An unaccompanied anthem for SSATBB to SATB/SATB double choir with divisi
The tradition of Advent services at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle, preceded Peter Hallock’s tenure by many years. Modeled on the Lessons and Carols service at King’s College, Cambridge, Hallock sought to contribute something new to the cathedral’s liturgical and musical life, beginning with the Advent service in 1953. He composed Hosanna to the Son of David, an anthem for six-part mixed choir which then divides into double choir, for that service. The work, up until 2014, was presumed lost. Through serendipity, a sole surviving copy found its way from England to Seattle thanks to the Rev. Ronald Burrow. Burrow, who sang in the Cathedral Choir from October 1952 to February 1953, sent the score in late 2014, along with the manuscript of Hymn Prelude on Thornbury. Hosanna to the Son of David is clearly early Hallock—listen for Hallock’s signature raised 4th scale degree near the end in the final hosannas.
Lyrics
Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in excelsis Deo. [Hosanna in the highest to God.]
—Matthew 21:9
