NEW CHORAL ANTHEM for Lent, Now Christ, Thou Sun of Righteousness (SATB & Organ) is a setting of Iam, Christe, sol iustitiae traditionally sung at Lauds during Lent. It recognizes the need for repentance and awaits glorious redemption at Easter.
John Dryden’s (1631-1700) beautiful translation is set to lyric, chant-like melodies.
The score is available from The Sacred Music Press, a division of The Lorenz Corporation.
Order • View sample pages: Octavo • “Now Christ, Thou Sun of Righteousness” (for SATB Choir & Organ)
Listen here • Conducted by Max Murphy:
CHRISTE QUI LUX ES ET DIES (Christ, who art the light and day) is based on the ancient Compline Hymn for Lent, likely dating back to the Fourth Century. Although it was not retained in the Roman Breviary, its continued widespread use is perhaps attributed to its antiquity, exquisite poetry, and simple beauty, glorifying Christ as the World’s Light. With this universal theme, Its use may extend beyond Lent.
This setting utilizes two major themes: the opening choral statement and the ancient chant melody, both in naturally progressing keys. The opening theme provides an axis of symmetry, setting verses one, four, and seven, while the chant is the basis of verses two, three, five and six. The Amen recapitulates the chant theme inside a variation of the opening exposition. As such, the Light of Christ is proclaimed both deep within the soul and cried aloud for all.
Available at RJC Cecilia Music
Premiered by the The Seraphim Singers | Jennifer Lester, Director
First Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts | Recorded LIVE: February 7, 2014 at St. Cecilia Church, Boston, Massachusetts
Recording Engineer: Evan Landry
Additionally, you can check out and listen to Communion Antiphons for Lent and Easter here.
