Music collections for performance in English
A melodic musical setting for the Prayer of St. Simeon the God-Receiver (Nunc Dimittis), sung during Vespers. This arrangement by R. Astley is designed for English-speaking choirs, offering a clear and prayerful harmonic structure that captures the peaceful resignation and spiritual hope of this ancient biblical canticle.
Song of Symeon — Arrangement by R. Astley (English)
Vespers — Prayer of St. Simeon — English version
A complete collection of the daily Prokeimena for Vespers, covering the entire weekly liturgical cycle. These settings for English-speaking choirs include the Great Prokimenon for Saturday evening and the specific verses for each day of the week, preserving the traditional prayerful dialogue between the clergy and the faithful.
Vesperal Prokeimena — English Liturgical Cycle
A selection of musical settings for the ancient Vesperal hymn «O Joyous Light,» sung during the entrance at Great Vespers. This collection includes a versatile arrangement by Monk Martin of Platina, suitable for both mixed (SAB) and male (TTB) ensembles, as well as an adaptation of the traditional Carpatho-Russian chant. These settings bring the serene and prayerful atmosphere of the lighting of the lamps to the English-speaking liturgy.
A selection of musical settings for the «Lord, I Cry to Thee» verses (Kekragaria) from the Psalms, sung at the beginning of Great Vespers. This collection includes various Tones adapted for English-speaking choirs, preserving the traditional prayerful cadence and the dialogue between the chanter and the choir.
A selection of musical settings for the first stasis of the first antiphon of the Psalter, «Blessed is the Man,» sung during Great Vespers. This collection includes an abbreviated form specifically arranged for the All-Night Vigil, as well as a complete stasis for use when Vespers is served as a standalone service. Both arrangements are adapted for English-speaking choirs, preserving the prayerful and rhythmic flow of the traditional Orthodox chant.
A musical setting for the Introductory Psalm of Great Vespers (Psalm 103), which glorifies God as the Creator of the universe. This arrangement for English-speaking choirs is based on the traditional Greek chant and includes the liturgical refrains. It preserves the majestic and contemplative atmosphere required for the beginning of the All-Night Vigil.
Psalm 103 — Greek Chant with Refrains (English)
Great Vespers — Introductory Psalm — English Version
A collection of musical settings for the Prayer of St. Simeon the God-Receiver, sung during Vespers. This selection offers diverse Orthodox traditions adapted for English-speaking choirs, including the solemn Bulgarian chant arranged by Abp. Jonathan, traditional Byzantine and Valaam melodies, and a Slavic setting of the Napaskiak melody. Each arrangement preserves the peaceful and expectant character of this profound biblical canticle.
Vespers Prayer of St. Simeon — English and Slavonic versions
A selection of musical settings for the hierarchical many years, «Eis polla eti, dhespota» (Many years to you, Master). This collection features the majestic and classical arrangement by D. Bortniansky, a staple of Orthodox choral tradition, alongside a melodic setting by R. Astley. Both versions are adapted for English-speaking choirs for use during hierarchical services.
Additional musical settings for the hierarchical greeting «Ton Despotin kai Archieria imon.» This selection provides a contrast between the traditional, clear structure of a plainchant setting and the expressive harmonic arrangement by R. Astley. Both versions are specifically adapted for English-speaking choirs to use during hierarchical Divine Liturgies and episcopal visits.
A solemn musical setting for the hymn «Let thy soul rejoice in the Lord,» traditionally sung during the vesting of a Bishop at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. This majestic hymn emphasizes the spiritual joy and the divine grace associated with the episcopal ministry. This arrangement is adapted for English-speaking choirs, preserving the prayerful and triumphant character of the traditional liturgical chant.
Let Thy Soul Rejoice — Hierarchical Vesting Hymn (English)
Hierarchical Service — English version