I’m a day late–yesterday was really the 12th day of Christmas, and today is really Epiphany. Rosalynde has a (predictably) brilliant piece that fits the story of the wisemen’s star with the Nephites’ day with no night. It’s the perfect lead-in to a couple of excerpts from Mendelssohn’s unfinished oratorio, Christus. First, a trio of wisemen, and then a setting of a bit of text from Numbers–there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel–linking Christ’s birth with ancient prophecy. Mendelssohn also connects both to the musical heritage that informed his work and another portent of Christ’s birth, by quoting a chorale that J.S. Bach used in a cantata for the festival of the Annunciation (BWV 1).
May your New Year be full of light!
January 7, 2010 at 4:37 am
Kristine, thanks for doing this series. I’ve really enjoyed it.
January 7, 2010 at 5:11 am
Me, too.
January 7, 2010 at 6:45 am
You’re very welcome–it has been fun!
January 7, 2010 at 7:29 am
These have been beautiful selections, Kristine. Thanks very much for expanding our–in particular my!–horizons a little bit! Next Christmastime, I’ll be looking for recordings of some of these pieces you’ve highlighted to complement our holiday listening.
January 7, 2010 at 7:31 am
Amazing series. You’ve educated us all.
January 7, 2010 at 10:51 am
Wow, I have alot to learn. Thanks again; great stuff.
January 7, 2010 at 10:12 pm
I agree–thanks for this series! It reminded me of music I love and introduced me to some unfamiliar pieces.
January 8, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Thanks, Kristine! A great BCC series. Hopefully it will become an annual event . . .
January 8, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Bless you for this, Kristine.