. Bach (1685–1750), “Präludium a-Moll”, BWV 543, performed by Lucas Pohle at Nikolaikirche Leipzig, 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.

15Sep

Celebration of the 17th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

  1. Opening Acclamation: from Psalm 27:1.
  2. Organ prelude: Jeremiah Clarke (1674-1707), “Prince of Denmark March”, Performed by Michael Rondeau, available in the public domain, at MusOpen.org.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 116:1-9, King James Version.
  5. Second Reading: James 3:1-12, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Crown Him with Many Crowns”, public domain.
  7. Gospel: Mark 8:27-38, World English Bible.
  8. Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer 1662.  
  9. Benediction: From the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
  10. Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Fantasia and Fugue”, BWV 562, performed by Gosse Hulzinga, in the public domain at MusOpen.org.

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.

19Aug

13th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

In many churches, this Sunday (or a day near it) is set aside to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. While keeping the usual lectionary readings for this Sunday, I have nonetheless added in some music from the rich tradition of celebrating Mary. Enjoy.

  1. Opening Acclamation: from Psalm 51
  2. First Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6.
  3. Anthem: Pascale Colasse (1649-1709), “Beata Es Maria”, uploaded to YouTube by “L Jeanne”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  4. Psalm 34:9-14, King James Version.
  5. Gloria Patri: Excerpted from Puer Natus Est, sung at the Abbey of St. Martin of Ligugé, uploaded to YouTube by “Musique Sacree”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  6. Second Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20, World English Bible.
  7. Hymn: Anthem: William Byrd (1540-1623), “Ave Virgo Sanctissima”, sung by Ars Mvsica. In the public domain, at Archive.org.  Translation: “Hail, Holy Virgin, most blessed Mother of God, bright star of the sea. Hail, ever glorious, precious pearl, lovely as the lily, beautiful and perfumed as the rose.”
  8. Gospel: John 6:51-58, World English Bible.
  9. Lord’s Prayer (latin): Sung by the Tudor Consort. Public domain.   
  10. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13.
  11. Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Art of Fugue Contrapunctus 1”. Performed by Benjamin Alard on the organ of l’église d’Arques-la-Bataille; 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.

21Jul

Celebration of the Word for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 81.
  2. Anthem: Sergei Rachmaninoff – “Priidite, poklonimsya” (“O come, let us worship”) sung by University of Warsaw Choir in a live recording from the “Vivat Academia” competition held by the Warsaw University of Technology on 18th April 2015.  Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 23: James Leith Macbeth Bain, “Brother James’ Air”, sung by an unknown choir, uploaded to Youtube in 2020 by “mk671vlogs”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Second Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Be Thou My Vision”, 1st verse, sung at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, uploaded to YouTube by “Ad te levavi animam meam”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, World English Bible.
  8. 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.
  9. Blessing: 1 Timothy.
  10. Postlude: J. S. Bach (1685-1750) “Fantasia and fugue in C Minor” BWV 537. Performed by David Schaller; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
13Jul

Celebration of the 8th Sunday after Pentecost 2024

  1. Opening Acclamation: Ephesians 1.
  2. Prelude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Chorale prelude on “Allein Gott in der Höh´ sei Ehr´” BWV 716, recorded on Hauptwerk VI, using the Sonus Paradisi Sample Set of the Schnitger Organ in Noordbroek, Netherlands. Uploaded to Youtube by Leon Kopecny in 2021, used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
  3. First Lesson: Amos 7:7-15 (King James Version)
  4. Psalm 85:8-13, King James Version.
  5. Gloria Patri, excerpted from Tomas Luis da Victoria (1548-1611), “Magnificat” performed by Ars Mvsica, in the public domain at Archive.org.
  6. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14, World English Bible.
  7. Organ music: “Come, thou fount of Every Blessing”, performed by Diane Bish at First Presbyterian Church of Naples, Florida. Used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
  8. Gospel: Mark 6:14-29, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer, from the Book of Luke, King James Bible.
  10. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13.
  11. Motet: Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625), “Almighty and Everlasting God”. Public domain at Archive.org. Text: Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond the the Revised Common Lectionary.

30Jun

Celebration of the Word for the 6th Sunday of Pentecost

  1. Opening Acclamation: Psalm 51.
  2. Organ Prelude: Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911), Prelude from Third Sonata for Organ. Performed at Immanuel Congregational Church, Harford in Nov 2012, in the Public domain at Archive.org.
  3. First Reading: Lamentations 3:22-33, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm: Heinrich Schütz (1615–1672) “Ihr Heiligen, lobsinget dem Herren” SWV 288. Singers: Paulina Bielarczyk and Sylwia Ziółkowska; Organ: Wacław Golonka, used in Accordance with Creative Commons License. Translation (Psalm 30:4-6): “You holy ones, sing praise to the Lord, be grateful and praise his glory, Because his anger lasts but a moment, and he has joy in life. During the night the weeping endures, but in the morning comes joy.”
  5. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15, World English Bible.
  6. Organ sequence: Starling Goodwin – Interlude 2, on the organ of the church of St Mary, Bermondsey, uploaded to YouTube by chordis & organo, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Gospel: Mark 5:21-43, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6.
  9. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 13.
  10. Amen: JS Bach (1685-1750), “Amen” BWV 1083 by Ensemble Imero. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain.

05May

Celebration for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Easter 6th Sunday, Year B
  1. Opening acclamation: Psalm 51:15Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
    for flute, Angela Brown, and organ, Diane Bish, from a program entitled
    “Hymns and Sacred Songs”, used in accordance with Creative Commons
    license.
  2. Lesson 1: Acts 10:44-48, World English Bible.
  3. Psalm 98, from the King James Bible.
  4. Music: J. S. Bach: Cantata No. 207a: “O Praise the Lord Most Holy”, from a
    program by Diane Bish entitled “The Many Moods of Bach”, used in
    accordance with Creative Commons License.
  5. Lesson 2: 1 John 5:1-6, World English Bible.
  6. Music:
    John Stainer (1840-1901) “God so Loved the World”, performed by the
    Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford CT (with the lovely bonus sound
    of the siren of an unknown first responder toward the end of the
    piece), available in the public domain.
  7. Gospel: John 15:9-17, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer, from Matthew.
  9. Benediction and Amen, Public domain.
  10. Organ postlude: J.S. Bach, “In Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend, BWV 632”, performed by Aldo Locatelli, in the public domain.
11Feb

Sixth Sunday of Epiphany: Transfiguration Sunday

Transfiguration Sunday Year B
  1. Opening acclamation: from Psalm 50.
  2. Hymn: “Crown Him with Many Crowns”, Public domain.
  3. First Reading: 2 Kings 2: 1-12, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 50: 1-6, King James Version.
  5. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:3-6, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”, Stanza 5. From a 2012 recording by Immanuel UCC Hartford, available in the public domain at Archive.org.
  7. Gospel: Mark 9:2-9, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing:  The Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6.
  10. Organ Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” BWV 739, performed by Thorston Ahlrichs on Christian Vater Orgel (1722) in Bockhorn, St. Cosmas und Damian, uploaded to YouTube by NOMINEeV, 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.