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Beth's avatar

Thank you so much for providing this! The O Antiphons have been one of the most beautiful Advent traditions we have adopted in our family since coming into communion with the Catholic Church. I first heard of it in Kendra Tierney’s Catholic All Year book/website. And, I just saw that you have a new Pints episode with Matt Fradd about sacred music! Really excited to listen to that one.

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Evan Nathaniel Collins's avatar

Thank you Peter and Julian. You are truly doing the Lord’s work making such rich traditions accessible.

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Roseanne T. Sullivan's avatar

I love all the ones you mentioned, except I never heard the last one. I hope you don't mind if I put in a good word for a contemporary Advent carol commissioned by Archbishop Cordileone's Benedict XVI Institute. The institute is commissioning new Advent and Christmas music from rising young composers with words by G.K. Chesterton, Fr. Dwight Longnecker, and me. The title of my carol is Our Lady Expectant and the words are from a poem I wrote that uses the words of the O antiphons in a song sung by Our Lady to the Christ Child in her womb during the last days of Advent. The score is available for free here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/184UMkVABEQ4j8_EsYO598JAKABu1MbQO/view

The music on the last page is suitable for an average parish. See also this Substack article I wrote about it. https://open.substack.com/pub/roseannetsullivan/p/our-lady-expectant-an-advent-carol. It has been performed for three years now at various churches, most recently at St. Andrews in Old Pasadena under Steven Ottományi's direction. This link is to an earlier recording from last year.

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The African Sentry's avatar

I tend to observe that many parishes rely on 'ad libitum' compositions more than they do on standard and traditional Gregorian, liturgical hymns. Thanks for the chant! Quite amazing insights here..

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Fiat🌹Voluntas🌹Tua's avatar

I just listened to the video on YouTube, while driving home. Loved, loved, loved it! Thank you, Julian.

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Biserka Brito's avatar

What a sublime gift this post is, a keepsake.

Thank you immensely Nr.Julian Kwasniewski

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oliva's avatar

Thank you for sharing what lifts your heart and mind to God.

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Granny62's avatar

Wonderful article!! Thanks so much for creating such an excellent resource! In addition to sharing with my Schola conductor (who would completely agree with you about tempo!) I am adding to my Advent playlist. Many thanks and HAPPY NEW (LITURGICAL) YEAR!!

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