Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
Listen to choral services, recorded live at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, each Sunday at 4 p.m., September–May. Most services are Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer), which dates from the sixteenth century, yet has its roots in the far more ancient Daily Offices of Vespers and Compline. One of the jewels of our Anglican/Episcopal worship tradition, Evensong has given birth to one of the largest and richest bodies of sacred music outside of the Mass itself. It is, at its heart, a contemplative worship service, and much of the service is sung by the choir alone, employing sounds that span the known history of Christian music. At the formal close of Evensong, an intimate “liturgy of the table” is celebrated for those who wish to receive Communion. Occasionally a classically sung Choral Eucharist, or a diocesan confirmation, or a service of Lessons and Carols takes the place of Evensong.
Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols (April 13, 2025)
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cathedralATL
Prelude at 0:00; service begins at 21:08
One of the most moving choral services of the year, this meditation employs lessons & carols, spirituals, anthems, motets, and congregational hymns to illuminate the Passion of Christ, which is retold using biblical narratives from Mark, Matthew, and John, sung to some of the most ancient plainchant known to the Church.
The officiant is the Rev. Salmoon Bashir. Choral repertoire includes:
- “Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended” Herzliebster Jesu
- John Jacob Niles (1892-1980), arr. Andrew Carter (b. 1939), I wonder as I wander
- David Hurd (b. 1950), “A stable lamp is lighted” Andújar
- Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980), Even when He is silent
- “To mock your reign, O dearest Lord” Tallis’ Third Tune
- Trond Kverno (b. 1945), Corpus Christi Carol
- Daniel Gawthrop (b. 1949), Mary speaks
- Kenneth Miller, “Alas! and did my Savior bleed” Morgan’s Steep
- Spiritual, Were you there when they crucified my Lord
- Antonio Lotti (1667-1740), Crucifixus à 8