As similar as the O Antiphons are in terms of their form, their dramaturgical structure and their content, the feelings they evoke can be just as different: anticipation, yearning, restlessness, quiet expectancy, confidence, excitement – in the days just before Christmas, the Birth of the Savior. Accordingly, the compositions are also very diverse in character, and in their subtle, sensitive interpretation of the text they range from the meditative-sensuously tranquil to the rhythmically excited to the hymnic.
In concerts, the O Antiphons are seldom sung on the exact days designated for them in the liturgy. Therefore, they can be performed individually, in any number or in different combinations according to one’s needs. Ideally suited for large and small choral ensembles as well as for a soloistic interpretation in a vocal quintet.
Contents:
1 – O Wisdom (O Antiphon for the 17th of December)
2 – O Adonai (O Antiphon for the 18th of December)
3 – O Root of Jesse (O Antiphon for the 19th of December)
4 – O Key of David (O Antiphon for the 20th of December)
5 – O Orient (O Antiphon for the 21st of December)
6 – O King of Nations (O Antiphon for the 22nd of December)
7 – O Emmanuel (O Antiphon for the 23rd of December)