As some may notice as of late (at Masses where there are singers other than myself), there are a good amount of Psalm settings in which the verses (properly known as "versicles") are split between myself and the singers. These settings reflect that pattern used often by a good number of churches that have good, solid music programs (including larger choirs). Amongst those, as I have witnessed, are prominent churches - St. Paul's in Cambridge, MA (home of the choir school founded by Theodore Marier, whose name I have mentioned in previous posts here), the Church of Our Savior in New York City (their music director, Paul Murray, is an alumnus of the aforementioned St. Paul's), the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC (I've heard such settings as written by their esteemed music director, Dr. Peter Latona), and, of course, at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
In this pattern, the first half of the verse is sung either solo or by a semi-choir, usually a men's schola, in unison (thus my voice). This is usually one of the basic Gregorian Psalm Tones. The second half of the verse is then sung by the choir, in harmony (thus our two female singers' voices). This second half is usually written to more complex tones, often set by the composer of the response.
Such settings used here include those by Sam Schmitt (it is his Psalm 90 setting we will sing this weekend), Theodore Marier, and more recent settings of my own (including the Psalm 19 setting we sang two weeks ago).
Ad Majorem Dei Gloria (For the Greater Glory of God)!
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sung Ordinary of the Mass and Alleluia: same as last week
Numbers given are in the red Worship hymnal.
Entrance hymn: Sing praise to God who reigns above, #528
Psalm 90: Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy, music by Sam Schmitt
Offertory hymn: Come we that love the Lord, #552 (Listen)
- The listen link is to another hymn text, Rejoice, ye pure in heart, but the tune is correct.
Communion anthem: O sacrum convivium, music by Roberto Remondi
Meditation hymn, O Sanctissima, #712
Recessional hymn: Immaculate Mary, #708
Peace,
BMP
