It’s our first Thematic Thursday and I’m so excited about getting this started.  So, here we go…

I majored in Music Education and Performance in College.  It was an awesome time of life for me.  I spent every day immersed in music…practise, classes, harmony, theory, history, composition, conducting, musicals, opera…

In music, a theme is the melodic phrase that a composition is based on.  It is often repeated throughout the piece.  A  theme can also be the idea behind a set of compositions.

It’s Advent and were going to look at that theme and some of the music associated with the concept.  What is Advent?  It is celebrated in many churches during the four weeks before the Holy Birth.  The word itself means the arrival of a person, thing, or event.  It is a double entendre in that it refers not just to the actual birth of Jesus but His return to Earth.  Music is a huge part of this celebration and has been for hundreds of years  as Christians around the world look forward to His coming.

My favorite of all Advent Hymns is Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.  Charles Wesley wrote this piece and as is often true of his hymns a scripture reference can be found in nearly every phrase.

Christmas/Advent music would not be complete without The Messiah.  My heart jumps for joy when I hear the opening notes and I am transported as I listen to not just the beauty of the music but the heart and soul within it.  This rendition is more contemporary in nature, in fact, a lot more.  I love the joy I see in the faces of the singers (First Call).

There are many more songs of Advent than these.  Take the time to listen to some great music during this season.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie