Lent/Holy Week Music at St. Thomas

Many people have noticed over the past few weeks (since Lent has begun) that some of our congregational music for the 11:30 AM Sunday Mass has included more Latin text within a choral setting. Likewise, several parishioners have commented on the beauty of the Latin language being included at such a holy time. This is why the parish music ministry, led by Matthew Holter, has programmed various Mass settings in Latin during both the Lent and Advent seasons. 

 

Currently incorporated is the Messe Brève in C by nineteenth century French composer, Charles Gounod. A revered composer for organ music, Gounod is more widely recognized for his Romeo and Juliet opera and his Ave Maria based on Bach's Prelude in C. In one of his most popular Mass settings, Gounod gracefully features the organ underneath a vertically based choral setting of the Latin and Greek texts. Originally written for only two voice parts, the version the parish has employed is his revision for a full SATB (4-part) choir; this may be his most commonly performed Mass setting to date. To demonstrate its popularity as a sacred masterwork, over 150 of the top singers from six TUSD high schools gathered together in March, 2023  to perform this entire work as part of their Choral Classics series which annually features a choral masterwork.

 

In addition to our Latin Mass setting, we program special music with some of the finest musicians from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra to the Fred Fox School of Music. Additionally, on March 26,  Max Adler - principal oboist for the Tucson Symphony - will accompany the Parish Choir at the 11:30 AM Mass in two pieces that prepare our hearts for the faith journey ahead of Palm Sunday and the readings of the Passion.

First, in recognition of Gounod's relationship to Bach, the famous 3rd movement solo, Quia Respexit, from Bach's Magnificat which is really a duet between soprano and oboe. Normally heard during the season of Advent, the particular text - For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed - foreshadows the important presence not only at the beginning of Jesus' life but also his death on the cross where he declares to John, "Here is your Mother," [John 19:27] with whom we all invite into our hearts. 

Paralleling the bittersweet Marian canticle of "Quia Respexit," Mass participants will hear from the famous British conductor/composer, John Rutter, who composed a setting of the 23rd Psalm (The Lord Is My Shepherd) as part of his Requiem for choir, organ and oboe; it is simultaneously haunting and comforting. The oboe acts as a constant throughout the piece by musically interpreting our forward progress toward Holy Week while the choir floats between ethereal melodic lines and darker chant-like moments finally coming to rest with the final notes of the organ.

 

We are so grateful for the numerous volunteers and parishioners who participate in our Music Ministry. They dedicate countless hours toward preparing and rehearsing the music used in our worship. Take a moment to share your thanks with our musicians, because as St. Augustine said "He who sings, pray twices."

And, if you are interested in volunteering or participating in the Music Ministry, we always seek singers and musicians to enhance our worship. You are also encouraged to contact Matthew Holter at [email protected] to express your interests. 

 

Peace be with you, and may your journey through Easter be a fulfilling and joyous experience.