CHERUBIC HYMN

'Prelude and Cherubic Hymn' was commissioned by the John F Kennedy School in Berlin, to mark the 25th anniversary of their Advent services held in Berlin Cathedral every year. It was performed by joint choirs, drawn from students, parents and staff, together with choir members from the American Church in Berlin on 29 November 2017. The accompaniment was provided by the John F Kennedy School Orchestra. The piece is built around the ancient hymn, 'Let all mortal flesh keep silence'. After an opening fanfare- like section (played by brass instruments if the orchestral accompaniment is used), the hymn starts gently, with sopranos singing in unison, a cappella (or with accompanying oboe), with successive verses using contrasting choral forces to reflect the words. The music builds to a big climax, with a return of the fanfare opening, for the final verse, 'At his feet the six-winged seraph', ending with joyful 'Alleluias'. The piece may alternatively be performed without orchestra, using just organ or other keyboard instrument for accompaniment. In this case, it is suggested that the first six bars be omitted - and also the reprise of this passage (i.e. the first six bars at rehearsal letter F).