The First Sunday of Lent

This Sunday is the First of Lent.  

I have three tracks at Choral Music Worth Hearing chosen for this First Sunday.  In addition to the Antiphon above I posted two other tracks, one in English the other Latin and from different centuries.  But the thing that most strikes me about them is this:  one selection is a "performance" while the other is "sung prayer".  

Both groups are small - just 4-5 singers - and although both are sublimely sung, there is a distinct difference between them. (And yet from the still frame of the video, they appear the same!)  It bears repeating: one selection is a "performance".  The other is "sung prayer." 

How can we tell when both are sublimely sung in a sacred space?  (Which makes me wonder - why do we often think that the most beautifully sung choral music is reserved for performance only?)  

The singing of "Remember not, Lord, Our Mercies" by a suit-clad quintet, standing in a sacred space for their recording, is chosen for its text and the delivery. Yet, there is no action in the sanctuary other than their voices and the subtle movements of the videographer.

The second group in choir robes at first glance looks and sounds as if they are in a similar situation.  Standing close together in a sacred space, singing the Agnus Dei from the Missa Secunda written by Hans Leo Hassler.  

And yet we are immediately struck by the action occurring during their singing.  

The sign of peace is occuring! And it moves directly into the Fraction Rite.  This is Mass! And this quartet sings the Agnus Dei positioned back and away from the action at the altar.  

This isn't just music at Mass.  This is music of the Mass.  

Sung prayer.  Sublime.  Adorning the most sacred liturgy we have on earth with heavenly song.  

Once upon a time Lenten music would have been all a cappella and floating through a sanctuary such as this.  Today we need to be reminded at seasonal shifts to find ways of honoring the Lenten fast even in music.  

Music ministers are advised by the experts:  Play less organ.  Limit the additional instruments.  Chant the Agnus Dei. Provide a different Mass setting.  Choose a seasonal Response.

Given the pandemic, the choral fast has been in place for almost a year now.  I yearn for the day when we can have even four singers....  that would seem a luxury!

In the meantime, we'll congregationally chant the Agnus Dei and together sing the most sublime music for our God...choirs or not....