5 p.m.
The Incarnation Choir sings Choral Evensong each Sunday afternoon. One of the gems of the Anglican liturgical tradition, Evensong is a perfect way to begin your week in rest and quietness amidst the beauty of Church of the Incarnation. A wine and cheese reception follows the service.
Music Information for Sunday, April 21 (Easter 4)
Alexander L’Estrange’s New College Service is one of the most exciting contemporary settings of the evening canticles. As a child, L’Estrange was a chorister at New College, Oxford, under Edward Higginbottom. He was commissioned to write this service in celebration of his final year as Director of Music. L’Estrange writes, “I owe so much to my five years as a chorister (1981-6) in the choir of New College, Oxford, under the direction of Dr Edward Higginbottom, that I was delighted with this commission, to mark the great man’s retirement from the post. The melodic material is derived from Dr Higginbottom’s dates as organist; 1976 in the key of E major becomes E F# D# C#, followed by E B (Edward’s initials E.H.) followed by F# D# E A for 2014.”
Elgar’s setting of Psalm 29 Give unto the Lord is dramatic and evocative. The opening thematic material paves the way for a contemplative switch to "In His temple doth everyone speak of his Glory." The return of the opening theme brings about a triumphant declaration, "The Lord remained a king forever," followed by a subdued conclusion that paints the imagery of God’s "blessing of peace."
* During the summer, Choral Evensong is on hiatus from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.