Catholic musicians gathered to blog about liturgy and life
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3: 16-18
Andrew Motyka and I recently typeset the versions for the 2014 Epiphany Proclamation for your use on the Feast of the Epiphany. There are two versions in the file, depending on which day your Diocese celebrates the Ascension, and the file also includes both modern notation and chant notation (neumes).
Just one of the many great things coming out of the CMAA forum!
The O magnum mysterium is a one of the most beloved ancient Christmas texts in the Christian tradition. It is properly found in the liturgy as a responsory for Matins of Christmas, but through the choral settings of Victoria, Palestrina, Poulenc, and – perhaps most popularly in our time – Morten Lauridsen, it has become a standard part of the Christmas choral repertoire, especially for Midnight Mass.
Composer Frank La Rocca has now given the Church a setting of his own, which powerfully penetrates the mystery of the incarnation. It is not overly flashy or florid, but is pregnant with mystery and humility, much like text which it carries. His O magnum surely will surely be regarded among the greats for years to come.
O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia.
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger!
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord. Alleluia!
Christmas simply erupts into the calendar of the Eastern Church with the shock of the Transcendent One’s arrival. Here’s a well-sung kontakion – and my best wishes to all for a bright Christmas and a joyful New Year!
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