College Chorale Concert

A local college chorale presented their Christmas concert last night, and of course we were there, along with a loyal contingent of other senior citizens. One of the special things about small town events is that you can look around the audience and spot lots of folks you know and can visit with before the performance begins.

Each year, the concert chorale attempts difficult music, and last night was no exception as they attempted Bach's very challenging "Magnificat, BWV 243."

Preceded by a reading: The Canticle of Mary, Luke 1:46-55, the music is divided into twelve parts and lasts about 30 minutes.

It is, of course, sung in Latin, but the translations are:

I. My soul magnifies the Lord.
II. And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
III. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden:
IV. For behold, henceforth all generations shall call Me blessed.
V. For He who is mighty has done great things to me;
and Holy is His name.
VI. And His mercy is on them who fear Him, From generation to generation;
VII. He has shown great strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud,
Even the arrogant of heart.
VIII. He has deposed the mighty from their seats,
And exalted the humble.
IX. The hungry He has filled with good things,
And the rich He has sent empty away.
X. He has helped his servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy.
XI. As it was spoken to our fathers,
To Abraham and his offspring forever.
XII. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
World with out end, Amen.

For more information about the "Magnificat," go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/magnificat.

A couple of other offerings of the chorale were "Hanukkah Wish," and "Owari," a Japanese Haiku that translates as "All's well that ends well!"

The homily address, given by the college's woman chaplain, reminded us that for all the stress we (women especially) put ourselves through during this season, and our pledge to not go overboard next year, we should remember that we are blessed not to have to, in the last stages of pregnancy, travel by donkey 70 or 80 miles over rough terrain, in harsh weather, minus personal hygiene amenities, to be registered in a census and be taxed, and then give birth to a child in a stable.

Point well taken.