EGEND HAS IT that Mozart would gladly have traded all his works if he could claim to have written the first line of the Exsultet. Even Wikipedia states, “Here the language of the liturgy rises to heights to which it is hard to find a parallel in Christian literature.” But singing this can be intimidating!…
Category: Music for the liturgy
I Am Risen, Resurrexi
Follow @RichardJaClark AM RISEN, RESURREXI for SATB and Organ has been featured on Dr. Jennifer Pascual’s on Sounds from the Spires. The text is from the Introit for Easter Sunday morning.: Psalm 139: 18, 5, 6 & 1-2: I am risen, and I am always with you, alleluia; you have placed your hand upon me, alleluia;…
Mardi Gras and Burying the Alleluia
HE HEBREW WORD, “הללויה” or “Hallelujah,” is a word of unsurpassed joy. It is an acclamation of praise, thanksgiving and victory. “Hallelujah” is really a two–word phrase meaning “Praise Yah.” It is a joyous and unabashed song of praise to God and appears many times in the Book of Psalms, most prominently in Psalms 111-117…
Nunc dimittis | SATB setting for Compline
Follow @RichardJaClark NUNC DIMITTIS (Lord, now you let your servant go in peace) is an SATB choral setting for Compline. This text from Luke 2:29–32 is also known as the Canticle of Simeon. Available exclusively with Choralife Publishers Nunc dimittis — SATB Choir Nunc dimittis — SATB with piano reduction for rehearsal Recorded LIVE on the Feast of the…
Compline Hymn for Lent | Christe qui lux es et dies
Follow @RichardJaClark HRISTE QUI LUX ES ET DIES (Christ, who art the light and day) is based on the ancient Compline Hymn for Lent, likely dating back to the Fourth Century. Although it was not retained in the Roman Breviary, its continued widespread use is perhaps attributed to its antiquity, exquisite poetry, and simple beauty,…
Ave Maria | SSAT or TTBB
HIS SETTING OF AVE MARIA has been performed around the world, most notably by The American Boychoir, conducted by Fernando Malvar-Ruiz You may purchase a Digital PDF of the score. ($49.00) • Contact us at RJC AT rjcceciliamusic DOT com to order the score. You will be invoiced via Paypal. Upon receipt of payment, you will…
Beauty and Liturgy | Pope Saint John Paul II’s Letter to Artists
OPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II’s Letter to Artists (1999) is an inspired document worth reading and rereading. In it he outlines the relationship between art and faith – between beauty, goodness, and truth as well as our responsibility to an “artistic vocation in the service of beauty.” (Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II…
English Setting of Veni, Sancte Spiritus | Pentecost Sequence
ENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS, the Sequence for Pentecost Sunday is one of the great jewels of the Roman Rite. The Gregorian Chant is exquisite. The text alone is a treasure—short, simple, profound, and transcendent. The text reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s protection and comfort. The text reminds us of God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness. We…