“A Triptych on ‘Lumen ad revelatiónem‘” was composed for the 140th Anniversary of Saint John’s Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts. Dedicated to Dr. Jennifer Pascual, she premiered this work in concert at Saint Johns’s Seminary on February 2, 2025, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. She has also since performed this work at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City (listen here), Christ the King Cathedral, Atlanta, Georgia, and Methuen Memorial Music Hall, (listen here) Methuen Massachusetts, one of the most glorious concert venues in the United States (pictured below). As expected, Pascual performed with brilliant virtuosity and sensitivity.
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Recording at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross [with score] on the 101-rank E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings, Opus 801
Notes on A Triptych on ‘Lumen ad revelatiónem‘
“Lumen ad revelatiónem” is the traditional mode VIII antiphon for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Extraordinary Form. Taken from the Canticle of Simeon, Nunc dimittis, this antiphon sings of Christ’s revelation and salvation to the entire world with God’s chosen people at the core: “A light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.”
Central to this feast — and this organ work — is the intrinsic role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Christ’s revelation and in salvation history. The title evokes a three-paneled altarpiece for further prayerful contemplation. Names for each of the three movements are taken from the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary: I. Mother of our Savior, II. Singular Vessel of Devotion, and III. Mystical Rose.
Variations of the chant build upon its curiously unique melodic sequences of a half step and a major third. This combination moves forwards and backwards within this very short antiphon:
Such movement revels in the timeless Light of Christ. While the theme is at times quoted directly, the organ builds upon this vertically, producing a mystical harmonic effect further demonstrating Christ’s ageless transcendence: the Alpha and Omega. All time belongs to Him.
Such vertical stacking of the melody is featured at the outset of the first movement. A direct quotation of the first three notes is simultaneously mirrored with its inversion. Such a “mirror” reflects the Light of Christ while the pedal sings the antiphon as a descent from heaven.
The second movement, “Singular Vessel of Devotion,” in a distinct change of character, is playful and peaceful yet energetic. Such lightheartedness features a solo line with an arching motor rhythm in the left hand. In a third variation, the pedal plays the inverted melody, revealing even greater gentleness and peace. Meanwhile, harmonies move increasingly outward from the center before coming to a pensive rest.
The third movement, Mystical Rose, explores the joyful mystery even further. This includes a return of horizontal, vertical, and mirrored explorations of the antiphon. Hypnotic ostinato phrases give way to a virtuosic flourish of joy that is the Light of Christ.
— Richard J. Clark
