Popule meus (O MY People) - The Good Friday Reproaches

Popule meus, quid feci tibi? Aut in quo contristavi te? Responde mihi. V. Quia eduxi te de terra Ægypti: parasti Crucem Salvatori tuo.

O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me. V. Because I led thee out of the land of Egypt, thou hast prepared a cross for thy Savior. 

The two choirs then sing alternately:

Hagios o Theos.
Sanctus Deus.

Hagios Ischyros.
Sanctus Fortis.

Hagios Athanatos, eleison hymas.
Sanctus Immortalis, miserere nobis.

The two choirs then sing alternately:

O holy God!
O holy God!

O holy strong One!
O holy strong One!

O holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.
O holy immortal One, have mercy upon us. 

Two cantors:

Quia eduxi te per desertum quadraginta annis, et manna cibavi te, et introduxi in terram satis optimam: parasti Crucem Salvatori tuo.

Two cantors:

Because I led thee out through the desert forty years: and fed thee with manna, and brought thee into a land exceeding good, thou hast prepared a Cross for thy Savior. 

Alternately the two choirs repeat as before: Hagios o Theos…

Alternately the two choirs repeat as before: O holy God!

Two cantors:

Quid ultra debui facere tibi, et non feci? Ego quidem plantavi te vineam meam speciosissimam: et tu facta es mihi nimis amara: aceto namque sitim meam potasti: et lancea perforasti latus Salvatori tuo.

Two cantors:

What more ought I to have done for thee, that I have not done? I planted thee, indeed, My most  beautiful vineyard: and thou hast become exceeding bitter to Me: for in My thirst thou gavest Me vinegar to drink: and with a lance thou hast pierced the side of Thy Savior. 

Alternately the two choirs repeat as before: Hagios o Theos…

Alternately the two choirs repeat as before: O holy God!

The verses of the following reproaches are sung alternately by two cantors of each choir. The choirs respond after each verse: Pópule meus... as far as the verse Quia. 

Ego propter te flagellavi Ægyptum cum primogenitis suis: et tu me flagellatum tradidisti.

R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? Aut in quo contristavi te? Responde mihi.

V. Ego te eduxi de Ægypto, demerso Pharaone in Mare Rubrum: et tu me tradidisti principibus sacerdotum.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego ante te aperui mare: et tu aperuisti lancea latus meum.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego ante te præivi in columna nubis: et tu me duxisti ad prætorium Pilati.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego te pavi manna per desertum: et tu me cecidisti alapis et flagellis.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego te potavi aqua salutis de petra: et tu me potasti felle et aceto.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego propter te Chananæorum reges percussi: et tu percussisti arundine caput meum.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego dedi tibi sceptrum regale: et tu dedisti capiti meo spineam coronam.

R. Popule meus,…

V. Ego te exaltavi magna virtute: et tu me suspendisti in patibulo Crucis.

R. Popule meus,…

The verses of the following reproaches are sung alternately by two cantors of each choir. The choirs respond after each verse: Pópule meus... as far as the verse Quia.

For thy sake I scourged Egypt with its first-born: and thou hast scourged Me and delivered me up.

R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.

V. I led thee out of Egypt having drowned Pharao in the Red Sea: and thou hast delivered Me to the chief priests.

R. O my people...

V. I opened the sea before thee: and thou with a spear hast opened My side.

R. O my people...

V. I went before thee in a pillar of cloud: and thou hast led Me to the judgment hall of Pilate.

R. O my people...

V. I fed thee with manna in the desert; and thou hast beaten Me with blows and scourges.

R. O my people...

V. I gave thee the water of salvation from the rock to drink: and thou hast given Me gall and vinegar.

R. O my people...

V. For thy sake I struck the kings of the Chanaanites: and thou hast struck My head with a reed.

R. O my people...

V. I gave thee a royal scepter: and thou hast given to My head a crown of thorns.

R. O my people...

V. I exalted thee with great strength: and thou hast hanged Me on the gibbet of the Cross.

R. O my people...

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Veni Creator Spiritus: St. James Church (London)

The Veni Creator Spiritus, sung at St. James' Church, Spanish Place, London, UK, on Jan 1st 2010. A Plenary Indulgence (under the usual conditions) may be obtained by singing the Veni Creator Spiritus on the first day of the year.

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St Andrews & Edinburgh Schola 2010 Calendar

I wanted to recommend these upcoming Sacred Liturgies from the St Andrews & Edinburgh Schola located in Edinburgh (UK).

