The music planned for choral Masses led by the Schola Cantorum this Sunday focuses on the stories of Christ’s appearances to his followers after his resurrection, as well as the general themes of joy and elation that accompany the realization of the truth of our new reality: Christ has broken free from the strangle-hold of death and promises the same freedom to all who embrace his life.
Choral Introit 11:30am Mass and Communion Motet 10am Mass, Alleluia - Pawel Lukaszewski (b. 1968)
Pawel Lukaszewski is a well-known contemporary Polish composer. This motet sets the single Hebrew word – Alleluia, which roughly translates as ‘Praise God’ – in a three-part structure that gently undulates with harmonic and rhythmic color. The jubilant nature of the text reminds us that we are within the octave of Easter and still celebrating the awe-inspiring reality.
To hear a version, click below.
Preparation of the Gifts 10am and 11:30am Masses, Quia vidisti me, Thoma - Luca Marenzio (1556-1599)
Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed:
Blessed are those that have not seen, and yet have believed. Alleluia
One of many themes associated with this Sunday in all three cycles of readings, is that of doubt and faith as demonstrated by the apostle Thomas in today’s Gospel. Christ’s words to Thomas are set in a joyful texture, which takes advantage of the bright major tonality with use of parallel sixths and tenths throughout the motet. The final Alleluia section is set in triple meter giving it a dance like character. The Italian composer Marenzio was best known as a composer of madrigals and motets, and prior to Claudio Monteverdi was the greatest of the Italian madrigal composers. This is a rare renaissance motet that can effectively be sung in both Latin (original) and in English, our practice at the Cathedral at the Masses in Latin and English.
To hear a version, click below.
Communion Antiphon 11:30am Mass, Day of Delight, and Beauty Unbounded - text by Dolores Dufner, OSB / IN DIR IST FREUDE - music by Giovanni Gastoldi
The tune IN DIR IST FREUDE is perhaps best known for its pairing with the text “In Thee is Gladness.” Composed by Giovanni Gastoldi (1550 - 1622) as one of his “Baletti” for five voices (1591), it expresses unbounding joy and vitality. Gastoldi was a deacon and singer in the chapel of a wealthy family in Mantua, where he was best known for his madrigals, and other court music. His “Baletti” are believed to have influenced the compositions of Monteverdi, Hans Leo Hassler, and Thomas Morley. The composition was also the basis of J.S. Bach’s jubilant Chorale Prelude for Organ by the same Name, BWV 615.
Sister Dolores Dufner (b. 1939) is a well-known author of hymn texts and a member of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. She is a Fellow of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada and has more than 50 commissions, as well as over 200 entries in hymnals across many denominations.
Although the text and tune pairing that we would sing this Sunday is not yet recorded, treat yourself to marvelous settings for choir (Knabenchor, Hannover) and for organ (Massimo Pinarallo) below.
Communion Hymn 10am and 11:30am Masses, O Sons and Daughters
One of the most beloved hymns of the Easter season, it is also known by its Latin name, “O Filii et Filiae.” It was written by a Parisian Franciscan friar, Jean Tisserand, in the late 15th century. The English translation that we now sing is from John M. Neale, (1818 – 1866), an evangelical Anglican priest, scholar, and humanitarian.
Like many hymn writers in history, his close association with the poetry of belief and interpretation of the Gospel compelled him to a life of service to the most vulnerable and alienated in society. Though his works are universally admired and popular in modern hymnals, he lived in relative obscurity, never achieving conventional trappings of prestige or success in ecclesiastical appointments, but beloved by those he served.
To hear wonderful version of the hymn in a enthralling setting conducted by Richard Proulx, click below.
Communion Motet 11:30am Mass, This Joyful Eastertide - Dutch Carol
The melody for this carol comes from a popular Dutch love song ‘De liefde, voortgebracht door reyn geloof’ and found its way into the Dutch hymnals in the late 17th century (see David’s Psalmen,1685, Amsterdam). The new text ‘Hoe groot de vruchten zijn,’ was written for this tune by the poet Joachim Oudaen. The text and music are quite well matched, particularly in the final line where the word ‘arisen’ is repeated four times on an ascending motive.
To hear a version, click below.