Telling the Story of Christmas Podcasts 2021

 
 
Each Wednesday beginning December 8, these podcasts will be posted for your listening enjoyment. Rachel Parfenchuk & Kim La Rue unveil the story of Christmas through many musical styles, composers, and origins spanning the time from the 12th century to today. Beginning with the virgin Mary’s response to the news that she will bear a child who is the long-awaited Messiah and extending all the way through the Epiphany story with the Wise Men, the story carries the news of joy and light. Merry Christmas!
 
December 8: Podcast #1
Rachel and Kim discuss John Rutter’s “Magnificat anima mea” which is the musical expression of Luke 1:46-48. This is Mary’s acceptance of her role as the mother of the Messiah and her joy in that recognition.
Music Title: Magnificat: “Magnificat anima mea”
Composer: John Rutter (born 1945)
 
December 15: Podcast #2
Kim & Rachel explore the 12th century composer and artist Hildegarde of Bingen who was way ahead of her time as a female mystic. This piece “O Frondens Virga” is the community’s response to Mary herself. The image of a blooming branch is used in this beautiful piece of long ago.
Music Title: O Frondens Virga
Composer: Hidegard of Bingen (12th century)
Podcast 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVjTwm7gAig
O Frondens Virga performance: https://youtu.be/QGXXrUvNzec
 
 
December 22: Podcast #3
In this third podcast the very familiar Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D major” is the topic of conversation. Rachel and Kim connect this music to the passage from Luke 2 which is the angel’s pronouncement to the Shepherds of the baby’s birth. And following the announcement the heavenly host praises God singing “Glory to God in the highest”.
Music Title: Gloria in D major
Composer: Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Podcast 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvvzkWWcmXI
 
December 29: Podcast #4
The exciting “Hodie Christus Natus Est” by Jan Sweelinck is the shepherds’ response to the announcement of the birth of Jesus. The shepherds then go to see the baby and tell the story to the Israelites. Kim and Rachel discuss the uplifting feel of this wonderful piece.
Music Title: Hodie Christus Natus Est
Composer: Jan Sweelinck (1562-1621)
Podcast 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teUaFrZmVTo
 
January 5: Podcast #5
In the final podcast for the season, Rachel and Kim turn to Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, “Ich steh an deiner Krippen Hier” to focus on Epiphany. The scripture is from Matt 2:9-12 and we hear about the Magi who bring the message of the saving Messiah to the whole world.
Music Title: Christmas Oratorio ‘Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier’
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)