5th Resumed Sunday after Epiphany 2024
Processional hymn: Hearken, Shepherd of the Sheep, 873
Recessional hymn: All People That On Earth Do Dwell, 925
Kyriale: Mass XI, 740; Credo III, 776
Chant after Offertory: Languentibus in Purgatorio, Chant
Motet at communion: Sicut Cervus, G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594)
The motet Sicut Cervus by G.P. Palestrina is one of his most well known works and is regarded as the culminating example of Sacred Roman Polyphony. The text is taken from Psalm 41: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Though many recordings and performances end with the first verse, Palestrina composed an entire second part that includes verses 2 and 3 from the same Psalm: My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God? My tears have been my bread day and night, as they ask me every day, “Where is your God?
G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) is highly regarded for his contributions of Sacred Polyphony and development of counterpoint in the late 16th Century. In the post-Tridentine period he earned the reputation of the ideal Catholic composer for his success in reconciling the functional and aesthetic aims of Catholic church music. Palestrina wrote over 105 Masses and 250 sacred motets in addition to many other works.
4th Resumed Sunday after Epiphany 2024
Processional hymn: O Jesus Christ, Remember, 941
Recessional hymn: The King of Love, My Shepherd Is, 874
Kyriale: Mass XI, 740; Credo I, 768
Hymn at communion: Ave Verum Corpus, William Byrd
The prayer Ave Verum Corpus is a short Eucharistic hymn dating from the 14th century and attributed to Pope Innocent VI (d. 1362). During the Middle Ages the prayer was sung at the elevation during the consecration at Mass. Next to Mozart, the setting by William Byrd is perhaps the most famous setting of the Eucharistic themed text. In his setting, Byrd doubles the latter portion of the prayer which says: “O sweet, O gentle, O Jesus, son of Mary, have mercy on me.”
William Byrd (c. 1543–1623) became Catholic in the 1570s and he composed much music for the church against government ordinances. In 1605 the first volume of the Gradualia, which are settings of the propers of the Mass, was banned in England under penalty of imprisonment along with all of his Catholic music. By the time of his death he was seen favorably as a composer by both Anglican and Catholic alike.
Christ the King 2024
Processional hymn: To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King, 856
Recessional hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns, 858
Credo I, 768; Kyriale: III, 705
Motet at Offertory: Jesu Rex, Admirabilis, G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594)
Motet at Communion: Rex gloriose martyrum, Tomás Luis de Victoria
The Motet sung during communion is a setting of a hymn by Tomás Luis de Victoria. He composed the even verses of this hymn alternating with the ancient chant melody for the odd verses. During verse two, the Tenor voice retains the Gregorian melody in long tones, known also as the cantus firmus. In the final verse, the Holy Trinity is invoked and the music changes to groups of three, while all voices sing the text in rhythm together making for a very effective three-in-one quality in musical form; Victoria used this exact same verse in his setting of the Easter hymn Ad Cenam Agni Providi.
Tomás Luis de Victoria (c.1548–1611), along with Palestrina and de Lassus, is one of the greatest composers of the 16th C., famous for its ethereal polyphony. Ordained a priest at age 27, he lived in Rome for years, and assisted St. Philip Neri as chaplain of San Girolamo della Carità.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost 2024
Processional hymn: My God, Accept My Heart This Day, 942
Recessional hymn: Praise to the Holiest In the Height, 922
Kyriale: Mass IX, 731; Credo I, 768
Offertory antiphon: Recordare, Jeffery Quick
Hymn at the communion: Adoremus in Aeternum, Gregorio Allegri (c.1582–1652)
This Sunday the Offertory antiphon is a choral setting by living composer Jeffery Quick. The translation of the text is: Remember me, O Lord, you who dominate all authority; put the right words on my lips, so that my speech may be convincing in the presence of the King. Mr. Quick’s short motet makes use of a five note phrase that is repeated in each voice throughout the composition.
Jeffery Quick (b. 1956) is a composer, music editor, and director based in Ohio. He received a BM in music history from the University of Michigan, and a MM in composition from Cleveland State University. He was assistant music librarian at Case Western Reserve University for 22 years, and presently directs the schola cantorum of St. Mary Church in Akron OH.
External Solemnity of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2024
Recessional hymn: Daily, Daily Sing to Mary, 912
Kyriale: Mass IX, 731; Credo I, 768
Motet at the offertory: Ave Maria, Reverend Jean Mouton
Hymn at the communion: Ave Maris Stella, Guillaume Dufay (c. 1397–1474)
This past Friday was the feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is again celebrated this Sunday as an External Solemnity for the Sung Mass. There are plentiful settings of the Ave Maria but today’s setting by Reverend Jean Mouton uses some notable variations to this perennial prayer. It begins with Hail Mary the Lord is thee, as normal then adds, in your heart, and in your womb. Fr. Mouton lived prior to the Council of Trent, and as such the latter invocation had not become standard to the prayer. Yet in this setting to the final portion of the composition he adds, O Mary, bearer of God, pray for us.
Reverend Jean Mouton (c. 1459–1522) was a French priest and composer of the Renaissance. He was famous both for his motets, which are among the most refined of the time, and for being the teacher of the famous composer Adrian Willaert, one of the founders of the Venetian School. Over 100 of his compositions survive today and Pope Leo X rewarded him with the honorary title, apostolic notary on the occasion of a motet he composed for the pope in 1515.