The Great O Antiphons of Advent (Willan/Schalk)

Settings for SATB choir by Healey Willan of the seven traditional antiphons of Advent with five additional antiphons. Also includes unison settings to traditional Gregorian melodies. Revised and updated by Carl F. Schalk.

The Great O Antiphons of Advent may be used in several ways. They may be sung as originally intended, namely, as antiphons upon the canticle Magnificat in Vespers/Evening Prayer beginning on December 17, or they may be used as antiphons for the canticles Benedictus and Nunc dimittis during Advent. In addition, they may be used as seasonal liturgical pieces, that is, as "anthems" in the modern sense, at any time during Advent.

These antiphons may be sung by the full choir throughout. They may also be sung by a soloist or a unison choir accompanied by an organ playing the harmonies. In addition to the Willan choral settings, this revised edition also presents the historic Gregorian melodies that have traditionally been associated with these texts. The texts of the Great O Antiphons have been carefully adapted to the Gregorian melodies and are included for those who may wish to use them, either by themselves, or in alternation with the four-part settings.