In the past I have posted photos from their I Vespers of St. Joseph the Workman. If you attend any of the following sacred liturgies, please send me any pertinent photos, as I would love to publish them on this blog.

Thursday 21 January 2010
St Agnes, Virgin & Martyr
Solemn Vespers and Benediction
St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh

All are welcome to join the Schola for this opportunity to pray with the ancient music of the Church. St. Agnes of Rome (c. 291 – c.304) is a virgin–martyr, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, the Anglican Communion, and in Eastern Orthodoxy. She is one of seven women, excluding the Blessed Virgin, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She is the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, girls, engaged couples, rape victims, and virgins.

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Thursday 11 February 2010
Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Solemn Vespers and Benediction
St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh

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Thursday 25 March 2010
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Solemn Vespers and Benediction
St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh

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Thursday 1, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 April 2010
Tenebrae for the Holy Triduum
10.00am, St Mary's RC Cathedral, Edinburgh

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The Importance of Music in the Life of a Parish and How a Parish Can Start a Sacred Music Program

The Importance of Music in the Life of a Parish and How a Parish Can Start a Sacred Music Program

Guest Author of this article: Daniel

If you wish to contact the author, please leave comments in the comments box or email acatholiclife[at]gmail[dot]com.

+JMJ+

In the Catholic Book of Character, Edward Garesche S.J. indicates that whatever enters the imagination remains there until death, even if not always present to consciousness. We are therefore obliged to nourish the imagination with good and beautiful things that lead us to God. This summarizes the beneficence of having good music in our liturgies on a human level. Everything employed in the worship of God seeks firstly to glorify Him. Secondarily, though probably just as important, is its salutary effect on us.

The Gregorian Mass is saturated with symbols expressed through gestures, sounds, and smells for a reason which is at the very heart of religion: To bring mankind into an encounter with the Divine. Like our incomparable Savior, the Mass is composed of divine and human elements. Its divinity consists in the offering of the Son to the Father in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. However, in order that we may more fully benefit from its effects, the Church draws our attention to this mystery by stimulating our imaginations with beautiful ritual, for the more beautiful something is, the closer it is to God, Who is Beauty Itself.

Until the reforms of the 1960s, it was generally accepted that only the most beautiful and holy music, especially Gregorian chant, was suitable for the solemnity of the Mass. With the introduction of the "folk Mass," however, music in the liturgy became intimately tied with the world, losing its holiness to secular influences and beauty to shallow popular forms. The imagination no longer had the opportunity to soar into the transcendent, but was dragged into the immanent.

Such a description of these reforms might sound ridiculous. Why is music so important that I should view recent history with this perspective? The Second Vatican Council responds in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy that music is the most esteemed of the Church's liturgical arts, as it most directly speaks to the soul. That is, music, more than any other element of the liturgy, affects the imagination, having the power to raise our thoughts to heavenly things or lower them to worldly distractions. When we raise our minds to God, we are praying; music therefore has a direct correlation to our life of prayer. Therefore man has a greater potential for holiness when he is nourished with the bread of beauty in the worship of God.

This is why the return to beautiful liturgical music in recent years is such a good thing and so important. One could almost say our salvation depends on it. If we do not conceive heaven as being someplace beautiful, then we will not want to go there. We are drawn toward things that please us; only God, Who is infinitely pleasing, can satisfy our infinite longings, but we cannot know this if He is shrouded and blocked out by ugliness. It is imperative, then, that all parishes begin the process of restoring beauty - dare I say, God Himself - to their liturgies. Through music, the liturgy can become more God-like, greatly sanctifying its participants and, consequently, the world.

Such a noble task rests with church musicians in cooperation with their pastors. Establishing or reorganizing a parochial music program can appear a daunting task. In considering the challenges, though, musicians should always keep in mind that there is no obstacle too great for God's grace to overcome. Be sure to complement all your efforts with prayer.

Having a supportive pastor is essential in enacting meaningful and enduring changes. It is through his preaching and teaching of orthodoxy that a congregation will be able to appreciate the gradual changes that you will implement. Depending on your situation, this might be the most difficult part of the process and will require more prayer.

Once you have the support of your pastor, your primary concern will be to address the twofold challenge of teaching your choir good vocal technique and acclimating the congregation to proper liturgy. Concerning the former, if you do not know where to start, it is good to keep in mind that the two most important components of good singing are breath control and unity of vowels. Regarding the latter, I offer my own experience.

