O Rex Gentium (from O Antiphons) – Carol Barnett

Composer: Carol Barnett

Text by: Traditional text

Instrumentation: SATB and organ

Duration: Approx. 2:00 minutes

Date Written:  2022

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Composer’s note: Based on the traditional Gregorian chant, these new settings of the seven traditional Advent antiphon texts each implore God to “Come, teach us, redeem us, deliver us, shine upon us.” All seven of these texts are similar in structure; each is addressed to, and describes, an aspect of the messianic hopes found in the Old Testament – O Wisdom, O Leader of the House of Israel, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Radiant Dawn, O King of the Nations, O Emmanuel. And all of the antiphons end with the supplication “Come” – to teach, redeem, deliver, save us. The music follows this same two-part structure. The first part of each antiphon describes the particular messianic aspect: for example, Radiant Dawn is supported by a light 16th -note ostinato; mirroring melodic lines describe the shape of the Key of David; the King of the Nations treads with measured steps. The second part in all the settings features the plaintive supplication “Come,” and often ends in E major with a minor sixth scale degree. Musical influences include Arvo Pärt’s gorgeous setting of the same texts, the Gregorian chant itself (similar in melodic contour for all of the antiphons and heard most clearly in the second movement), and in the final movement, a hint of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” – Carol Barnett

Liturgical note: The Magnificat is sung daily throughout the year at vespers or evensong, which is a traditional daily evening service of the Western and Eastern Churches. A brief antiphon (which varies according to the days and seasons of the Church year) was historically sung along with it – twice, as bookends to the Magnificat itself. These antiphons cast the canticle into view from various angles, over time encouraging greater understanding and wonder at the richness of Mary’s words. The O Antiphons, dating from the fourth century, are assigned as the Magnificat antiphons on December 17-23, the week before Christmas. – Nathan Skinner, Director of Music, Park Street Church

text

O Rex Gentium. O King of the Nations, and their desire; the Corner-stone, who makest both one: Come and save mankind, whom Thou didst fashion from clay.