Augsburg Fortress

This anthem features a lyrical dialog between the songs of Hannah (1 Samuel 2) and Mary (Luke 1). The solos may be performed by two soloists or by solo sections, and the congregation is invited to sing on the refrains.  An excellent anthem during Advent, highlighting the long history of women singing out for justice and the connection between Hannah’s song and the Magnificat.

Full orchestral parts are available in place of the organ accompaniment, as orchestrated for the St. Olaf Christmas Festival. Instrumentation: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, and strings.