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The tradition of Advent services at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, predated Peter Hallock’s appointment as organist/choirmaster. These Advent liturgies were based largely on the Lessons and Carols model from King’s College, Cambridge. However, Hallock sought to contribute something new to the liturgy. The existence of the mixed-voice Cathedral Choir and men’s Compline Choir provided opportunities for dialogue between the two, and the acquisition of handbells from the firm Petit and Fritsen in Aarle-Rixtel, Holland, opened up instrument combinations not possible before at the cathedral. This resulted in the composition of the first Advent Procession in December 1964 entitled From lands that see the sun arise, for SATB choir, men’s choir, and handbells (GIA Publications, Inc.), followed by this work, Behold, a mighty prophet (1969). Others followed, including Arise, O Lord, unto thy resting place (1975), I saw a new heaven and a new earth (1979), and Let my prayer come up as the incense (1987).
Behold, a mighty Prophet, published in 1974 by Walton Music (WM2199), has been out-of-print for decades. In 2019, Walton Music assigned copyrights for all works by Peter Hallock that they had published to the Peter R. Hallock Institute, allowing creation of this edition.
In performance at Saint Mark’s, the chant choir sings and rings handbells while processing through the cathedral, and the mixed voice choir sings from a stationary position. Alternatively, a mixed voice choir could sing both the chant and mixed choir parts, a children’s choir could sing the chant choir part transposed up an octave, or a handbell choir could ring from a stationary position. Other methods of performance are possible, and directors should opt for whatever which enables the most successful presentation.
So that language referencing God might be more inclusive and wording less archaic, the editor has made judicious modifications to the text as originally set by Hallock.
Lyrics
Behold, a mighty prophet, comes in might and power to save;
King and Shepherd, Prince of Peace, alleluia.
Behold, the Lord will come to save the nations,
and the glory of God’s voice will sound upon the mountains. Alleluia.
O light in darkness shining, Sun of Righteousness, arise!
King and Shepherd, Prince of Peace, alleluia.
The dew of heaven falls softly like the rain upon the mown grass.
O Lord, prepare within a barren heart a peaceful place
wherein my ever grow that blissful flower, God’s fairest Rose. Alleluia.
O Zion’s sons and daughters, hasten forth to greet your Lord.
King and Shepherd, Prince of Peace, alleluia.
Rise up, O Jerusalem! Stand upon the heights!
Rejoice and sing, all nations, for your Savior now draws near; King and Shepherd, Prince of Peace, alleluia.
