Music for May 13, 2018 + The Sunday after Ascension

Vocal Music

• Come Down, O Love Divine – Ralph Vaughan Williams, (1872-1958),arr. Philip Dietterich (b. 1931)

Instrumental Music

• Toccata on “King’s Weston” – arr. Matthew Compton (b. 1994)
• Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone (b. 1928), arr. Kevin McChesney (b. 1963)
• Prelude on "Hyfrydol" – Healey Willan (1880-1968)

Congregational Music (all hymns from the Hymnal 1982 with the exception of those marked “R” which are from Renew.)

• Hymn 494 - Crown him with many crowns (DIADEMATA)
• Hymn 214 - Hail the day that sees him rise (LLANFAIR)
• Hymn 215 - See the Conqueror mounts in triumph (IN BABILONE)
• Hymn R245 - Lord, I want to be a Christian (I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN)
• Hymn R228 - Eat this Bread (Taizé)
• Hymn 460 - Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! (HYFRYDOL)
• Psalm 1 - Beatus vir qui non abiit (Thomas Pavlechko)

May is the time that our choirs begin to wrap things up for the current choir season before taking a well deserved summer break. It's a time that always brings both sadness and relief that our weekly rehearsals won't be happening for the hot summer months.

This Sunday you will hear our Good Shepherd Handbell Guild for their final time this Spring. This group involves 10-11 volunteer ringers who work hard every week. Handbells are melodic percussion instruments, so good rhythm skills are essential. Since each ringer typically plays two or more bells, a high level of commitment is important, as even one absence leave a large gap in the ensemble. This group rehearses on each Wednesday (September through May) and plays every 4-6 weeks.

The 2018 Good Shepherd Handbell Guild (two members missing)

We are playing two pieces that are harder than anything we have done in a long time. For the opening voluntary. arranger Matthew Compton has written a high energy arrangement of Ralph Vaughan William's hymn-tune, KING'S WESTON. True to a Toccata, this arrangement flies along with fiery rhythms and continuous intensity from beginning to end. The second stanza features a unique twist where the tune is played both forward and backward at the same time. Listen for that backwards melody as it is played on the handchimes.

Matthew Compton

Matthew Compton is a Colorado Springs native who has been composing, arranging, and conducting music for handbells since 2007 when he was in the eighth grade.  He had his first composition published at the age of 15, making him one of the youngest ever published handbell composers.  He has numerous compositions and arrangements in print or in the publishing process.  An avid performer and listener, Matthew is known for his high energy originals and arrangements and beautiful harmonies, and his music has been performed across the world

Ennio Morricone

The other handbell piece is Gabriel's Oboe, originally written by the composer Ennio Morricone for the film "The Mission." The score for that movie was nominated for an Oscar, and Morricone recieved a Golden Globe for his music for that film.

Since it's appearance in 1986, this tune has become a standard of instrumental and vocal repertoire. Sarah Brightman, Il Divo, Yo Yo Ma, and a host of others have recorded it. Arranger Kevin McChesney captures its beauty completely in this wonderful arrangement.

Philip Dietterich

The choir's offertory anthem, Come Down, O Love Divine, is another arrangement of a Vaughan Williams tune. This hymn, often sung for Pentecost, is  No. 516 in our hymnal. The text is translated and reworked from the original hymn by 14th century Italian author Bianco da Siena. The tune name is Down Ampney,  named after Vaughan-William's birthplace. New York State native Philip Dietterich composed this hymn-anthem based on the familiar tune. For most of his adult life he was the Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church in Westfield, New Jersey. Mr. Dietterich now lives in retirement in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.