Music at WPC-
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Proper 27
​Voluntary: "Choral Dorien," Jehan Alain (1911-1940)
Offertory: "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above," Richard Williamson
Voluntary: "Festival Toccata" Percy Fletcher (1879-1932)
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Hymns
Opening Hymn: INSERT- All Hearts Are Called to Gather SELBY SONG
Sequence Hymn: 267- All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK
Communion Hymn: 507- I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord DOVE OF PEACE
Closing Hymn: 320- The Lone, Wild Bird PROSPECT
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Next Week's Music at WPC:
Sunday, November 16- Nik Stackpole, Organ; WPC Choir; WPC Handbell Choir
Prelude- About the Composer
Jehan Alain (1911–1940) was a French composer and organist whose innovative and deeply spiritual music made a lasting impact despite his tragically short life. Born into a highly musical family near Paris, Alain was steeped in both classical and liturgical traditions from an early age. His compositions blend modal harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and an unmistakable sense of mysticism—qualities that reflect his fascination with both ancient chant and non-Western music. Among his most famous works are Litanies, Le jardin suspendu, and Trois Danses, each showing his unique harmonic language and emotional depth. A gifted improviser and organist, Alain served at several Paris churches before being killed in action during World War II at the age of 29. His music continues to inspire organists and listeners alike for its originality, energy, and haunting expressiveness.
Offertory- The Text
Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled, and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory!
The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing.
An ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing,
As with a mother’s tender hand God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory!
Thus all my gladsome way along I sing aloud thy praises,
That all may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart; both soul and body, take your part:
To God all praise and glory!
Postlude- About the Music
Percy Fletcher (1879–1932) was a British composer and conductor known for his contributions to both the concert and brass band repertoire. His Festival Toccata, written in 1915 for organ, remains one of his most celebrated works and a favorite among recitalists. The piece showcases Fletcher’s flair for brilliant, virtuosic writing and his ability to blend grandeur with lyricism. It opens with a triumphant fanfare-like theme and unfolds through rhythmic drive and harmonic richness, leading to a dazzling conclusion. Festival Toccata perfectly captures the Edwardian spirit of pomp and celebration, offering both technical challenge and expressive depth—qualities that have ensured its enduring popularity in the organ repertoire.