Candlemas is an informal name for the Feast of the Presentation – the multi-generational story of Jesus being presented in the Temple by his parents, at which point the infant Jesus is recognised by the wise elders Simeon and Anna. Traditionally it was a day when people brought their household candles to Church to be blessed.
Music for the service
The opening Anthem is ‘Crossing the bar’ a poem by Tennyson with music by contemporary composer Rani Arbo.
The Verses and Responses are by Thomas Ebdon (1738–1811).
The musical setting for the Psalm is by Maria Portela (a current student at Imperial College).
The tunes for the Canticles, the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, are from the setting in A minor by the composer and organist Basil Harwood (1859-1949).
The closing Anthem is ‘Geistliches Lied’ (“Sacred Song”) by the German composer, pianist, and conductor Johannes Brahms (May 1833-1897).
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