Prelude: Symphonie 2 II. Pastoral Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) The Pastoral begins with a solo melody played on the oboe accompanied by the flute – very “pastorial”. Can you see the sheep? Then several different themes are heard. But they are all related in some way to the principal theme which then returns to end the piece.
In place of the Responsorial Psalm, sung at the other Masses, Sunday at 11:00 am the choir will sing a setting of the Gradual in place of the Responsorial Psalm. The Gradual is one of the most ancient parts of the liturgy and goes back to the very early church and indeed can be traced back the Jewish worship. Here is the text.
Antiphon: Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.
Verses: Like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard. Ant.
Even unto Aaron’s beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing. Ant.
Like as the dew of Hermon: which fell upon the hill of Sion. Ant.
For there the Lord promised His blessing: and life for evermore. Ant.
Offertory: Teach Me, O Lord Tomas Attwood (1765 – 1838)
Attwood was a very well-known musician. He studied with Mozart in Vienna and was a favorite student. In 1796 he was chosen as the organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral. In January 1806, he played his own composition, Grand Dirge, on the organ for the funeral of Lord Nelson, the only piece specially written for the occasion. For the coronation of George IV, he composed the anthem I Was Glad, which was also used at the coronations of King William IV and Queen Victoria. Attwood’s funeral took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral on 31 March 1838. He is buried in the Cathedral, in the crypt, under the organ. Here is the text.
Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes;
and I shall keep it unto the end. Psalm 119
Communion 2, Sunday at 11:00 am: Day by Day Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester (1197 – 3 April 1253) The prayer of St. Richard became famous when it was used in the musical Godspell, a rock opera. Here is the text.
Day by Day
Dear Lord of Thee, three things I pray,
To see Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
follow Thee more nearly,
Day by Day.