Choral Prelude
Cor Jesu – Gregorian chant, Mode I
A hymn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I dare say it is little remembered that hymns in the English language are an innovation at Mass. In fact, hymns of any kind were not proper to the Mass until after the Second Vatican Council, which in the history of the Church, was a few minutes ago. When the Missal of 1970 was put into use that same year, there was no preparation for music in the English language, so everyone scrambled to come up with something. The logical place to find religious music in English was to look to the English-speaking Lutherans and Episcopalians (Anglicans), who had been singing hymns in English for a long time. This is why we have imported many fine hymns into our liturgies, so much so that they have become cultural parts of our liturgies. There were, of course, famous hymns in English already in use at Exposition, Benediction and other liturgies outside of Mass, but not a word that was not Latin (with the notable exception of Greek!) was allowed at Mass until 1970. Today we hear just one of the thousands of Latin Hymns, nearly all of which were designed for and used in, the Divine Office. And a beautiful hymn it is.
Heart of Jesus, most loving! Inexhaustible fount of all goodness, our way and our life, our peace, our reconciliation, our ideal, our refuge, our joy, comfort for our weakness. To Thee be praise, to Thee be glory, to Thee be thanksgiving: to Thee be the empire of hearts forever. Alleluia.
Offertory Motet
Jubilate Deo – Orlandus Lassus (1530/32-1594)
Of the many famous composers of the Renaissance, who was the greatest? Naturally, this is a very subjective matter, and one which cannot really be settled. Let’s, for the sake of argument, narrow it down to three on the continent – Palestrina, Victoria and Lasso; and three in England – Tallis and Byrd. Of the continental composers, I could not possibly choose a favorite, but I am partial to Lasso. From Flanders (now Belgium), his name is found variously in French, Dutch, Italian or in Latin (Orlandus Lassus) when used formally. Today’s motet is perhaps not the best example of his finest work because it is such a small piece, but you may feast your ears additionally on the
Missa super ‘Osculetur me’ for double choir. Of the English composers – well let’s talk about them when their music comes up on a Sunday at Holy Family, and that likely won’t be long.
O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: Serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. For the Lord he is God. (Ps. 100:1-3)
Communion Motets
Ecce quam bonum – Richard Proulx (1937-2010)
Many American Catholics will recognize the name of Richard Proulx, a man whose conducting and composing has had a lasting influence on the American Church scene. If I began to sing a certain “Holy, Holy” for you, you would certainly be able to finish it without difficulty. Born in St. Paul, he is yet another Minnesotan who has left his stamp on Catholic Church music. (Are you reading between the lines there?) Did you know that when our present church was opened in 1960 (1961?), Richard Proulx applied for the job as music director? If you want to know what happened, I’ll tell you. Today’s motet is, I think, his best piece. In it I hear influences of Hindemith and Sowerby, and a little French impressionism too.
Ecce quam bonum et quam jucundum habitare fratres in unum. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity. Such unity is fragrant as the precious oil poured out upon the head and falling down over the head of Aaron, down to the collar of his robes. Such unity is plentiful as the dew of Mount Hermon, descending upon the hills of Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, and life forevermore. (Psalm 134:1-4)
Agnus Dei (from Missa brevis) – Peter Mathews (b. 1944)
Mr. Mathews has been a friend of mine for several years now. I first heard the Missa brevis at the Church of the Advent in Boston, a place which had the best church choir in the country at the time. I’m not sure if it was the beauty of the singing or the music itself which captivated me but I have sung, conducted and played his Missa brevis for a long time. The Agnus Dei is as moody as it is heartfelt.