Burton: Grandeur and Glory - Volume 1
Chorale Preludes for Advent
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Daniel Burton (1944-)
- Instrumentation: Organ
Description
The four weeks preceding Christmas are a time both of reflection and of joy, anticipating the arrival of the Christ, both in fact and in the hearts of Christians. December 25 being the traditional date in the Western Church for the celebration of the "Christ Mass," the period leading up to this important festival encourages the Christian to prepare in expectation of perhaps the second greatest event in history, only superseded in the Christian year by the resurrection itself.
While unavoidably intertwined with the spirit of the Christmas season, Advent has its own essence, often considered a more introspective period. The very nature of what is anticipated, however, the arrival of the King of Kings, the God of Love, spills over to color the season with a duality that is understandably inescapable.
Advent is also the first event in the Church's annual calendar, a new beginning, a fresh start for the heart to rid itself of previous baggage and look forward with optimism and hope. It is a time for forgiveness, for welcoming the Christ into a cleared and waiting heart, for a renewed and kinder approach to the future.
The image of a newborn child could hardly be a better symbol for this season. Completely innocent, newness personified, a beginning life with untold promise ahead — the connection is gripping in its humanity, and it is no mystery why this time is so popular with both believers and observers.
The collection presented here consists of arrangements of a mixture of familiar hymns and hymns less well known, with all of the texts appropriate to some aspect of the season. Both the meditative and the rejoicing aspects of Advent are represented.
The registrations suggested are mere guides to the organist, with actual decisions relating to balance, contrast and overall effect left to the discerning ear of the musician.
- Daniel Burton, San Diego
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Digital Download
Digital, PDF version of the score.