All Saints’ Day 2009

Solemnity of All Saints
1 November 2009
St Jude’s Parish & Shrine, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Fr Lawrence Donnelly celebrant
Fr Gregory Pritchard concelebrant

Carolyn Sinclair soprano
alto
tenor
bass
Michael Jarvis organist
Tyler Mitchell cantor

What a wonderful Missa cantata! I’ll let the music list speak mostly for itself.

In his homily, Fr Lawrence discussed the choir and its function at Mass, and its relationship to the congregation as a whole. I think this was an excellent opportunity to clear up the misunderstandings that arise in situations like these, where the congregation’s singing role (aloud!) is reduced somewhat. I’m glad that he took the time and seized this chance to make a few remarks.

He explained that it’s important to recognize our long and rich musical heritage, but unrealistic to expect the congregation to be able to sing that style of music. And, it’s perfectly valid for the congregation to sing in their hearts with the choir by listening attentively to them. I hope the congregation enjoyed diving into the treasure that is Sacred Music – I sure did!

Essentially the music was shared between a SATB quartet, and cantor (myself, often in alternatum w/Michael, the organist). Below I’ve tried to show who did what, but I should also point out that the priest sang all parts proper to him; Cantor is sometimes used to show my responsibility to sing with the congregation in response.

Introit for All Saints (Healey Willan, 1880–1968):

Quartet ℟ I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up. And I heard the voice of a great multitude, saying, Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Cantor ℣ Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness. [Glory be…]

Quartet Kyrie, Gloria: Missa brevis in F^* (Antonio Lotti, 1667–1740)

Cantor Psalm 150: BFW 386 (Paul Ford) – ℟ Sing the Lord’s praise with all the saints!

Quartet Gospel Acclamation: (Michael Jarvis)

Cantor Credo III
Cantor General intercessions: G&P 115 (from a Byzantine chant)

Quartet Offertorium: O Quam Gloriosam (Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548–1611)

Quartet Sanctus: Lotti
Cantor Mysterium fidei: Missa Jubilate Deo
Quartet Benedictus: Lotti
Cantor Pater noster: G&P 144 (Robert Snow, 1926–)
Cantor Agnus dei: Missa de Angelis

Quartet Communio: Agnus dei (Lotti)
Quartet Communio II: O Sacrum Convivium (Giovanni Croce, 1557–1609)

Cantor Ite missa est: Missa de Angelis

* Actually sung in E♭