For the purpose of training both choir and congregation, it is best to begin with hymns, avoiding a complete switch from one style of worship to another. This also permits your choir some time to begin learning the art of singing chant. Some good sources of hymnody include the Traditional Roman Hymnal - one of the best in my opinion, the St. Gregory Hymnal, the Westminster Hymnal - text and music are separate here, and the Adoremus Hymnal. Hymns are the best way for your choir to practice good singing and for the congregation to become accustomed to orthodox text and beautifully crafted melodies.

You should use chant hymns that have been harmonized - such as Creator of the Stars of Night or Of the Father's Love Begotten, for example - whenever possible in order to prepare the way for the propers. When you believe your choir is ready, you may start adding simple propers. One of the best sources of free online chants and chant resources is www.musicasacra.com. I have found the Anglican Use Gradual - approved for use in the Mass - wonderfully suited to novice singers and congregations. They use psalm tones and high English, making them accessible yet exalted.

If you have attained these heights in your liturgies, then your parish is well on its way to fostering great holiness among its parishioners. From here, the paths are as varied as the branches of a Christmas tree. You may choose to employ polyphonic music of the renaissance, modern compositions (www.canticanova.com is a good place to find some of these), or simple hymns. The sky is your limit and the rubrics your foundation.

St. Cecelia, pray for us!

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Christmas Day Chants

These are some of the prayers said at the Tridentine Masses for the Mass of Christmas day. Please pray along to these beautiful chants:

Christmas (Day Mass) - Introit: Puer
Christmas (Day Mass) - Gradual: Viderunt omnes
Christmas (Day Mass) - Alleluia
Christmas (Day Mass) - Offertory: Tui sunt
Christmas (Day Mass) - Communion: Viderunt omnes
Christmas - Vespers Hymn: Christe redemptor omnium 

Image Source: Annunciation by Domenico Beccafumi, 1545-1546

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Choosing Music for a Tridentine Nuptial Mass

Are you preparing to have a Tridentine Nupital Mass for your wedding? Congratulations! When it comes to choosing music that is appropriate and sacred, here are some recommendations for you to share with your organist and choir at the parish. There are others but this is a good start:

Kyrie:

Kyrie IV

Credo: 

Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli 

Credo IV

Sanctus:

Sanctus IV

Recommendation from a Blog Reader:

Polyphonic settings are always a plus and preferred by the Church. In general, I try to avoid symphonic settings, though for a wedding, something out of the ordinary would be nice. One thing I learned while in Chicago [at the Sacred Music Colloquium] is that symphonic Masses are NOT suited to a Novus Ordo Mass. There is so little liturgical action that the priest finds himself waiting for the music to end. Back to polyphonic Masses, one that I sang recently that is very well done is the Mass for five voices by Byrd. I tried looking for it on Youtube to no avail. Perhaps you will fare better. Schubert is lovely but I hesitate to recommend it as he makes inappropriate textual changes (leaves out a portion of the Credo and includes the intonation for the Gloria).

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Jade Music: 99 Essential Chants

A Catholic Life is proud to again support the efforts of Jade Music in the promotion of sacred and holy music. I have attended beautiful Masses with outstanding orchestras as well as simple, elegant Gregorian Chant at St. Agnes Parish (St. Paul, Minnesota) for example. And, I am proud to continue promoting sacred music. In the past I have reviewed Anthology: Chants and Polyphony from St. Michael's Abbey, Into Great Silence: Office of the Night, Marriage of the Heavens and the Earth, Into Great Silence: Soundtrack, Oliver Messiaen: Never Before Released. A Catholic Life is pleased to again promote this new offering by Jade Music!

Hi there, Exciting news! On Saturday June 20, one day before Father's Day, we are offering 99 Essential Chants for 99 cents on Amazon.com. The selection includes chant music from around the world that we have been collecting and distributing over the last 20 years! Our first effort with Amazon.com released a few months ago, 99 Perfectly Relaxing Songs, charted #28 on the Billboard Top 200. The entire bundle of 99 Chants is available for 99 cents on June 20 - a perfect gift for Father's Day. Please find our PR below and attached. Also attached is the cover art. I'm happy to answer any questions. Sincerely, Stefan

Please visit Amazon.com for purchasing information. In addition, below is the Press Release about this exciting new offer. View the Press Release They are right now priced at $5.99 but tomorrow lowered to $0.99. Visit the link below on Saturday and take advantage of this outstanding offer!

