James MacMillan on the Passion
The ritualistic recitation of Christ’s crucifixion probably began in the 4th century, and the singing of the Passion narrative has been going on from the 8th century. Singing has always been central to the Church. St Augustine said that those who sing pray twice. The “song” of the Church, Gregorian chant, can be traced back to the songs of the Temple and synagogue. It is an amazing feeling, knowing that people have been singing the Passion for at least 1,200 years.
It wasn’t until the 15th century that more complex versions of a sung Passion began to emerge, the earliest example of a so-called motet Passion being attributed to Obrecht. Later there were famous examples by Byrd, Lassus and Victoria. After the Reformation, Luther’s friend and collaborator Johann Walther wrote responsorial Passions which became models for the Lutheran church. Within this environment the development of the “oratorio” Passions of the 16th and 17th centuries paved the way for J S Bach.
John Robinson getting deserved attention
Fantastic report on PBS about the great renaissance of the Boston Choir School.
Watch Boston Boy Choir on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.
The Bees of the Exultet
A lovely article on the NLM.
Don Roy on Organ
Composer and organist Don Roy is a friend of mine and marvelous presence in the world of liturgical music today. I keep sharing this video with people, not only because it is great music well played but also because it is an inspiring video. It is rather obvious that Don faces extraordinary challenges due to physical handicaps. I think of Don often when people tell me that they can’t sing in the choir for various reasons of this or that. Well, Don had ever reason to make excuses for why he could never be an organist. And yet, here he is.
“The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep.”
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
I say to the Lord: “You are my God.
My happiness lies in you alone.”
He has put into my heart a marvelous love
for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.
Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.
Never will I offer their offerings of blood.
Never will I take their name upon my lips.
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
it is you yourself who are my prize.
The lot marked out for me is my delight:
welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
even my body shall rest in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand happiness for ever.
Celebrate Easter; come to the Colloquium
Ok, today is Good Friday, and it sounds like I am jumping the gun a bit. All of us are busy with liturgies and preparations, both externally and internally, for the great season ahead. The world is waking to new hope, sunshine and bird songs. June will be here before we know it. Preparations for this year’s Sacred Music Colloquium in Salt Lake City, Utah, are in full gear. All course descriptions will be posted in the next few days, as well as a sneak previews of a thrilling repertoire and more.
And to help you celebrate Easter and prepare for the great events of the summer, we will be offering a free copy of Dr. William Mahrt’s book, The Musical Shape of the Liturgy with all new and paid registrations that come in this week; starting on Sunday, April 8, at 12:00am and ending on Sunday, April 15, at 11:59pm.
A joyous Easter to all.