Monday, February 29, 2016

Liturgy Planning, Psalm 151 Style!
IV Lent (Laetare Sunday, March 6, 2016)

Following is our Liturgy Planner using my Psalm 151 project for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare, or "rejoice", Sunday).  Yes, open up the organ a little more this Sunday.  LAETARE!

INTROIT
Psalm 122: Rejoice, O Jerusalem
R./ Phrygian mode; V./ Tone 5 with alternate original SATB tone

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34: Taste and see
R./ chant-style, ionian; V./ completely original

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (in lieu of Alleluia)
Gospel Acclamation "Vexílla Regis" (Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
R./ based on Vexílla Regis Pródeunt; V./ Tonus Peregrinus

OFFERTORY
Psalm 13: Enlighten my eyes
R./ based on Illúmina Oculos Meos; V./ Tone 4 with alternate original SATB tone

COMMUNION
Psalm 32: Rejoice, for he who was dead
R./ minor key; / V. Tonus Peregrinus with alternate original SATB tone

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

III Lent at Sacred Heart Church

Saturday, February 27: 5 PM
Sunday, February 28: 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance Hymn: Forty Days and Forty Nights, "Heinlein"
Kyrie: from Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", Federico Caudana
Psalm 103: R./ The Lord is kind and merciful, BMP
Gospel Acclamation: Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis", BMP
Offertory hymn: Jesus, Lover of My Soul, "Aberystwyth"
Sanctus: Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamtion: Save us, Savior of the world, ICEL chant
Amen: adapt. from the Sanctus of Mass VIII
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII 
Communion anthem: Jesu, Salvator Noster, Fr. Carlo Rossini
Post-Communion hymn: Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee, "Windsor"
Recessional hymn: Take Up Your Cross, "O Jesu Mi Dulcissime"

Peace,
BMP

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Liturgy Preparations using "Psalm 151"
III Lent C (February 28, 2016)

Following is our Liturgy Planner using my Psalm 151 project for the Third Sunday of Lent.  For this Sunday, you can (once again) use one of two Introits.

INTROIT
Psalm 25: My eyes are turned
R./ chant-style, minor; V./ Tone 4 with alternate original SATB tone
- OR - Psalm 34: I will give you a new Spirit
R./ chant-style, ionian; V./ completely original

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 103: The Lord is kind (I)
R./ chant-style, mixolydian; V./ Tone 8 with alternate original SATB tone

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Gospel Acclamation "Vexílla Regis" (Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
R./ based on Vexílla Regis Pródeunt; V./ Tonus Peregrinus

OFFERTORY
Psalm 19: Your servant will observe
R./ chant-style, minor; V./ completely original

COMMUNION
Psalm 84: Blessed are they who dwell
R./ chant-style, mixolydian; V./ Tone 8 with alternate original SATB tone

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

II Lent at Sacred Heart Church

Saturday, February 20: 5 PM
Sunday, February 21: 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance hymn: We sing the praise of him who died, "Breslau"
Kyrie: from Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", Federico Caudana
Psalm 27: R./ The Lord is my light and my salvation, R./ by Richard Proulx, V./ by Joseph Gelineau, SJ
Gospel Acclamation: Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis", BMP
Offertory hymn: The glory of these forty days, "Erhalt uns, Herr"
Sanctus: Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamtion: Save us, Savior of the world, ICEL chant
Amen: adapt. from the Sanctus of Mass VIII
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII 
Communion anthem: Ave Verum, Lorenzo Perosi
Post-Communion hymn: Let thy Blood in mercy poured, "Jesu, Meine Zuversicht"
Recessional hymn: There is a green hill far away, "Horsley"
 
Peace,
BMP

Monday, February 15, 2016

Liturgy Preparations using "Psalm 151"
II Lent C (February 21, 2016)

Following is our Liturgy Planner using my Psalm 151 project for the Second Sunday of Lent.  For this Sunday, you can use one of two Introits.

