Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

This is a nice setting of the centuries-old chant that truly calls to mind the Medieval Church in a way that most, if not all, choirs can perform well. The usually a cappella chant is instead accompanied by a sustained 6-handbell accompaniment which supports the singers' intonation as it creates an ethereal mood. Two cautions from this reviewer: 1) Select an experienced soloist that has a well-supported non-dramatic timbre, and 2) Following the sustained handbell accompaniment of the first two verses, the moving quarter note ostinato note patterns of the last verse will always tend to rush unless a strict effort is made to keep the andante (walking) tempo steady. This would be an excellent choice as a solemn processional and/or a lovely inclusion in any concert or worship service, especially for the First Sunday of Advent.