Friday, July 7, 2006

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS SONG CONTEST

Hat tip to Argent, who got it from CNS.

OTTAWA (CNS) -- The general secretariat of the International Eucharistic Congress has invited musical composers to submit entries for the congress' theme song. The theme song is meant to create a musical identification for the congress before, during and after the gathering to be held in Quebec City in 2008, the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. Contestants have until Aug. 15 to register; then conference organizers will release the song's lyrics to the registered composers. According to the congress' Web site -- www.cei2008.ca/pages-en/index.htm -- the theme song is to promote communion, to dignify and animate the celebrations and "enrich the repertoire of eucharistic song." The composition is to have four-part harmony suitable for a parish choir and organ accompaniment. Application forms are available on the Web site or by e-mail to: liturgie@cei2008.ca. Registrations also may be sent to: Secretariat General of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, Attn: Abbe Louis-Andre Naud, 1073 boul. Rene-Levesque Ouest, Quebec City, Quebec, G1S 4R5, Canada.

I had jokingly (but not without cheesing someone off, of course) suggested a really groovy "O Sacrum Convivium" in one message board. But, fear not - they're providing the text. All you gots-ta do is give it the little black dots. I hope the text is decent. I might just register.

BTW, Argent leaves this footnote:
Someone make sure Marty Haugen and David Haas are on vacation and far away from any media outlets.

I can't agree enough. Let's pray the same for Dan Schutte, Michael Joncas, Gregory Norbet (who is closest to Quebec geographically amongst any of the ilk mentioned here) and Carey Landry. Though Joncas does write something decent once in a blue moon. I particularly like As the Watchman and Lord, You Have the Words. If he wrote something in that style, or even a la his Canticle of Zechariah, personally I wouldn't mind. A la Beagle's Things? Forget it!

Peace,
BMP

UPDATE: I just registered. These Eucharistic Congress folk will provide the text. I just have to add on the "little black dots".

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Daniel Schutte has written some decent things after "Here I Am, Lord" (which seems a rip-off of The Brady Bunch's theme music), e.g., "Join in the Dance," "Song of Mary," and "Sing, o Sing." At least those aforementioned seem more hymn-like than "Glory and Praise to our God."

Brian Michael Page said...

Yeah, but it's too bad other ditties like "Table of Plenty" got added to the mix.
BMP