British Carol Tradition Coming to LG

Driving to Texas each Christmas for many years to visit my wife’s parents Charles and Barbara Rogers (a teacher in Flatonia, 1970-77) our family often heard the BBC Radio presentation of “Nine Lessons and Carols” broadcast live from King’s College, Cambridge.

The beautifully sung carols, old and new, were a delight. Listening to the Lessons, we were surprised to hear them read by commoners and royalty alike. We looked forward to this event every year.

Elva and Georg Ulbrich introduced a similar service of Advent Lessons and Carols to St. James Episcopal Church when they came to the church in 2006. The service has been a St. James’ tradition ever since.

This year, singers from several churches are combining forces to present this traditional service to the whole community. You will be able to hear lessons and carols in person Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at St. James, the old church across the highway from H.E.B. Mary Ann Hatfield will play organ and piano. Alas, we have no royalty to read the lessons.

The word “carol” derives from French carole or Latin carula which both mean “circle dance.” Many of these tunes were secular and were usually sung by wassailers going from home to home.

Anglican Bishop Edward W. Benson, serving Truro Ca thedral in the late 19th century, introduced the use of carols into the church with a service designed to lure revelers. Bishop Benson’s “Nine Lessons and Carols” uses scripture and song to tell the story of the redemption, from the Creation and Fall of Adam and Eve to the Birth of Christ.

The first performance was given at Truro Cathedral at 10 pm Christmas Eve, 1880. It has become a long-standing tradition to present a wide selection of carols from around the world, along with ancient carols and often a newly composed work. Songs by choirs and soloists are alternated with singing by all present.

Palestrina’s Matin Responsory is the traditional beginning of the service, and his Vesper Responsory closes the program. This year’s program includes one of the earliest carols: “The Lord at First Did Adam Make,” which recounts the Creation and Fall of humanity. This carol was probably composed in the Renaissance. We will sing a new arrangement that captures the spirit the tune.

“Springs in the Desert,” by renowned organist/composer Arthur B. Jennings, comes from Isaiah 35: “the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose… even with joy and singing.” Familiar hymns and carols are interspersed for everyone to enjoy singing, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Let There Be Peace on Earth, and What Child is This.”

You don’t need to travel to England to hear this music, or listen to a radio. It will be live on Dec. 5, 3 p.m. at St. James.

Don Kirby is choir director at St. James Episcopal Church in La Grange.