INTROIT
Psalm 27: My heart has declared unto you
R./ chant-style, minor; V./ Tone 5 with alternate original SATB tone
- OR - Psalm 25: Remember your mercies, O Lord
R./ chant-style, minor; V./ Tone 4 with alternate original SATB tone

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 27: The Lord is my light
R./ chant-style, minor; V./ Tone 5 with alternate original SATB tone

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (in lieu of Alleluia)
Gospel Acclamation "Vexílla Regis" (Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
R./ based on Vexílla Regis Pródeunt; V./ Tonus Peregrinus

OFFERTORY
Psalm 119: I will meditate on your commandments
R./ chant-style, major; V./ Tone 5 with alternate original SATB tone

COMMUNION
Psalm 45: Tell no one about the vision
R./ chant-style, major; V./ completely original

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

I Lent and Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart

First Sunday of Lent
Saturday II-13-16 at 5 PM; Sunday II-14-16 at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM

Entrance hymn: Praise to the Holiest in the height, "Newman"
Kyrie: from Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", Federico Caudana
Psalm 91: R./ Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble, R./ by C. Alexander Peloquin, V./ by Joseph Gelineau, SJ
Gospel Acclamation: Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis", BMP
Offertory hymn: Lord, who throughout these forty days, "St. Flavian"
Sanctus: Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamtion: Save us, Savior of the world, ICEL chant
Amen: adapt. from the Sanctus of Mass VIII
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII 
Communion anthem: My song is love unknown, John Ireland
Post-Communion hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross, "Rockingham"
Recessional hymn: Jesus, Name all names above, "St. Theoctistus"

Stations of the Cross and Holy Communion
Tuesdays of Lent and Passiontide at 7 PM

Format for all six Tuesdays:
At the Entrance, and after each Station: At the Cross her station keeping 
- The book we use has two verses at the very beginning, two verses after station 1, one verse each after stations 2-6, two verses after station 7, one verse each after stations 8-13, and two verses after station 14.
The Lord's Prayer is recited.
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII
Ecce, Agnus Dei is recited.
Communion hymn:
- Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All, "Sweet Sacrament" (February 16, March 1 and 15)
- Let thy Blood in mercy poured, "Jesu, Meine Zuversicht" (February 23, March 8 and 22)
Recessional hymn: Lift high the cross, "Crucifer"

Peace,
BMP

Monday, February 8, 2016

Liturgy Preparations using "Psalm 151"
I Lent C (February 14, 2016)

Here we go with another Liturgy Planner using my Psalm 151 project, this time for the First Sunday of Lent.  There's a lot of Psalm 91 going on for this day, plenty enough so that you don't have to resort to the "Eagle's Claws".

With the exception of the Gospel Acclamation, all of these pieces have an original response (the Responsorial Psalm has a nice solemn metrical response in common time, the others are in chant), and the verses are set to Tone 1, with an alternate original SATB tone.

INTROIT
When he calls to me, I will answer him (Psalm 91)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble (Psalm 91)

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (in lieu of Alleluia)
Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis" (Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
R./ based on Vexílla Regis Pródeunt; V./ Tonus Peregrinus

OFFERTORY
The Lord will hide you with his shoulders, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91)

COMMUNION
The Lord will hide you with his shoulders, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91)
Note: Unlike the Offertory (which is the exact same music as the Communion, but only one versicle from the Psalm, plus the Gloria Patri), the Communion has five versicle pairs from the Psalm.

Peace,
BMP

Liturgy Preparations using "Psalm 151":
Ash Wednesday (February 10, 2016)

Greetings!

Following is the first of a series of "liturgy planners" utilizing components of my pet project, dubbed Psalm 151, a set of Introits, Responsorial Psalms, Alleluias (in this case, the Lenten Gospel Acclamation in lieu of Alleluia), Offertories, and Communions for the complete three-year liturgical cycle.  It is a work in progress, with the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Passiontide completed, as well as the Easter Vigil.  As of the time I write this post (4:20 PM on Monday, February 8, 2016), I am now into the Third Sunday of Easter in this project.