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Beati Quorum Via

A beautiful hymn!

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I Vespers of St. Joseph the Workman

These are beautiful photos of I Vespers of St. Joseph the Workman from April 31, 2009, from Edinburgh. The St. Andrews & Edinburgh Schola sings monthly old rite Vespers in the Cathedral. Benediction also took place, and the celebrant was Fr John Emerson of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP).

"Wisdom rendered to the just the wages of their labors and conducted them for a covert by day and for the light of stars by night. Alleluia, alleluia. (Psalm) Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Glory be to the Father. Wisdom rendered..." (Introit)















"O God, Creator of all things, Who didst lay on the human race the law of labor: graciously grant that by following the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage, we may carry out the work Thou dost command, and obtain the reward Thou dost promise. Through our Lord" (Collect).

Image Source: Re-produced with permission of Eoghain Murphy, via Facebook Photos

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Henry Purcell: Thou Knowest Lord...

Music by Henry Purcell (a 17th century Baroque composer) via New Liturgical Movement.  I recommend the CD: The Works of Henry Purcell

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Victimae Paschali Laudes

From EXPLANATION OF THE PRAYERS AND CEREMONIES OF HOLY MASS by DOM PROSPER GUÉRANGER

On certain Solemnities, there is added to the Alleluia or Tract, what is called the Sequence, (Sequentia).  It was added to the chant of the Mass long after the time of St. Gregory; the addition was made some time about the 9th century.  It received the name of Sequence, that is to say, sequel, because it originally consisted of certain words adapted to the notes which form a sequel to the word Alleluia, and which were called Sequentia, even before the introduction of the Sequence. 

It is called, also, the Prose (Prosa,) because originally, it bore no resemblance either to the metrical hymns composed by ancient writers, nor to cadenced rhythms, which appeared later on.  It was a real piece of prose, which was sung in the manner we have described, as a way of putting words to the pneuma of the Alleluia.  By degrees, however, it partook of the character of a Hymn. - The Sequence thus added to the solemnity of the Liturgy; and, whilst it was being sung, the Bells were rung, as now, and the Organ was played.   

There was a Sequence for every Feast, and, therefore, for the Sundays during Advent.  In the Roman Missal drawn up by order of St. Pius the Fifth, only four of the Sequences were retained.  These four are, the Victimae Paschali, which is the most ancient of all, and was followed as the model of the rest; the Veni Sancte Spiritus, the Lauda Sion, and the Dies irae.  Later on, there was added the Stabat Mater.  The Monastic Missal has also the Laeta dies, for the feast of St. Benedict; it is a composition of the 16th century.

The Sequence currently traditionally used was modified around the time of the Council of Trent to remove a reference to the Jews.

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Requiem for His Royal Highness, King Louis XVI

 

Via The New Liturgical Movement. Scenes from the Requiem Mass at St.Eugene-St.Cecile (Paris, France) on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of the former King. Mass from January 2009. 

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Te decet hymnus Deus, in Sion, et tibi reddetur votum in Ierusalem. Exaudi orationem meam; ad te omnis caro veniet. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.

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Hildengard von Bingen's "Marriage of the Heavens and the Earth"

I have also had an opportunity to review Hildengard von Bingen's "Marriage of the Heavens and the Earth". This CD is a collection of Hildengard's best compositions - a true gem to own!

After being forgotten for several centuries, Hildegard von Bingen is recognized today as one of the universal minds in Western culture. The abbess at the monastery of Saint-Rupert close to the town of Bingen, Hildegard was a composer, writer, physician and visionary who lived in the 12th century A.D.

Hildegard von Bingen s music is undoubtedly her most inspiring legacy. She is considered one of the leading composers of the Middle Ages. One of her works, the Ordo Virtutum, has been called the first form, and possibly the origin, of opera. She composed seventy-seven more songs mostly for her monastery. Only a few decades ago, this incredible treasure was rediscovered and presented to a larger audience.

Jade Music is proud to release Marriage of the Heavens and the Earth, an album by Catherine Braslavsky and Joseph Rowe that contains some of von Bingen s best known compositions.

For more than 15 years, Catherine Braslavsky has been playing Hildegard von Bingen s music. Herself a composer and Greogorian chant enthusiast, she also studied Indian, Judeo-Spanish and harmonic chant. She is currently also pursuing her research on ancient music. Soloist, musical director, and teacher, she has performed all over Europe, the United States and Japan. With Joseph Rowe, she recorded six albums that explore contemporary sacred music, and sacred music of Europe, and the Mediterranean.

