MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS
by the Metropolitan United Church Choirs, Toronto, Canada
Music is an important part of the spiritual life of Metropolitan United Church, and this recording provides the listener with a sampling of the variety of music which is heard during the Christmas season at Metropolitan’s services. From arrangements of familiar carols to 21st century compositions, from music from our Great Heart ensemble to music played by carillon or handbells, from organ music to a duet accompanied by a theorbo, the congregation of Metropolitan values music as God’s gift with which to worship and honour God.
Toronto’s METROPOLITAN UNITED CHURCH began in 1818 as a congregation of Episcopal Methodists, and the “Cathedral of Methodism” in Canada was erected in 1872 on the present site at Queen and Church Streets. In June of 1925, the union of the Methodist, Congregational, and most Presbyterian congregations occurred, and Metropolitan became part of the United Church of Canada. The sanctuary was rebuilt in 1929 after a disastrous fire.
The ORGAN was built by Casavant Frères, Ltée. in 1930 and has five manuals, 7852 pipes, and 121 ranks. A gallery division of 7 stops and 393 pipes was dedicated in November of 1998. This instrument is the largest pipe organ in Canada. The original CARILLON of 23 large bells was presented in 1922 and was the first harmonically tuned carillon in North America. Enlarged in 1960 and 1971 to 54 bells, the carillon is heard every Sunday morning and on special occasions throughout the year.
The price is $20 per cd plus $4 for shipping and handling if not picked up at the church.
Music of Canada and beyond from Metropolitan United Church. Featuring the Metropolitan Choir, Cherub Choir, Choristers, CIC Ensemble, Handbells, Carillon and Organ. Recorded at Metropolitan United Church in May-June, 2006. Total playing time: 74:05. Available now!
Metropolitan United's second Christmas CD provides the listener with a sampling of the variety of music heard during the church's Advent and Christmas services. Features the adult choir and soloists, organ, carillon, handbells, Celtic harp, guitar, violin, piano and percussion. Recorded at Metropolitan United Church in June, 2002. Total playing time: 69:42.
This recording includes a variety of music that might also be heard during worship services at Metropolitan. Features the choir and soloists, organ, band, carillon (bells in the church tower) and celtic harp. Recorded at Metropolitan United Church, June 20-22, 1999. Total playing time: 58:04.
This recording includes organ music enjoyed by Metropolitan's congregation, which has long valued the organ's place in its worship and concert life. Performed by Patricia Phillips Wright, D.M.A., Minister of Music and organist of Metropolitan, on the church's Casavant organ,