Without further ado, here is Ash Wednesday!  And yes, I've even thrown in a Parce Dómine-based responsory for the Distribution of Ashes.

INTROIT
Your mercy extends to all things, O Lord (Wisdom 11 and Psalm 57)
R./ based on Miseréris ómnium, Dómine; V./ Tone 1 with alternate original SATB tone

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned (Psalm 51)
completely based on the Mode I Parce, Dómine.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (in lieu of Alleluia)
Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis" (Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
R./ based on Vexílla Regis Pródeunt; V./ Tonus Peregrinus

DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
Parce, Dómine, parce pópulo tuo, ne in aetérnum irascáris nobis (Psalm 51)
completely based on the Mode I Parce, Dómine.

OFFERTORY
I will extol you, O Lord, for you have raised me up (Psalm 30)
R./ chant-style, mixolydian; V./ Tone 7 with alternate original SATB tone

COMMUNION
He who ponders the law of the Lord day and night shall bear fruit in due time (Ps. 1)
R./ chant-style, lydian; V./ Tone 5 with alternate original SATB tone

Peace,
BMP

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

First Friday, Sunday V (with a BANG!), and Ash Wednesday at Sacred Heart

First up, the Sacred Heart Community Mass, this Friday (First Friday, II-5-16) at 6 PM, which is also the Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr.

Entrance hymn: O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine
Psalm 18: R./ Blessed be God, my salvation, Tone 8
Alleluia: Owen Alstott (A-flat chant-style)
Offertory hymn: In the cross of Christ I glory, "Charlestown"
Sanctus: Holy Angels Mass, BMP
Memorial AcclamationWe proclaim your death, O Lord, BMP (Holy Angels Mass)
AmenDresden Amen, arr. by Theodore Marier
Agnus DeiHoly Angels Mass, BMP
Communion hymn: Pange Lingua, Mode III
Recessional hymn: To Jesus' Heart, all-burning 

Now for the biggie this week, Sunday V of the Year.  Being the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, this is the last time we get to use the word Alleluia for a few weeks.  It is customary that we add a few extra alleluias to our hymnody and what not, and this weekend is no exception, especially in our Communion anthem.  Saturday Mass (II-6-16) at 5 PM.  Sunday Masses (II-7-16) at 7:30, 9, and 11:15 AM.

Entrance hymn: Alleluia! sing to Jesus, "Hyfrydol"
Gloria: Holy Angels Mass, BMP, or spoken
Psalm 138: R./ In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord, Owen Alstott
Alleluia: Owen Alstott (A-flat chant-style)
Offertory hymn: I sought the Lord, "Artavia"
Sanctus: Holy Angels Mass, BMP
Memorial AcclamationWe proclaim your death, O Lord, BMP (Holy Angels Mass)
AmenDresden Amen, arr. by Theodore Marier
Agnus DeiHoly Angels Mass, BMP
Communion anthem: Festive Alleluia, Gordon Young
- Nice pompous piece, chocked full of alleluias!
Post-Communion hymn: Jesus, Name of wondrous love, "St. Bees"
Recessional hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones, "Lasst uns Erfruen"

And now, Ash Wednesday (II-10-16).  We put the Alleluias away, in our chant before the Gospel, and in our hymnody.  The Gloria is also omitted (except for the season's lone solemnity this year, St. Joseph, which falls on Saturday, III-19-16, the day before Palm Sunday).  We will also go into chant Mass Ordinary settings.  Masses are at 9 AM, 12 noon, and 6 PM.

