RADIATING CHRIST - a review

One of the best composers of Catholic music since Vatican II (in my opinion at least) is Dr. C. Alexander Peloquin. Those who appreciate his music owe it to themselves to grab the latest CD of his music: Radiating Christ.

The music was performed by the Gregorian Concert Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Peloquin's successor, Fr. Anthony Mancini, at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence, RI. Since Peloquin retired in 1991, Fr. Mancini was hand-picked by Peloquin himself to be the heir to the baton. In 2004, Fr. Mancini was also appointed as Cathedral rector.

There are 18 well-performed tracks on this CD.
A Prayer for Us - an epic piece based on the passage from St. Paul's letter to the Romans, O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God, with two narrations in between. The piece ends with a rousing rendition of America, the Beautiful.
Gloria of the Bells - the timeless classic. We still use it regularly at Holy Ghost.
Faith, Hope, and Love - the beautifully-written Communion Hymn from his Lyric Liturgy. The verses, taken from the Grail, are from Psalm 136.
Lord Jesus, Come - the Introit Hymn, also from his Lyric Liturgy. The verses are from Psalm 100.
The Good Shepherd - the tune set for the Fred Kaan-penned text Jesus, Shepherd of Our Souls. This version is arranged with harp. The hymn itself can be found in Worship - Third Edition (hymn #649).
If Today You Hear His Voice - This is the setting I use most when I need Psalm 95. Another gem!
People Matter - a rather jazzy (in a Peloquin sort of way) setting to another Fred Kaan text, Sing We of the Modern City.
Communion Rite from Unless You Become - consists of the Lord's Prayer and Agnus Dei
For Your Love's Sake
I Cieli Immensi - a well-crafted choral arrangement of the masterpiece by Benedetto Marcello
Prayer of Self-Offering - based on a prayer by St. Ignatius (Lord, I freely give all my liberty to you), and incorporates a mysterious rendition of the Mode VI Ubi Caritas.
Joy - a rather syncopated organ piece showing Alex's true colors
Now in the Name of Him
Today is Born Our Savior - a lovely setting, not heavy at all, of the Psalm appointed for Midnight Mass at Christmas.
Wedding Song
I Believe that My Redeemer Lives - the Committal Hymn for the Funeral Mass. Nicely done in four parts, though also great as a soprano or tenor solo.
Ave Verum Corpus - an unpublished piece once commissioned for an Anniversary Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence. Lovely antiphon which incorporates the chant Ave Verum as its verses.
Radiating Christ - the title song; a mystical piece based on a prayer by John Henry Cardinal Newman.

This CD is available at GIA Publications. Get'em while they're hot!

+In Christ,
BMP