An Advent Prayer (Consort): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Joseph M. Martin
Item: 35-PK01418714
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Description
There is a heavy yet hopeful longing in this anthem. Set to the solemn minor-key melody of a Russian folk song, this plea for God to send a Redeemer is full of rich harmonic writing. Brief in length, this selection is appropriate for both Advent and Lessons and Carols services.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01418714
More about this title
About the Arranger: Joseph M. Martin
Joseph M. Martin studied piano performance at Furman University and earned his master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also taught in the Piano Pedagogy Department for five years. A performing artist in his own right, he has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across the United States and Mexico, and his work has been heard in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to intimate worship spaces across North America.
Martin's dual life as both pianist and composer has shaped his gift for writing music that serves the church while respecting the musician. His arrangements balance accessibility with musical substance, making them reliable choices for directors seeking repertoire that sounds far more sophisticated than it demands of singers and players.
Why we love this
Martin finds the profound in brevity here. Rather than padding out a Advent text with excessive length, he lets the Russian folk melody and its minor tonality carry the weight of longing itself. The harmonic palette is generous enough to feel substantial without overwhelming a consort ensemble, making this a piece that gains impact from what it doesn't say as much as what it does.
What to expect
The minor key establishes an atmosphere of patient waiting, neither despairing nor triumphant but grounded in humble petition. Rich harmonies stack beneath the folk melody like candlelight deepening shadows, creating an introspective space that invites the listener into private devotion. This is a prayer sung aloud but meant to feel intimate.
Who it's for
This work suits choirs of any size that sing during Advent and Lessons and Carols services. It is brief enough for choirs managing multiple pieces during the busy holiday season, yet substantial enough to anchor a concert moment with genuine liturgical weight.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the minor melody with restraint. The solemn character depends on stillness rather than dramatic gestures; let the harmony do the expressive work.
- Balance the vocal and instrumental lines carefully so the folk melody remains the clear focal point even when instruments double or accompany.
- Pay attention to the harmonic turns. Martin's writing often contains moments of unexpected color; these shifts deserve subtle emphasis to reveal the emotional depth.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece within your Advent or Lessons and Carols service. Its brevity makes it an ideal transition between longer works or between readings and congregational singing. The minor-key solemnity also pairs well with a cappella pieces of similar character, creating a cohesive segment of deeper reflection.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining focus and emotional restraint within a minor tonality
- Balancing vocal lines with instrumental accompaniment
- Reading and interpreting harmonic color and unexpected chord movement
- Adjusting tempo and phrasing for liturgical context