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I posted the following on Facebook last year, and it seems timely to bring it up again -- especially because the recording From Darkness to Light is now available for free streaming on Spotify.

As an early Christmas (Advent?) present to myself, I recently bought "From Darkness to Light". You've probably seen pictures of this service recently (see below, for instance). I have to say that I'm rather captivated by this disc. And yes, I still buy CDs.
At first it sounded a bit slow. But as I listened more, I realized that it was all of a piece. The music, the liturgy, and the prayer is all so incredibly intentional, deliberately paced, and rich with meaning. I was particularly struck with the loud introduction of the organ in the service for the appearance of John the Baptist and his infamous cry. And to my listening ear Jeremy Davies's inimitably gracious precenting cannot help but draw one deeply into the liturgy. I found the closing blessing particularly beautiful.
I'm struck by the power of this remarkable service -- and I've only listened to it. I can only imagine what the sheer drama of this liturgy would be like in person.
This is the kind of experience that makes me so very grateful for the rich heritage of organ and choral music in the Anglican tradition.
This is the kind of thing that makes me very glad to be a Christian.

Labels: Advent, Anglicanism, church music, Jeremy Davies, Salisbury Cathedral