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Into Great Silence Soundtrack

Although it is stereo-typically identified as a silent film, "Into Great Silence" features a variety of sounds, including beautiful Gregorian Chant. I have already watched the film three times, and I whole-heatedly recommend the soundtrack for "Into Great Silence". Tracks include "Matins", "Pentecost Matins", "Corpus Christi", "Salve Regina", and others!

Click here to preview some of the songs.

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Olivier Messiaen: Never Before Released

I was recently given the opportunity to review Olivier Messiaen's "Never Before Released" CD. Featuring "La Mort Du Nombre", "Offrande Au Saint Sacrement", and twelve other tracks, I enjoyed listening to this CD, even though it certainly was not my favorite soundtrack of piano. If you enjoy piano music, you should appreciate adding this CD to your collection.

Jade Music, the specialty arm of Milan Records, is proud to commemorate Olivier Messiaen s 100th birthday with the album entitled Never Before Released. Messiaen was born in the French town of Avignon into a literary family and entered the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 11.

He would become a leading composer and organist of his time, traveling the globe and performing in major concert venues. In 1949, Messiaen s Turangalîla-Symphonie was performed for the first time in the United States and conducted by Leonard Bernstein. He drew his inspiration from very diverse influences such as Japanese music, Greek and Hindu sources and Roman Catholicism.

The album Never Before Released regroups works from three different sources. Some songs were unpublished and kept only in Messiaen s archives Offrande au Saint Sacrement, Prélude pour Orgue, Chant dans le style Mozart, Quatre Inédits pour Piano et Onde Martenot, and Prélude pour Piano. Some songs were published but never available to the public Monodie, Pièce pour le Tombeau de Dukas, Pièce pour Piano et Quatuor à cordes, and Chant des Déportés. Finally, some songs were published but are no longer available on CD La Mort du Nombre, and Le Merle Noir.

This exceptional recording includes, among others, performances by his wife, Yvonne Loriod-Messiaen, the BBC Choir and Orchestra, Guy Deplus, and is a tribute to a major figure of 20th century contemporary music

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Holy Christmas Carols

Hark the Herald Angels Sing



Glory to God



Once in Royal David's City

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Solemn Vespers for the First Sunday of Advent

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Music for the Soul

General Links:

1. Cantica Nova: Traditional Music for the Contemporary Church
2. Catholic Doors
3. Choral Wiki
4. DoveSong (mp3) - A lot of Gregorian Chant
5. Henry Purcell (17th century) - Thou Knowest Lord the Secrets of our Hearts
6. Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest - Chants for each week in the Church's Liturgical Year for the Traditional Latin Mass
   
7. MusicaSacra
8. Princeton Gregorian Chant Page
9. Sacred Heart Choir - Great, Up-to-date collection of music for Mass
   
10. Sontius Sanctus - Large collection of mp3 downloads including numerous Latin hymns
11. St. John Cantius Parish - This Chicago parish of the Society of St. John Cantius has world renown music.
    

For Particular Occasions:

Christmas:

1. Candlemas Sequence
2. Christmas Carols - Includes In dulci jubilo, Once in Royal David's City, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing
3. Christmas Day Chants 
4. O Antiphons
   

Requiem:

1. Dies Irae
2. Requiem in Honor for the Requiem of His Royal Highness, King Louis XVI
3. In Paradisium
   

Marian:

1. Regina Coeli

St. Peter/Pope:

1. Tu es Petrus - St. Peter's Choir of Nottingham singing Tu es Petrus by Palestrina
2. Introit for Sts. Peter and Paul

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Audio Chant: Regina Coeli

Remember to pray the Regina Caeli instead of the Angelus during Easter Season (i.e. Pascaltide). The Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday and lasts until the end of the Octave of Pentecost; as a result, it is 56 total days in length.

By listening to this video and following along, it is easy to memorize the Regina Caeli in Latin.

REGINA, caeli, lætare, alleluia:

Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,

Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia.

Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia,

R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

Oremus

Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut, per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

English Translation:

O Queen of heaven rejoice! alleluia:
For He whom thou didst merit to bear, alleluia,
Hath arisen as he said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray

O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; grant, we beseech Thee, that through His Mother, the Virgin Mary we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Sequence for Candlemas

This is the Sequence for Candlemas, sung to Dominican chant by the Dominican friars at Blackfriars, Oxford.

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