Entrance hymn: Lord, who throughout these forty days, "St. Flavian"
Kyrie: from Messa Populare "Laus Tibi Christe", Federico Caudana
Psalm 51: R./ Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned, Alexander Peloquin (Songs of Israel, Vol. I)
Gospel Acclamation: Gospel Acclamation "Vexilla Regis", Mode I, adapt. BMP
Offertory hymn: Our Father, we have wandered, "Passion Chorale"
Sanctus: Mass XVIII
Memorial Acclamtion: Save us, Savior of the world, ICEL chant
Amen: adapt. from the Sanctus of Mass VIII
Agnus Dei: Mass XVIII
Communion hymnAttende, Domine, Mode V
Imposition of Ashes:
- Parce Domine, Mode I, adapt. BMP (9 AM and noon); Carlo Rossini (6 PM)

Peace,
BMP

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Of Cantors, "Song Leaders", and Soloists

Three days ago, I posted this blurb about cantors and "song leaders".  Today, I will continue down that road a bit.

If you noticed in the last blurb, I blatantly used quotation marks for the term "song leaders".  I did that because while some really do make an attempt to "lead" the singing of the people in the pew, for some, it's an audio/visual presentation.  Think of it as (quoting Happy Bunny with the big $&!+-eating grin) "Let's focus on ME!"  And again, many actually start listening (and staring) and stop singing.

But now, I'm going to go into the next phase of solo singing: the soloist.  This happens mostly at funerals and weddings.  Any organists reading this know of what I speak, especially if they've worked the northern Rhode Island circuit in the 1980's and 1990's.

I don't know if anything has changed since 1997 when I left my last northern Rhode Island parish as organist/music director, but certain funeral parlors had a knack for pushing soloists.  More than half the funerals I played in that area included a soloist, usually from outside the parish.  And, of course, many of them insisted on putting on their own show, and it was allowed by many a parish.  While, thankfully, nothing totally secular came about (except for one parish where the pastor once honored a request for John Lennon's Imagine, played, but not sung, as a recessional), but there was a good amount of crap being pushed.  There are a couple of soloists, probably deceased by now, who did use a repertoire of decent Catholic music, and, while they weren't doing Mass XVIII, they would usually do People's Mass or Christian Unity, both by the late Jan Vermulst, and not Massive Cremation, or the Jesuits Mass, or the current Missa My Little Pony.  But nonetheless, they come expecting to sing SOLO, and having the organist sing along with them (even if said organist is familiar with the tune, and whether in unison or in harmony) is generally frowned upon by the soloist, and sometimes even by the family who requested him/her.

Since breaking out of that circuit of having a soloist come almost unexpectedly every other funeral or more, I've been able to set a bit of a policy on soloists, and at my current parish, enforce it fully.  This goes basically for weddings and funerals, as there is no reason to work with outside soloists for Sunday Mass.

For example, if you're requested for a solo piece (e.g., an Ave Maria at the Offertory), fine.  You will get that solo.  But if you're familiarity with the Mass Ordinary settings is limited to Haugen, Haas, St. Louis Jesuits, and other similar composers disallowed at the parish, have a seat.  Speaking of Mass Ordinary, at funerals, we do Mass XVIII (with the pro Defunctis Agnus Dei) as a rule.  I am willing to give leeway to the aforementioned Vermulst Masses, plus Owen Alstott's Heritage Mass and Richard Proulx's Community Mass.  I'll even accomodate anyone who wants to give my own Holy Angels Mass a try.  :)  There may be some other Masses of similar quality that I may be able to sight-read quickly (or at least fake well).  Same policy goes with hymnody.

Wrapping this up: let's differentiate:

* Cantor: sings the versicles of the Responsorial Psalm, the Alleluia, and other such responsories.

* "Song Leader": leads the singing of hymns, Mass Ordinaries - those pieces that belong to the congregation.  Often accidentally becomes a soloist, by way of the dreaded microphone.  In no way should a "song leader" blare into a mic at the choir Mass.  Let the choir be the leaders.

* Soloist: sings pieces intended for solo voice.  Such examples would be most Ave Maria settings, the Franck Panis Angelicus, and the Faure Pie Jesu.  Often by accident a "song leader" becomes one by way of the microphone (see above).

Peace,
BMP